- Question
Should we consume the art or products of people accused of sexual abuse?
With the rise of the #MeToo movement, more and more victims of sexual assault have come forward accusing prominent figures. From Harvey Weinstein to Michael Jackson to R. Kelly, consumers of art are now faced with an important moral question: should we continue to consume the art of immoral people?
Yes, because the art is separate from the artist
We consume art because we appreciate the value of the art or the product itself, not because we like the artist. Most of the time, when people consume arts or products, they don't even know the people who have produced them.
Yes, because we can't change anything anyways
An individual consumer's choices don't actually matter in the marketplace of ideas insofar as the fans and supporters of the artist will continue purchasing their products. So, they might as well continue watching movies and listening to music that they like, given that the status quo won't change anyways.
No, because it is morally disingenuous
Sexual assault is an incredibly traumatic experience that will scar the victims for life, and not something to be lightly dismissed simply because the art is good. Someone who used their position of prominence and power to commit such atrocious actions should never be respected.
No, because it might be dangerous
Given that art is an expression of one's inner thoughts and feelings, an artist who has pedophilic tendencies probably reflects those emotions in their art as well. A consumer who is really into the artist could be influenced by their twisted minds.