Should We Separate Art From The Artist?
Many of us grew up with the Harry Potter franchise. We read the books, watched the movies, took the “What Hogwarts House Are You” quizzes (I’ve gotten Hufflepuff every without fail…yay?) and interacted with the Wizarding World in so many ways. I was in my early teens when I first got into it, perhaps later than many others, but I still feel a connection to Harry, his friends, and his world.
What do you do when the creator of something like Harry Potter, something you love and cherish, something that brings you comfort and makes you feel less alone, isn’t exactly the world’s best person?
There are a lot of words one could use to describe J.K. Rowling, many of which encompass her lack of basic empathy or respect, especially towards transgender (and now asexual) people. But this article is not about her. Rather, it’s about the moral conundrum she, and so many others who create work we interact with, represents: is it possible to separate art from the artist? In other words, can someone truly enjoy a book, film, TV show, music, art, etc, while they’re aware of the questionable––or downright negative––actions of their respective creators?
The two most common responses to these questions:
Yes. Just because a morally ambiguous person is involved with something does not mean that “something” should automatically be tainted. They are two completely separate things. There shouldn’t be any guilt about enjoying it and continuing to make it an important part of your life––it would be a bit extreme to suggest that we should refrain from interacting with anything that has to do with people who aren’t necessarily wonderful human beings. That would drastically limit people’s ability to enjoy many things without feeling guilty about it.
No. Whether we like it or not, a creator’s heart and soul is put into their work. That heart and soul can contain a lot of harmful ideas and ways of viewing the world, which will therefore inevitably be reflected in their projects. The two are interchangeable. If you’re supporting this person’s work in any way, especially monetarily but even with your free time, of which many of us are limited, you’re supporting what they stand for. You’re enabling them. You’re essentially saying: “I’m aware of the sh*tty things this person has said/done, and I’m willfully making them a part of my life anyway.”
I believe this conversation should be a bit more nuanced. For one, I don’t think it’s right to shame people for liking something that they feel a personal connection to, something that brings them genuine joy. For instance, many LGBTQ+ people have found solace in the story of Harry Potter––the idea of escaping a childhood where you feel you don’t belong to find people like you. That you are worthy of friendship and love, no matter who you are. At least, that’s how I would generously interpret it. These people, especially trans people, are put in a precarious situation––the person who created these characters, this world, doesn’t respect your identity as much as your identity deserves to be. I myself am not trans, so I encourage you to seek perspectives on this issue from people who are. (Contrapoints is an excellent voice on this topic. Her videos are thought-provoking and fair.)
On the other hand, those who argue that the artist and art are inherently separate may not be seeing the whole picture. It is true that when people create, they put a piece of themselves into it, in one capacity or another. They may bring their prejudices, biases, and ideologies, perhaps sometimes without consciously realizing it. When Rowling chose Goblins, depicted with long noses and a natural greediness, to control the main banks in the Wizarding World, was she consciously considering that this could be an anti-semitic trope, which stems back generations? Or did she simply choose goblins because…why not? They’re just goblins! There’s nothing to look into!
Hm. Maybe this has become more about Rowling than I initially intended.
So, my ultimate view on this issue? It’s complicated. I do believe you can enjoy something while also acknowledging that the creator has done or said very harmful things that might, in some way, have seeped into what you’re enjoying. To add, you shouldn’t willfully defend this creator just because of your personal attachment to their work––you shouldn’t dismiss everything they do to lessen your own discomfort. Of course, this is easier said than done.
Watch that movie. Read that book. Allow yourself to become invested in something, and even allow it to change you for the better, if you choose. No one can tell you what to do, and no one should shame you for it. However, it is crucial you acknowledge the creator’s problematic history, and not put anyone down for choosing not to interact with that media. Seek to understand. Seek to educate yourself. Seek to think. And seek to find media that is created by those who may not be perfect people––nobody is, after all––but align with your moral values.
