How To Consume Media From Problematic Sources

How To Consume Media From Problematic Sources

I am seeing a huge rise in media coming from problematic sources. Now, what one considers problematic is completely subjective and changes over time. However, there are still some pieces of media that are worth consuming despite problematic material or sources.

Take for example, 1984 by George Orwell. He has rapist allegations and is known to have written garbage when it comes to female characters or anything to do with them. However, other ideas in his work are worth exploring. So then how do we interact with this media without in anyway profiting his legacy?

One, pirate it. Whatever piece of media it is, it can almost always be digitally pirated. Use the copy to interact with the media.

Second, be critical and extremely self-aware that the media comes from a problematic source. (It’s always a good idea to generally do this.)

Third, journal or map out your thoughts regarding the piece of media. (Log it if that’s your thing.)

How to deal with complex emotions when consuming media that you had prior emotional attachment to, only to realize the source is problematic and not someone who we should support?

My personal experience is with Justin Bieber and Marvel (Disney). I recently found them to be problematic and that has been weighing heavily on me. Both sources have been my childhood and I’m very excited for Doomsday. But I also simultaneously know that they shouldn’t be supported. In a monetary way, at least. In JB’s case, I have pretty much stopped listening to him despite the occasional pangs of nostalgia. (He is a Zionist, that’s why.) And for Marvel, I only indulge in projects that I am interested in, through pirating.

One must always remember that these sources are human, or clusters of human. Celebrity worshiping is harmful and we must consume media critically. And yes, accountability and change matters.

reach out to me on Instagram at tori_stark7.