Plagiarism’s Grey Areas
Is plagiarism always bad? Being a devout follower of rules, and one who is incredibly disappointed to discover that as I “mature,” I see that the world is a lot more with the Grey Areas and that fewer moments involving humanity can be filed under the simpler heading of Black-and-White, I was surprised at my reaction to Jim Hamlyn’s post at Dyske. Stupid maturity. Being thirty-six sucks. The trend toward more thinking is becoming noticeable.
In the article/post, Hamlyn points out that all of us humans are basically moving forward intellectually, technologically, etc. by standing on the shoulders of our giant predecessors. True, and also incredibly efficient. We’d never get anywhere if every generation had to reinvent the damn wheel so they could leave the cave and design the Burj Khalifa.
Some borrowing, copying, and building upon is necessary. There are blatant examples of plagiarism (see below), as well as subtle, less conscious forms (see The Rolling Stones and K.D. Lang). Artists being inspired by one another usually works in everyone’s favor. Some critic out there probably loathes the Matisse/Picasso frenemy-ship, but I have always found the results fascinating.
Matisse:
Picasso:
Matisse:
Picasso:
Which is all to say that plagiarism in its building-upon form is necessary and can have amazing benefits. I dislike Grey Areas and adjustments to my thinking. They are so much work! *sigh* But I’ll persevere in order that I may keep my higher-thinking-mammal status.
Now I will clear my throat with authority and say, However, plagiarism in its most basic form is stealing. It is neither morally nor socially acceptable to take someone else’s work and present it as your own. Can you take someone else’s great idea, give them credit, and make it better? Absolutely. Can you take someone else’s great idea, put your name on it, and pass it around? No you may not, dumbass. Grow up and do your own work.
Further Reading:
Posted by Alexa Harrington
