Post #4449795
2026-08-08 21:52 UTC
I totally get that his music moved millions, that he’s fought for worthy causes, that he’s a cultural icon. But we always seem to give grace to men like this and downplay their abuses because of the “larger context” of their “contributions” to society.
We say: “Yes, he abused women BUT his music was so important to the world.” “Yes, he targeted vulnerable kids BUT his art and advocacy were so inspiring and influential.”
Men like him get to be “complicated” — and ultimately forgiven.
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Replies (1)
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@bluejay@ohai.social 2026-08-08 21:52
What if we flipped this script? What if we said, “He may have inspired us with his music, BUT he groomed young girls”? “He may have been a public face for a good movement, BUT he ruined many vulnerable lives”? What would the world look like if there were some lines we refused to cross? If we stopped celebrating and forgiving abusers because their art made us feel good? 3/4