Step 1: Create Your Initial Discussion Post (Due by 11/04/2021)

In composing your initial discussion post for Discussion 7, think about the following discussion prompt and the following questions:

 

Richard Wagner, although considered one of the greatest geniuses in musical history, led a very controversial life.

He was known for being selfish, egotistical, betraying friends (fathering several children with a good friend’s wife), holding anti-Semitic views that would later influence Adolf Hitler, and being extremely anti-Christian, as was Adolf Hitler.

His operas have never been staged in Israel for this reason. Many artists throughout history have held controversial views or led controversial lifestyles, including some today (Amy Winehouse and Chris Brown are two fairly recent examples).

How important is it to consider the lifestyle and character of an artist when evaluating his or her work?

Does the art stand on its own merits or should we take into account the mindset and actions of the creator when evaluating it?