Please Don’t Idolize Me (or Anyone, Really)

John Scalzi addresses the recent fallout from allegations against Neil Gaiman and discusses the dangers of idolizing creative people. Scalzi emphasizes that artists, like all people, are flawed and complex. He argues that idolization is misguided because it creates unrealistic expectations, leading to inevitable disappointment. Scalzi urges readers to appreciate the work of creative individuals without placing them on pedestals, as everyone is capable of making mistakes and harboring aspects of their lives that are unknown or less admirable. He also makes it clear that he himself is imperfect and does not deserve to be idolized. Instead, Scalzi suggests that people should focus on enjoying the art and understanding that artists are just as human as anyone else, with all the messiness that entails.