Thanks you so much for sharing this, it really is a great perspective on “death of the artist”, and one I haven’t seen before.
I’ve always been firmly on the side of separation, but with the caveat that I won’t give money to people that will use it for evil.
But looking at your situation, is that tenable? Do I think your barber will use his income for evil? Not significantly. But the creation of his art, your haircut, includes a toxic process. These conversations are deleterious to your well-being so of course you should avoid them for practical and aesthetic reasons. But morally, what is the best action? I’d argue that a business that would host those kind of discussions is further normalizing bigotry, a real evil. Driving business there would be a moral wrong.
In the end, it’s like vantablack paint: The resulting art doesn’t justify the toxicity, even leaving aside the moral failings of its creator.
So there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your haircut, but don’t get another one there. Like with many beautiful things, it’s the getting that’s the problem, not the having.
Did you not see Elwes as the sneering antagonist / rival in Hot Shots?