MacIntyre: Sam Smith reveals the death of transgression

Over the weekend, a very mediocre British musician by the name of Sam Smith attempted to generate controversy by dancing in satanic garb while performing at the Grammy Awards. Smith, who has declared himself non-binary, sang a song named “Unholy” along with trans performer Kim Petras while dancers in satanic horns, leather lingerie, and whips surrounded the duo on stage.

If you were unaware that the Grammys were broadcast, or that they even exist, you’re in good company. No one cares about these self-congratulatory media spectacles any more, and Smith’s performance was obviously designed as a desperate bid for relevance. In the past, transgression has been an easy way to generate outrage and gain attention for America’s degenerate cultural elites, but the only remarkable thing about Smith’s antics was how lazy, safe, and banal they really were.