Cancel culture has become a controversial and widely debated topic in recent years.

Artists and influencers have been especially vulnerable to public scrutiny as their actions, past or present, are put under a microscope, typically by online communities.

Being “canceled” can lead to career or life-altering consequences.

While some believe canceling is necessary to force public figures to take accountability, others view canceling as excessive and sometimes misdirected cyberattacks.

Over the years, many musicians have been canceled for both alleged and convicted crimes and misconduct. This includes artists like Chris Brown, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Melanie Martinez, and more recently, the emerging singer d4vd.

These controversies rekindle the ongoing debate: Can we and should we separate the art from the artist? What do Lincoln students do?

“I think it’s okay to separate art from the artist,” said junior Atena Hajir. “Because you could be the worst person ever, but your music is still good.” Hajir added, “I will still listen to their music, but I won’t like that artist as a person.”

For Hajir, the connection to music often outweighs the moral dilemma.

Junior Maqsimus Ryals shared a similar opinion.

“I would separate [music] from the artist,” Ryals said. “I’d just clarify that I don’t like the artist at all.”

Ryals also acknowledged the impact an artists’ actions can have on their work.

“I think a lot of the time, art has symbolism and metaphors,” said Ryals, “I’m not a big fan of negative influences in the stuff I consume.”