Back in high school, like every other punk nerd, I loved pop-punk and The Ramones. One day, somebody told me to check out Screeching Weasel and The Queers. They were wonderful! I loved their mix of melodic pop sensibilities with a distinct punk edge. And for a few years, I loved their music without shame. Until I started noticing some misogynistic undertones to some of the lyrics, which gave me pause. But hey, it was just lyrics, right?
But then a few things that happened that changed my view of these bands forever. During a show, Ben Weasel, the lead singer of Screeching Weasel, assaulted a woman at a show for throwing ice at him. He initially refused to apologize, and eventually only reluctantly gave an extremely insincere comment on the topic, as if it were an afterthought. As a result, many people condemned the band, and I realized that even if these troubling songs were "just lyrics," those words came from genuine thoughts that could pretty accurately depict the writer's thoughts towards women, and could violently culminate in actions similar to Weasel's. Some musicians are more figurative lyrically, whereas others were more literal. Weasel was always more literal, so why didn't I take these comments seriously before? Soon after learning of this incident, I started thinking. Could I enjoy the music of a complete asshole, by trying to separate their lyrics from their actions? I wasn't sure, but at this point, the decision was made for Screeching Weasel. I deleted my MP3s, and threw out my CDs and T-shirt. No point donating or selling them.
And I'm not saying you can't listen to Screeching Weasel, or enjoy their music. That is fine. But what I am saying is that it is a mistake to let hatred toward groups of people continue to be perpetuated behind the guise of artistry. By allowing people to say hateful things and perform violent hateful actions without dispute is indirectly endorsing their actions, and I can no longer be a bystander and an enabler to hateful actions. And as a result, I have had to reconsider whether or not I can continue to support some people I formerly held in high regard.
Kim Gordon and Chloe Sevigny - Extensive insensitive comments about transgender individuals.
Joe Queer - Donated money to the murderer of Michael Brown.
Diplo - Was controlling and emotionally abusive in his relationship with MIA.
Ariel Pink - Made extremely misogynistic comments about Grimes and her artistic merit.
Greg Ginn - Too many accusations (with evidence) to list here. All around garbage person.
And that's not even the tip of the iceberg. I can't decide for you if somebody's artistic merit overrides their comments or actions, but I do hope that I have at the very least sparked an idea in your head, and I hope that we as a people will stop letting abusers and hateful individuals get away with their actions scot free. Yes, we need idols to look up to and to inspire us, but we cannot blindly support them when they are causing harm.
