Can We Separate The Artist From The Art? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Can We Separate The Artist From The Art?

Should the public excuse abusive behavior in order to appreciate art?

708
Can We Separate The Artist From The Art?
Facebook

On March 29th, Chris Brown made headlines once again. something strange happened. Multiple photos were released online of musician Chris Brown, with his hands wrapped around on his female friend's throat. While he and the female friend claim that it was all fun and games, it’s important to remember that this is not Brown’s first questionable moment when it comes to violence against women.

In fact, in 2009 he was sentenced for domestic abuse against his then-girlfriend, Rihanna and that was not the end of his streak of violence. Since then he has had repeated patterns of violence against women. For example his next girlfriend, Karrueche Tran issued a 5-year restraining order against Brown for his abusive behavior during their relationship and shortly after he had to reappear in court for threatening a woman with a gun.

With all of these instances of questionable behavior, it’s hard to believe that Chris Brown is still being supported by his millions of fans. It seems that musicians are often excused for their behavior simply because people enjoy the music, take for example R.Kelly, the famous R&B singer who has been accused of sexual assault, abuse, pedophilia and even starting a cult. However, all of those actions are often ignored in favor of his catchy tunes.

While Chris Brown and R. Kelly have their images marred by their past behavior, both of these men are still able to consistently release music and win Grammys to the glee of their fans. Maybe the controversy of their actions adds to their appeal? I don’t really know. What really irks me about musicians like Chris Brown is that they are often given so many chances simply because of their “talent”. I mean, even after all of these reports were released to the public, he wasn’t dropped by any talent agencies.

Instead, it seemed that the music industry worked tirelessly to make him seem like a sympathetic character just so they can continue to build his fan base and continue to make money. Even Netflix releases a documentary about Brown’s life where it seems like we should forgive Brown for his multitude of mistakes. However, my only question is why should we all continue to give Brown and the other men in Hollywood a chance after chance when people in everyday life are hardly given another one.

Sure, Brown music is at times catchy, that does not mean that we should forget and forgive his abusive behavior. Especially in today’s time where we are seeing so many of our favorite celebrities fall from grace as their behavior is exposed, we should not continue to give them multiple chances and also support their lifestyles with our money. It’s important to remember that the more we continue to ignore behavior like Brown’s, the more normalized it becomes in everyday life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

3755
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

28611
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

12351
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments