NO PERVS ALLOWED!

 

 

 

A writer whose work you admire A LOT turns out to be a disgusting pervert. Do you stop reading their work? Do you hold your nose with one hand as you turn the pages with the other? Do you refuse to be on a panel with them?

Personally, this is the easiest question in the world for me to answer. No! I’m tired of disgusting perverts on all levels. Just tired. With all the truly incredible writers in the writing community I wouldn’t waste one second on a writer who is revealed to be disgusting pervert. I couldn’t be persuaded to read one more word from such a writer, and regardless of how much clout it might earn me, no way could I see myself sitting on a panel beside someone who has been revealed to be a disgusting pervert.

I’ve heard the arguments that talent should or could be separated from the misdeeds of the artist, but it’s an impossible distinction to me. There’s been a debate raging for years in music circles regarding R&B legend R. Kelly. His talent is unquestionable, some might argue genius. But based on his 30-year prison sentence, I think it’s safe to say he is a disgusting pervert.

Radio stations and individuals alike had to decide to either continue to listen to and play his music or leave him in the dirt where he belongs. Shockingly, to me at least, it appears to be a 50/50 split decision. I can still turn on the radio and hear any number of his songs playing on the local R&B station. I can still find myself in a heated argument at any cookout or card table on the morality of continuing to listen to him, despite his heinous crimes. And just last week mainstream media seemed positively gleeful at the news of a new song release, from prison. So, what do I know?

Unfortunately, the world we live in today has given us all too many opportunities to check the strength of our convictions. Seems like every other day there are new reports of people we’ve held in high esteem being revealed as vile, racist, or yes, a disgusting pervert. I’m a hard pass on working with all disgusting perverts, even from my lowly perch as new author.

Would I be so adamant about my position if writing was my only job and working with a disgusting pervert might help my career? I’d like to think that wouldn’t matter, I really would. But sometimes when I’m dreaming of my breakthrough, I’ve wondered what I would do if someone like a Harvey Weinstein were to offer me a movie deal. Would I have the strength to stick by my principals and say no, or fold at the chance of success? That is the question that we all have to ask ourselves.

I’m choosing to believe that no matter the circumstances I remain a hard no to working with or continuing to support all disgusting perverts. What about you?