Given the recent uptick in celebrity fiascos, several celebrities are being “canceled,” with their work suffering the same fate. It’s not fair to besmirch certain content just because of its creator. If you separate creators from their work, you can enjoy more entertainment and engage with media without bias.
However, it’s important to discuss that memorable creations do not justify someone’s actions. The obvious exception to the idea of separation is if their cause of notoriety is visible in their work or involved with it. I think it’s reasonable to boycott anything that directly promotes, showcases, or hints at crime or disturbing content.
Following suit would be the Nickelodeon sitcom “Victorious.” You possibly enjoyed this show as a child, but it’s harder to watch after Dan Schneider’s allegations, particularly those revealed in the “Quiet on Set” docuseries on Max. These jokes—ranging from obscured sexual innuendos to borderline foot fetish content—seemed funny back then, but the context changes the optics of these scenes.
In contrast, there are several shows, movies, games, and music worth enjoying despite their creators being less than ideal—or even downright awful—people.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is perhaps the most popular example. The critically acclaimed fiction series has a world so expansive that it has acquired movie adaptations, games, a LEGO collaboration, attractions at Universal Studios, and a standalone stage play.
While the books garnered controversy for their dark nature and depictions of witchcraft, the real controversy comes from transphobic and homophobic comments Rowling made over social media.
Thankfully, this controversy didn’t stop the fandom from loving the world of Harry Potter, because it shouldn’t. None of Rowling’s bigotry is present in her work.
“While I disagree with her, I don’t see why we should have to do away with a universe that has helped so many, even in the LGBTQ+ community,” says ABAC alumnus Lois Friedman.
The video game Minecraft is not far removed from this same “cancellation.” Microsoft currently owns Minecraft, but Markus “Notch” Persson is responsible for the base game. Like Rowling, Persson tarnished his reputation with different disparaging comments, some being sexist, homophobic, and racially insensitive.
Writing and communication major Blaine Mitchell described Minecraft as “the perfect game to completely dissolve yourself from the struggles of real life.”
However, Mitchell and Minecraft’s fanbase haven’t boycotted it because of Persson’s comments, which were made after his direct association with the game had ended.
“As long as I know Notch isn’t making any more money off of the game and that my support of the game is to the diverse crew of Microsoft, then I currently have no problems playing Minecraft,” Mitchell continued.
Treading into more dangerous territory is the animated show “Rick and Morty.” Its creator Justin Roiland was charged with domestic battery, false imprisonment, and allegations of explicit conversations with a minor, resulting in him being fired. With Roiland gone, what remains didn’t lessen in quality, especially since his crimes and the show’s content are unrelated.
“I can still watch Rick and Morty,” said Jeremiah Jarrells, a senior wildlife major. “The show’s still good, but it has nothing to do with what he did wrong.”
More recently, Foo Fighters’ frontman Dave Grohl’s reputation as one of the nicest celebrities has waned after fathering a child outside of his marriage. However, people like Autumn Jarrett, an animal science and livestock production major, know that one band member’s mistakes don’t ruin their already-existent music.
Jarrett said, “I personally separate music from the artist, so that’s the same in this case.”
This sentiment should carry into other areas outside of entertainment.
Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking is famous for his scientific achievements, most notably his black hole theory. His standing tumbled after the release of pictures and allegations of him with Jeffrey Epstein. Nonetheless, isn’t there an obvious line between scientific achievement and heinous behavior?
“His studies are still entirely valuable, especially considering the extent of his connection to Epstein is mostly unknown, aside from his name on the registry,” said Victor Schwartz, a biology major.
He continued, “A person capable of misdoing outside of the realm of their studies does not inherently cause their work, especially in the field of science, to lose value.”
After glancing at popular examples, it’s apparent that we shouldn’t just abandon interests, entertainment, or phenomena because its creators misbehaved. Whether it’s video games or scientific discoveries, unless it contains remnants of their misconduct, content should be enjoyed regardless of its creator’s misdeeds.