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A review by genstrong
Monsters: What Do We Do with Great Art by Bad People? by Claire Dederer
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A very interesting critique of “cancelled” celebrities and of “cancel culture” itself. The author takes a subjective, feminist approach to writing on the topic that doesn’t shy away from addressing her personal emotions. While I think the book could have delved more deeply into each celebrity, each chapter offers interesting and well-informed perspectives… new ways to look at things.
I really enjoyed the chapter on JK Rowling, however the author doesn’t really address the reason of her cancellation. Rather, the author focussed on the fans’ response which was unexpected and not unwelcome.
I do however have to disagree with the claim later in the book that “The worst thing a man can do is rape, while the worst thing a woman can do is not love her children” (paraphrased). It is definitely a legitimate statement to argue for older generations, however the author shied away from addressing J K Rowling’s transphobia which could arguably be seen as worse than not loving her own children to today’s generations. Of course, this is all subjective. But I do feel there was a missed opportunity to really explore the changing narrative around womanhood in the 21st century. How “woke” Gen-Zers may respond very differently to these narratives than earlier generations. The author instead chose to stick to traditional notions of womanhood.
I really enjoyed the chapter on JK Rowling, however the author doesn’t really address the reason of her cancellation. Rather, the author focussed on the fans’ response which was unexpected and not unwelcome.
I do however have to disagree with the claim later in the book that “The worst thing a man can do is rape, while the worst thing a woman can do is not love her children” (paraphrased). It is definitely a legitimate statement to argue for older generations, however the author shied away from addressing J K Rowling’s transphobia which could arguably be seen as worse than not loving her own children to today’s generations. Of course, this is all subjective. But I do feel there was a missed opportunity to really explore the changing narrative around womanhood in the 21st century. How “woke” Gen-Zers may respond very differently to these narratives than earlier generations. The author instead chose to stick to traditional notions of womanhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
In some chapters what the celebrity was accused of doing is explained in detail while in others it is glossed over. This includes rape, etc.