Since it’s officially autumn and Halloween is a few short weeks away, I thought it might be appropriate to pick a classic horror tale for this month’s public domain short story. And since the first genre in Perseid Prophecies’ subtitle is “weird fiction,” who better than the godfather of that genre, H. P. Lovecraft?
There is one reason, of course: all the ugly racism and general bigotry.
Lovecraft was simply a hateful man. The old excuse of “it was a different time” can’t even be applied here; he was racist and misogynistic even by the standards of the 1920s and ’30s.
But then I thought to myself, why not use the opportunity to talk about an important issue in reading fiction, and consuming art in general: separating the art from the artist.
Should it be done? Can it be done?
Both are valid questions.
One reason to try is financial. It can feel like you’re supporting an artist’s bigotry if consuming their art involves buying a movie ticket, streaming subscription, book, etc. This is particularly relevant today, with a certain wizarding world writer Who Shall Not Be Named. It can feel like you are condoning their beliefs with your money.
Another reason is how their actions in real life taint the work. Knowing their feelings about things you disagree with can impact the way you consume their art. You may begin to ask yourself, “Why did they write that character that way?” or “Did they include that stereotype because they believe it to be true?”
I would suggest that blanket boycotts of artists with unsavory opinions is a tall order. Are there reasons to shun specific artists? Absolutely. But who wants to dig into the background of every creator whose art you like just so you can vet all their beliefs before you decide if you like something? That sounds exhausting.
Instead, take it on a case by case basis. I believe that once art is out in the world, it no longer solely belongs to the artist. As a consumer of that art, it makes you feel things–often things the artist may not have intended–and those feelings are valid. You shouldn’t have to deprive yourself of that experience just because the person who made it is detestable.
Ultimately, this may be a determination you’ll have to make for yourself. Weigh how the subject matter made you feel against the creator’s negative beliefs, and supporting them financially.
Lovecraft is long gone, but his impact is undeniable. Given that you can now find Cthulhu plushies on Amazon, I think it’s important to acknowledge how much hate he held in his heart for his fellow man and woman. But all his work is now in the public domain. There is no “Lovecraft Estate” cashing in on his hate.
In my opinion, as long as we acknowledge the bigotry nor make excuses for it (some of his stories drip with so much racism they should be thrown on the ash heap), there is no better property to consume, dissect, and use for our own, more tolerant, purposes.