Shakespeare is Canceled: How Far Back Do We Go in Judging Art Based on Today's Values?
Have you ever heard of the phrase "cancel culture"? If you haven't, congratulations you’ve avoided turning on the TV or going online. For the rest of us who are well aware of the current phenomenon, cancel culture is essentially the practice of boycotting an individual or group due to their actions or views that are deemed unacceptable by society.
Now, cancel culture isn't just limited to present-day figures, it also extends to historical figures and their works. This has led to a heated debate on how far back we should go in judging artists, writers, and other historical figures based on today's values.
Let's take William Shakespeare for example. He is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language. But, as it turns out, some of his plays contain elements that would be considered offensive by today's standards. So, do we cancel Shakespeare and stop teaching his works in schools and universities?
On one hand, it's important to acknowledge the cultural context in which Shakespeare wrote his plays. During his time, attitudes towards women, race, and sexuality were vastly different from today's standards. So, it's not entirely fair to judge him by today's standards.
But, on the other hand, it's also important to note that his works continue to be performed and studied today. By doing so, we're sending a message that his views and attitudes are acceptable.
So, where do we draw the line? Do we cancel Shakespeare and all other historical figures who hold views that are unacceptable by today's standards? Or do we continue to study and appreciate their works while also acknowledging their flaws?
Key Issues around judging the distant past in the context of todays values:
Cultural context: Historical figures and artists lived in vastly different cultural contexts and should not be judged by today's values.
Lack of understanding of the past: Judging historical figures and artists based on present-day values may not accurately reflect the norms and beliefs of their time.
Historical erasure: This type of judgment may lead to the suppression or erasure of historical works and figures, removing them from public discourse and cultural memory.
Double standards: People may hold different standards for different historical figures and artists based on their own personal biases and preferences, creating inconsistencies and double standards.
Limitation of creativity: Artists, writers, and other creative figures may feel limited or censored in their creative expression if their works are judged based on contemporary values.
Narrow-mindedness: Judging historical figures and artists based solely on present-day values can be narrow-minded and limit our understanding of the complexities and nuances of the past.
Missed opportunities for growth and learning: This type of judgment may also miss opportunities for growth and learning from historical figures and their works, which may have lessons and insights relevant to today's society.
Here's the thing, cancel culture isn't just about boycotting someone or something, it's about having a conversation. It's about acknowledging that certain views and attitudes are unacceptable and need to change.
So, let's not cancel Shakespeare or any other historical figure, but instead, let's have a conversation about them. Let's acknowledge the cultural context in which they lived, but also acknowledge their flaws. And, most importantly, let's use their works as a way to start a conversation about the progress we've made as a society and the work we still have to do.
Instead of canceling historical figures, let's use their works as a way to start a conversation about the progress we've made as a society and the work we still have to do. Who knows, you might even learn something new and and enjoy some irony along the way.