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Monsters

Monsters

A Fan's Dilemma
by Claire Dederer 2023 288 pages
3.78
13k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. The art-artist dilemma: Confronting the complexity of appreciating work by problematic creators

"Can I still listen to David Bowie?"

Moral quandary. This question encapsulates the central dilemma faced by audiences in the wake of revelations about artists' misconduct. It highlights the tension between our appreciation for art and our ethical concerns about its creators. The issue is not new, but has gained prominence in the era of #MeToo and increased awareness of social justice issues.

Nuanced approach. The author argues for a more nuanced approach to this dilemma, rejecting simple boycotts or blanket forgiveness. Instead, she advocates for:

  • Acknowledging the complexity of human nature
  • Recognizing the value of art independent of its creator
  • Considering the historical and cultural context of both the art and the artist
  • Allowing for personal, subjective responses to art

Ongoing process. Ultimately, the author suggests that grappling with this dilemma is an ongoing process, requiring constant reevaluation and self-reflection. It's not about finding a definitive answer, but about engaging thoughtfully with art and its creators.

2. The stain: How biography affects our perception and consumption of art

"The stain is just plain sad. Indelibly sad."

Unavoidable influence. The concept of "the stain" refers to how an artist's biography inevitably colors our perception of their work. This influence is often involuntary and can persist even when we try to separate the art from the artist.

Retroactive effect. The stain works both forward and backward in time:

  • It affects our perception of an artist's past work, even if created before their misdeeds
  • It colors our interpretation of future works by the artist
  • It can extend to collaborators or works in similar styles

Personal reckoning. Dealing with the stain requires:

  • Acknowledging its existence and impact
  • Deciding how much weight to give it in our appreciation of the art
  • Recognizing that our response may change over time or differ from others'

3. The myth of the genius: Deconstructing the idea of artistic exceptionalism

"Genius is the name we give our love when we don't want to argue about it; when we want our opinion to become fact."

Problematic concept. The idea of "genius" often serves to excuse bad behavior and reinforce existing power structures. It can:

  • Justify abusive or exploitative actions by artists
  • Elevate certain (often male) creators above criticism
  • Ignore the collaborative nature of much artistic creation

Historical context. The concept of the lone male genius emerged in the 20th century, shaped by:

  • Mass media and the cult of celebrity
  • Romanticization of the "troubled artist"
  • Gendered expectations about creativity and genius

Reframing greatness. The author suggests moving away from the genius myth towards:

  • Recognizing the hard work and craft behind great art
  • Appreciating collective and collaborative creativity
  • Acknowledging the role of privilege and opportunity in artistic success

4. Female artists and the struggle for recognition: Overcoming societal barriers and expectations

"I wish I had a wife."

Double standard. Female artists often face unique challenges in balancing their creative pursuits with societal expectations, particularly around motherhood and caregiving. This results in:

  • Less time and resources for artistic work
  • Guilt and internal conflict about prioritizing art over family
  • Harsher judgment for "selfish" behavior that's often excused in male artists

Historical examples. The author examines cases like:

  • Doris Lessing leaving her children to pursue writing
  • Joni Mitchell giving up a child for adoption to focus on music
  • Sylvia Plath's struggles with motherhood and creativity

Ongoing barriers. While progress has been made, female artists still contend with:

  • Unequal representation in institutions and canons
  • Gendered expectations about subject matter and style
  • The persistent myth of the male genius

5. The power of subjectivity: Embracing personal responses to art

"When we ask 'what do we do with the art of monstrous men?' we are putting ourselves into a static role—the role of consumer."

Beyond objectivity. The author argues for embracing subjective, personal responses to art rather than seeking a definitive, "correct" interpretation. This approach:

  • Allows for more honest engagement with works
  • Recognizes the role of individual experience in shaping responses
  • Challenges the idea of universal, authoritative criticism

Emotional connection. Subjective engagement with art can lead to:

  • Deeper, more meaningful personal connections to works
  • Recognition of how art intersects with our own lives and experiences
  • A more nuanced understanding of complex or controversial works

Critical shift. This perspective calls for a reimagining of criticism that:

  • Values personal reflection and emotional responses
  • Acknowledges the critic's own biases and experiences
  • Sees criticism as an ongoing conversation rather than a final judgment

6. The limits of cancel culture: Recognizing the humanity in flawed individuals

"Am I a monster? The answer, it turned out, was a resounding yes."

Nuanced view. The author argues for a more complex understanding of human nature that recognizes:

  • Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes
  • People can change and grow over time
  • Labeling someone as entirely "good" or "bad" is overly simplistic

Recovery perspective. Drawing on experiences in addiction recovery, the author highlights:

  • The importance of empathy and forgiveness
  • The possibility of redemption and personal growth
  • The need to separate actions from the whole person

Beyond cancellation. Instead of simply "canceling" problematic individuals, the author suggests:

  • Holding people accountable while allowing for growth
  • Recognizing systemic issues behind individual actions
  • Finding ways to appreciate valuable work while acknowledging its creator's flaws

7. Beauty and redemption: Finding value in art despite its creators' failings

"Beauty matters too. We don't make decisions about beauty. Beauty happens to us."

Inherent value. The author argues that the beauty and power of art can persist despite its creator's flaws. This recognition:

  • Allows for a more nuanced engagement with complex works
  • Acknowledges the transformative potential of art
  • Separates the value of the creation from the actions of the creator

Personal connection. Our emotional responses to art are often deeply personal and can:

  • Provide comfort and meaning in difficult times
  • Shape our identities and worldviews
  • Create connections across time and cultures

Ongoing negotiation. Engaging with art by problematic creators requires:

  • Acknowledging both the beauty of the work and the flaws of its creator
  • Allowing for changing perspectives over time
  • Recognizing that there may not be a single "right" answer to how we should engage with such works

Last updated:

Review Summary

3.78 out of 5
Average of 13k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma explores the ethics of consuming art by problematic creators. Dederer's writing is thoughtful, nuanced, and personal, examining the dissonance between loving art and disliking the artist. While some readers found the book insightful and thought-provoking, others criticized its meandering structure and lack of concrete answers. The audiobook narration by Dederer herself was praised. The book's exploration of gender dynamics in art and creativity was particularly well-received. Overall, readers appreciated Dederer's refusal to provide easy solutions to complex moral questions.

Your rating:

About the Author

Claire Dederer is an accomplished writer and journalist with extensive experience contributing to major publications like The New York Times, Vogue, and Slate. Her first book, "Poser: My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses," was published in 2011. Dederer has a background in film criticism and has co-taught writing at the University of Washington. She also works with private students. A fourth-generation Seattle native, Dederer now resides on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound with her family. Her writing spans various genres, including criticism, reporting, and personal essays, and has been featured in multiple anthologies.

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