Thompson Falls Resident Reflects on Evolving Music Tastes and Ethics

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In this personal essay, Thompson Falls resident Sunday Dutro discusses how her music listening habits have evolved over the years. She describes how she initially listened to music based on what was played around her, before becoming more discerning and considering the artists' values and actions. Dutro grapples with the ethics of enjoying the work of artists who have done unethical or despicable things, using the examples of Michael Jackson and Wagner. She concludes by pondering what people should consider when choosing the music they listen to.

Why it matters

This story touches on the complex relationship between art, ethics, and personal values. As music has become more accessible, listeners are increasingly faced with decisions about whether to support artists whose personal conduct may be questionable. Dutro's reflections highlight the internal struggle many people experience as they try to reconcile their enjoyment of music with their moral principles.

The details

Dutro describes how she initially listened to music based on what was played around her, from popular artists like Paul Simon and The Eagles to more recent acts like Nirvana and Alanis Morissette. Over time, she became more discerning, curating her own playlists and considering the values and actions of the artists. This led her to grapple with difficult questions, such as whether she could still enjoy the music of Michael Jackson after learning of his alleged pedophilia, or the works of composer Richard Wagner, whose music was later co-opted by the Nazi regime.

• Dutro has been using the method of doing puzzles and listening to classical music to relax for several weeks.
• Dutro recently received recommendations for additional classical music songs from her social media network.

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