Art Engaging Immoral Attitudes

Question
Why is art that engages us in immoral attitudes considered great art?  

       Art that engages us in immoral attitudes is great art because it has the power to move us and be seceded in such a way. It's great not only because it has the power to do this but because it satisfies our curiosity. In the quote "curiosity killed the cat" we are the cat but we don't die because we aren't pursuing curiosity that will hurt us or others. We don't have to because of art. The characters in the film might have immoral attitudes and behaviors; and we may act as if we are okay with it. But, we know it isn't right. Just because we are engaged by the art does not mean we do not have the education not to act on immoral behaviors. If we didn't then art as such would be forbidden. It is great art because it is realistic. Most people has had a time in their life where they had the option to engage in immoral behaviors and attitudes so there is no reason why it should not be examined and learned from through an art medium.

Morals and Art Appreciation

Question
Should morals get in the way of art appreciation? Why should we appreciate art work that portrays immoral behavior? 

          If we let our morals get in the way of art then we cannot appreciate it for its aesthetic aspects. This gives reason to Kant's view of looking at art with disinterest. If one brings their own morals into the piece, they will never see the art piece in a different way. It would be a burden only to look at a piece for the sake of the morals and dismiss the piece because of personal morals. Many times, people have a hard time looking at art pieces and really opening their minds to different possibilities. There are guidelines of how to look at art so one just doesn't judge but explore. It’s easy to judge a book by its cover and let morals interfere with the way we look at a piece. That is why art is even more valuable personally when we let our bias come second not first.

            Even if an art piece portrays immoral behavior, does not mean it is bad or cruel. It is portraying the truth. Immoral behavior happens all around us. The portrayal of it lets us learn from it and enforces why it’s wrong and the behavior should not be committed. For example, in the movie Cinderella it is immoral for the step sisters and step mother to treat Cinderella so harsh and harass her due to jealousy. But, we feel sympathy for Cinderella and know that the actions of Cinderella’s step sisters and step mother are not the moral way to act. In the end, Cinderella marries the Prince and lives happily ever after, more reasons for us not to follow such immoral behavior because we will lose in the end. Of course, this type of depiction will be most effective with children. But, there is still a lesson to be learned.