Is There A Right Way to Sell Out?

Everyone talks about how certain artists have “sold out” and how an idea went “mainstream”, but many of these thoughts and ideas are so prolific or destined for glory that I wonder if there was ever a wrong or right way to sell them out in the first place? What do you think? Is an exploited idea or piece of art better than the next due to the avenue of the actual “sell out”? This is an interesting question in my opinion, and think about it, everyone “sells out” in one way or another, just think about it…do you actually think any of us would be doing work and chores at our will? That is nonsense. We do a lot of things because we feel that it is necessary. Therefore, we are doing things to progress in life and often succumb to the will of others.

We are all guilty of giving up dreams or original “principles” in order to make a profit, or get notoriety in life, including more of this, more of that, whatever “that” is. And I can say that I no lover of exploitation, but I have sold out, hook, line, and sinker. Several times! Guilty.

So where do I go from here? I say that even the most individualistic self proclaimed “rebels” have also sold out at one time or another, even if it means to get a simple job or buy something from another person. You hear all these people talk about their “values”, but then drive around in big cars, or continue to feed the very machine they preach against every day. But what is the right way to go about giving up the core values that we actually all have? Is there one? I like a lot of “epic” movies or directors who have “sold out”, as well as musicians. Does that make me a sellout myself?

Bands and filmmakers do it all the time. Why can’t we? And what does it even mean to “sell out”?

Don’t look at me, I’m asking you!!