The Void of Darkness: Jennay's Creative Haven

Our Approach to Cancel Culture

At VODProductions.com, our stance on cancel culture is rooted in the belief that growth, understanding, and evidence-based decision-making are key.

We recognize that the current climate of cancel culture can be difficult to navigate, especially for those of us who work across multiple communities with different cultural norms, beliefs, and standards.

I do not permanently blacklist anyone from my communities without thorough research. Having experienced the harm of blacklisting myself, I understand its weight. As someone known as the Queen of second chances, any decision to blacklist is never taken lightly and reflects my deepest commitment to a respectful and safe environment.

BlackListing

Accountability Requires Proof, Not Just Accusations

At VODProductions.com, we believe in accountability, but that accountability must be grounded in solid, credible evidence. While it’s essential to hold people responsible for harmful actions, we avoid making decisions based on unverified accusations, hearsay, or mob mentality. Accusations are not proof, and it’s important to ensure that due process is followed before anyone is cast aside or canceled.

We understand that people are complex and that sometimes individuals can be wrongfully accused. Settlements in court or accusations made in the public eye don’t always represent the full truth. Our approach is to seek validated evidence and take the time to understand the full story before making any decisions on whether to support or promote someone’s work.

Canceling Without Full Context is Harmful

The rapid spread of information and snap judgments made on social media have led to people being canceled prematurely, often without the opportunity to explain, apologize, or make amends. We believe that this culture of quick judgment can be harmful, especially for those who may not have done anything illegal or morally reprehensible. Settling a lawsuit doesn’t automatically mean guilt, and allegations are not convictions. This distinction is important because everyone deserves to be judged fairly and based on facts, not public opinion or emotional reactions.

Understanding Different Perspectives and Cultures

Having been exposed to different social circles and cultural perspectives, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of understanding. Just because someone holds beliefs different from my own does not mean they should be canceled. Instead, I choose to focus on accepting differences, knowing that we’re all humans who see the world in unique ways.

The desire to cancel someone based on beliefs or actions that may differ from mainstream opinions can be harmful to creativity, expression, and the diverse world we live in. I refuse to participate in public shaming or canceling individuals without valid, substantial reasons rooted in factual evidence. For me, it’s essential to balance the need for accountability with the recognition that people grow, evolve, and may make mistakes along the way.

Playlisting
and Cancel Culture

At the core of everything I do with playlisting, it comes from a genuine love of music. Music is how I connect, express, and explore different perspectives. I create playlists purely out of passion, and they reflect my diverse tastes. I listen to many different genres and sounds from all over, which means my playlists can be quite eclectic. However, given today’s cancel culture and the evolving nature of what’s acceptable in the public eye, I take extra care when curating playlists to ensure I’m mindful of the artists I promote.

BlackList

While I personally believe in second chances and growth, I recognize that promoting certain artists with serious allegations can send the wrong message.

Here's how I navigate this:

R. Kelly and Marilyn Manson: Both have had a significant impact on music, but due to the seriousness of the allegations and their legal situations, I’ve chosen not to include their music in my playlists. While their work is available elsewhere, I do not wish to promote content that could be harmful or controversial to my audience.
Puff Daddy (Sean Combs): With the recent accusations surrounding Puff Daddy, I have also made the decision to exclude his music from my playlists until further legal clarity is provided. While I’m open to seeing how situations unfold, I err on the side of caution when it comes to promoting potentially harmful artists.
Ole Skeet: After careful consideration, I have made the decision to permanently exclude Ole Skeet from my community due to associations with groups known for violence against LGBTQIA+ communities. This step was taken during a period when serious security concerns, including incidents of doxxing, came to light. While any connection between these events remains unclear, I am committed to protecting the safety and values of my community, prioritizing an environment rooted in respect and inclusivity.

Networking and Collaborating with Artists on Ban Lists

There may be occasions where I network with or collaborate on music with artists who later end up on a ban list. In such cases, my response will depend on the source of the ban and the reasons behind it. If the ban is legitimate and based on solid evidence, I will remove that artist’s music from my playlists. However, there are exceptions:

If I have worked directly on a track with the artist, that specific track may remain on my playlists. I cannot guarantee that a collaborative track will be removed, as it is a piece of my own work as well. However, I will ensure that any other tracks from that artist that are part of my playlists will be removed, given credible and legitimate reasons.

Mistakes Happen

Due to the amount of music I listen to and the diversity of genres I explore, it's possible that certain tracks or artists may accidentally slip into a playlist, including banned or controversial artists. Whether it’s due to an accidental finger swipe or an oversight, I encourage anyone who notices this to reach out via email so I can correct it. I’m always open to feedback and will act promptly to ensure the playlist aligns with my intentions.

Requesting Music Removal

While I respect listener feedback, I don’t remove music from my playlists simply because someone dislikes a song. There must be a legitimate reason for a track’s removal. I’m happy to listen to valid requests if they’re based on credible concerns, and I will review each request subject to common sense. If there’s a real issue, I’ll make the necessary changes, but music won’t be removed simply on a personal preference basis.

Acknowledging My Limitations

I try my best to stay informed on what’s happening in the music world, but with the wide range of artists I feature and the constant influx of news, it’s hard to keep up with everything in real time. I apologize if something controversial slips into a playlist, but once notified, I will take immediate action. I value the support of my listeners in maintaining playlists that reflect our shared values.

Navigating the Fine Line of Censorship

While I don’t fully agree with the sweeping nature of cancel culture, I understand that some level of censorship is necessary when it comes to protecting people from harmful or violent behaviors. My goal is always to share music that uplifts and inspires, without supporting or promoting content that could cause harm.

My Stance

I’m committed to responsible playlisting. I don’t participate in public shaming or cancel artists lightly, but I do take serious accusations into account and strive to maintain a balanced approach. If you ever come across something in my playlists that raises concerns, feel free to reach out to me. I want to ensure that my playlists reflect inclusivity, my love of music, and the values of our community.