Why Do We “Cancel” Our Favorite Artists?

Trigger Warning: Mentions of SA

It’s 2022, and it seems like every artist keeps messing up. Whether it’s Kanye or Rex Orange County, many people are confused about what to do. There is an internal question we all face, can we separate the art from the artist? The rise of “cancel culture” and the idea of canceling someone coincides with a familiar pattern: A celebrity does or says something offensive. Leading to the question, why do we cancel celebrities? Let’s talk about it.

ARE WE SURPRISED?

For my first example, I’m going to discuss Rex Orange County. The day that the news came out that he was being charged with six counts of SA and therefore would be “cancelled”, I will be completely honest my initial reaction was surprised. I am known to be a Rex Orange County fan and therefore almost every day for a week I was forwarded the same TikToks and news articles from my friends and family. Although I don’t generally “idolize” anyone I can admit I was a pretty big fan of his work. His music meant something to me. After my initial reaction, I felt a bit naive for being surprised. Yet at the end of the day…

WE DON’T KNOW CELEBRITIES

Unfortunately, in our modern-day world we see especially in the entertainment industry this abuse of fame or power. I also realize that it is us who give them that power. It seems that every week we hear of a crime or scandal for lack of a better term committed by a beloved celebrity. Although it can be disappointing because we want our favorite artists to be good people, I think accountability is more important than all. Often times I look back at artists and composers who were not held accountable and it’s difficult to think how for years we celebrated such problematic artists. A perfect example is Richard Wagner (b. 1813), who was beyond outwardly anti-Semitic, yet is still celebrated many.

CANCEL CULTURE

Many argue that “cancel culture” is toxic and “not good”. I disagree. Holding celebrities to the same standard that we would hold people in our everyday life is extremely important and beyond necessary. While some get taken aback by the word “cancel”, the sentiment is there. As a society we must stop treating celebrities and artists as though they are these “God like figures”. Especially when it comes to a community such as music that stands on community and love.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “cancel culture” as 

“the mass withdrawal of support from public figures or celebrities who have done things that aren’t socially accepted today”

Merriam Webster Dictionary

How can we move forward?

With these varying issues I think it’s important to call upon our favorite artists to be better. Rather than them being scared of cancel culture, I vote they just learn how to be decent people. The next time we hear of an artist you enjoy doing something horrible, try to reflect first. While disappointing, think about what they stand for and what you are supporting by supporting their music and art.

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