Humans are known to be fans of the cultural arts with music being foremost among them. Some humans tend to be dedicated fans regardless of the life their favorite musician / vocalist may lead. An example of this may be that your favorite artist may be a child molester, will you still listen to their music or buy their CDs?
NOTE: Do not make this thread the subject of one particular artist.
I would listen to music if I liked it despite the personal life or public life of the artist. I feel that music is its own entity apart and separate from the person who sings and writes it. I would be more prone to boycott an artist who did something I disagree with if it was an artist or style that I'm not really privy too. But if I really like it, I don't care about much else but the music. I know that sound very hypocritical, but I'm prone to be honest and thats simply the way it is with me.
I think I would still listen to that music. I would try to separate the music from the private life of the artist. I strongly disagree with drugs, yet I listen to the music of numerous artist which admitted to be (or were) addicted to drugs. Maybe - as Konq sad - it's hypocritical, but that's how I feel. On the other hand, here is another scenario:I listen to a song, I like it, I find out that an artist did something bad, also that he is already dead. What should I do? Not listen to his songs anymore? I don't think so!
I think it is a shame that everyone voted that they would not care about the personal life of the musician. I am not criticizing anyone, though, because that is how I voted as well.
I tried to be honest in my answer. I wanted to say it would depend upon the crime or lifestyle, but in reality, it probably wouldn't. If I heard the song and liked it, I would probably listen to it regardless.
The problem I have with this is I don't think a child molester or a murderer should get the message that society still loves them because they are famous or they are an artist. When we continue to buy their songs (or watch their movies), they get the very real idea that it doesn't matter what they do, they can get away with it and we will still love them.
The real problem becomes where do you draw the line. What about wife beaters, do you still listen to their music? What about someone who doesn't share your political views? This is a difficult question to answer.
Is it o.k. to fire a person in a regular job for spousal abuse or for their political views? By not listening to the artist's music that is the same thing. Yet, there ought to be a line drawn regarding when you stop supporting them buy listening to and purchasing their product.
I don't know where that line is though.
Edited: funbikerchick on 26th Jun, 2005 - 2:57pm
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The problem I have with this is I don't think a child molester or a murderer should get the message that society still loves them because they are famous or they are an artist |
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they get the very real idea that it doesn't matter what they do, they can get away with it and we will still love them |
Our actions speak far more than our mouths. When we continue to be patrons of an individual we are supporting them. That is the message they get. This is no different than when we participate in boycotts to protest certain things.
In my opinion, it isn't a matter of whether or not it is your "job" it is a question of what is right and wrong. I think sometimes we need to speak up and say "enough is enough, this is not acceptable." Problem is most of us aren't willing to do that if it will cause us any personal inconvenience.
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it is a question of what is right and wrong |
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Problem is most of us aren't willing to do that if it will cause us any personal inconvenience. |
Let me emphasize I, too, am a hypocrit. I answered what I believe I would do, which is continue to buy and listen to the music. Then I answered what I think I should do, which is not the same as what I would do.
The inconvenience is, if I enjoy their music, but refuse to listen to it or buy the CD, I am depriving myself of that pleasure. I would consider that an inconvenience.