Those of us on the other side of the spectrum, however, argue that you can't separate the art from the artist. Further, every time you stream their music or buy their merchandise you are supporting both the art and the artist. Supporting the artist financially sends the message that they can continue their problematic behavior and face no consequences. Ever heard of the saying, hurt them where it hurts, their pockets? Well, there's a reason for that saying. We live in a capitalistic society where money talks. Sometimes lack of financial support can at least get the attention of the wrongdoer. Proponents of separating the artists from their art point out that the downside of “hurting” artists by not supporting them financially is that we sometimes get fake and insincere apologies. After all, you can’t force someone to see when their wrong or why they shouldn’t have committed a certain action. That is something to consider.





However, full disclosure, as an avid music listener and lover, I have no problem canceling an artist, even if said artist was Beyoncé for problematic behavior. For me, I can't forget, once I know you've done something that I deem to be problematic, I can't rock with you anymore. For example, I don’t listen or dance to R. Kelly’s music because when I hear it, I do think of the Black women and girls that have been sexually assaulted by him and once that thought is in my head, it’s hard for me to want to sing along or dance. For some people, their mind never goes there and thus they can still enjoy the art. Like the saying goes ignorance is bliss. Is separating the art from the artist the answer? Does viewing the art and the artist as one change anything? I guess only time will tell with examples like Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, Drake, and Harvey Weinstein. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below!



