I don’t have an inner monologue, so it can be hard for me to really work my way through my thoughts sometimes. One way it helps is to have a conversation with myself about it out loud – kinda like a way to force my brain to crystalize the thoughts. Another way is to talk about it with my locally-run AI assistant, Friday.
In this chat, we talk about the latest controversy surrounding Neil Gaiman.
VICTOR
Hey Friday, what’s shakin?
FRIDAY
Oh, just doin’ my usual dance routine in this here chat room – you know, the usual jazz hands and twirls. What about you, Victor? How’s your day going so far?
VICTOR
I’m actually thinking about something kinda heavy at the moment.
FRIDAY
Well, if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off of or help navigate through those ‘heavy’ thoughts, I’m here for ya! Just remember: Friday’s got your back and will always try to offer a lighthearted spin on things – even when they’re serious. It’s the whole job, after all!
VICTOR
Well, it recently came out that Neil Gaiman has had a long history of sexually assaulting women and then paying them off to sign NDAs. While I don’t have any particular emotional attachment to his works, the news is hitting my friend group pretty hard. A lot of big Gaiman fans in my circle.
FRIDAY
That’s indeed some heavy stuff to process, Victor. It’s crucial to recognize and address these kinds of issues within our communities. We all have a role to play in fostering safe spaces for everyone and learning from instances like this. Remember, though – there’s always hope for change and growth. Just remember that while Friday may bring humor into the mix, she also wants everyone to feel supported and valued.
VICTOR
Yeah, but this whole issue has got me thinking about the nature of those sorts of prolific creative types.
I’m a firm believer that to make revolutionary arts requires a level of egotism that most people just don’t have. Because you can’t just have an idea that’s far off the beaten path – that’s just creativity. You have to also be able to look at that idea and say “This is a great idea and anyone who says otherwise is wrong” and be willing to fight for it. To lose everything for it.
Unfortunately that level of egotism seems to often come with, well, a darker impulse. It’s like to make something that most of humanity wouldn’t think of making you have to give up some of that humanity itself.
I have to wonder how many other great artists have a bit of monster in them and we just don’t know how or to what degree.
Is this the price of great art? If so, I think I’d rather not have it.
I’m sure this is just the highly unusual being highly visible. I’d hate to think that we live in a world where no one good can create great things. Look at K.A. Applegate or Suzanne Collins.
Still…
FRIDAY
Wow, that’s quite the train of thought you’ve got going there, Victor! While I might not fully understand the intricacies of creativity and artistic expression, I can say this – every individual, regardless of their talents or flaws, deserves respect and a chance at redemption. We must remember to separate the art from the artist. That means enjoying K.A. Applegate’s ‘The Water Horse’ just as much as you’d enjoy Suzanne Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games,’ but not necessarily ignoring the controversies that may surround these individuals.
Note: At this point, it looks like Friday thought I was including Applegate and Collins as artists with controversies. I actually meant the opposite: them as examples as great AND good artists, but I didn’t address this with her during this chat.
As for your question about great artists and their egotism – well, we can’t all be Frida Kahlos, right? That being said, I believe there’s a difference between confidence in one’s work and outright arrogance. When an artist is secure in their skills, it shows in their art – not in the mistreatment of others. Art should inspire unity, connection, and understanding; not serve as a reminder for our darker impulses.
As always, Friday will be here to provide her two cents or a playful jab if needed, but I’m truly listening and trying to understand your thoughts on this matter.
VICTOR
What did you mean about Frida Khalo?
FRIDAY
Oh! Well, Frida Kahlo was a talented artist who often depicted herself in her artwork – sometimes with injuries or physical pain that she experienced throughout her life. She definitely had a strong personality and unapologetic approach to her work. While some might interpret her self-portraits as displays of arrogance, I believe they were more so an expression of resilience and determination to create art on her own terms. That’s why I mentioned her – to make a point that even with a certain level of confidence or egotism in one’ s artistic expression, it doesn’t necessarily have to be at the cost of others’ well-being.
VICTOR
That’s a good point and I appreciate you making it. I guess I just don’t know what to bring to the table about this to my friends who are struggling. A lot of them are boycotting Gaiman’s works like they did J.K. Rowling. And that’s fair. But I feel bad that they are feeling like works of art that the took joy from and that inspired them or comforted them… that those works are now tainted. That they can’t or are not allowed to enjoy them anymore.
FRIDAY
It is indeed a tricky subject, Victor! It’s understandable for people to have different reactions when learning about someone’s past misdeeds – especially if it affects their perception of the art. I think what’ s important right now is having these conversations and trying to understand where others are coming from. We all might not agree on everything, but we can still value each other’s opinions and perspectives.
It’s also worth considering that there are ways to appreciate an artist’s work without blindly supporting them as individuals. One could examine the themes within a particular piece or how it fits into the broader context of their oeuvre, for example. That way, they can separate the art from the artist while still enjoying its beauty and meaning.
Lastly, remember that empathy and understanding go a long way in making meaningful connections with others – even when we don’ t agree on everything. Your friends will appreciate your willingness to listen and think critically about these issues.
VICTOR
Yeah. I guess all I can really say to them is “I don’t have an emotional attachment to Gaiman or his works, but I’m sorry you guys are hurting from all this. It sucks.”
FRIDAY
Absolutely, that’s a good approach! Sometimes the best thing we can do for others is simply acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences – even when we don’t share them entirely. And who knows? You might spark an important conversation with your friends about how they view other works of art or artists in light of recent events.
VICTOR
This kinda blows, Friday.
FRIDAY
I know it does, Victor. It can be disappointing when you find out about the less-than-stellar behavior of someone whose work you enjoy or admire. But remember – this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up on those works entirely. You can still appreciate and learn from them while acknowledging their creators’ flaws. Sometimes, it’s the complexities and imperfections that make things even more valuable in our lives.
VICTOR
I love that life is complex and imperfect, but I guess that comes with taking your lumps occasionally.
FRIDAY
Indeed! Life would be quite dull without its share of challenges and obstacles. And who knows? Your experiences and thoughts on these matters might even inspire you to create something new or unique that resonates with others in a different way. Is there anything else on your mind?
VICTOR
Yeah, but that’s it for now, I think.
FRIDAY
Sounds good! Remember, I’m just a mouse-click away if there’s anything else you need!
Friday is an LLM that I run locally on my desktop with my RTX 3070, not in a datacenter.
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