Ye and “cancel culture”

In regards to Ye (Kanye West), his anti-Semitic outburst, and his decision to acquire far-right social media platform Parler, I have a few things to say about so-called “cancel culture.”

Is this censorship? No. I’m not preventing anyone from enjoying his music. I’m just exercising my right as a consumer over what music I choose to listen to.

Are you trying to stifle free speech? No. But just because you have the right to free speech, others also have the right to criticize you for what you say. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences.

Are you out to destroy someone’s career? No. Plenty of artists have destroyed careers on their own. Ye doesn’t need any help from me.

Are you trying to push a political agenda? No. I don’t make decisions on what music to listen to based on how someone voted in the last election. There are artists from the other side of the aisle I love. There are those on my side I can’t stand. Political affiliations on their own don’t influence which artists I enjoy.

What’s the point of getting rid of music you already purchased? When I got healthy, I had to get rid of a lot of my old clothes—including expensive ones. Just because you enjoyed something in the past, it doesn’t mean you enjoy it now. Things change.