Conservative TV commentator Bill O'Reilly recently threatened a boycott of Pepsi-Cola over its use of Ludacris in a commercial. O'Reilly finds the content of the rap star's work objectionable.

"Street rap has been around for so long that I can't say I'm shocked by Ludacris," he told his audience, "but I am shocked that a huge company such as Pepsi wouldn't do a rudimentary check on the guy's work before hiring him to star in a national ad campaign. I mean, it's hard to find a Ludacris song that isn't an obscenity-riddled glorification of the thug life."

All people have unique characteristics and talents, a drive that carries them to either success or failure. Either way, they have passion for their work. However radical or controversial a performer or style may be, every artist deserves credit and appreciation for his talent and effort. As seen in this comment by O'Reilly, society often judges others for their mistakes or their notorious persona, failing to appreciate their accomplishments. This is not to say an artist should be able to do whatever he wants. There is a certain amount of responsibility that comes with performing to millions of fans who may be influenced by the artist's work. But appearing in a Pepsi commercial is hardly a record deal, and it seems O'Reilly's complaint was attacking rap music in general, not Ludacris himself.

Because of O'Reilly's complaint, Pepsi dropped the ad deal, creating a PR blunder with Ludacris, the entertainment industry and the media in general. For a while, it looked as if the deal to avert a boycott against Pepsi had fizzled. Press releases indicated there would be a call for an immediate boycott, but in short order, both sides said they had resolved their differences.

Under terms of the deal, Pepsi will cough up $3 million to a charity set up by the rap star. At issue was Pepsi's decision last year to drop Ludacris as a spokesperson for the soft drink, because of his raunchy lyrics. However, Pepsi turned around and hired the wholesome Osbournes as company pop pitchers.

No one denies that Ozzy Osbourne and Ludacris are artistically distinct and of separate backgrounds and styles, but they are rather alike in their notoriety and ability to shock. Pepsi must have thought biting off the head of a bat is far more appealing to pop drinkers than Ludacris's "fish 'n grits." Now that's just ludicrous.

Where to cross the line of obscenity is relative. Because America is so diverse, everyone will be judged by a variety of moral standards. It was right for Pepsi to listen to the feelings of the public--after all, it is the public they are serving. But just because you wear baggy pants and rap about the streets (or wear black and bite off the head of a bat) does not necessarily mean you are a bad person. Artists are simply trying to express themselves, however notorious their work may seem.