Q&A: Separating the Artist from the Art
Separating the Artist from the Art
Question
After the investigative reports about Eyal Golan’s sexual exploitation, is it still permissible to go to his performances and listen to his songs? And while we’re on the subject of problematic people, is it permissible to listen to the music of Wagner, who was very antisemitic?
Answer
What does “permissible” mean? In terms of Jewish law? I don’t see any halakhic prohibition here. But it is appropriate for society to express its view about such creatures, among other things by not making use of them and their singing.
With Wagner it’s easier, since he died long ago, and there is also no practical concern that listening to his music will influence anyone in our society to become a Nazi. The condemnation is unnecessary.
Discussion on Answer
I answered that. If something still isn’t clear to you, it’s better to write what it is and not send me riddles.
If listening to Eyal Golan’s songs is forbidden, then almost every artist in the world up until about one generation ago would also be forbidden. And then what would we do? Not listen to music, as in the days of the Talmud?
I didn’t understand what the connection is to influence. In Wagner’s case, the question is whether it is proper to take pleasure in the works of a person who regarded Jews as subhuman and the cause of the world’s problems.