The hit Netflix series Squid Game has wooed audiences worldwide, and fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Gi-Hun’s horror-show misadventure in season two. The popularity of the show has prompted claims that its anti-capitalist undertones make it difficult to enjoy. Conservative irritation—and perhaps even boycotts—are deserved,  the argument goes.

While the undertones are clearly there (and do not require expertise in literary analysis or even a sour disposition to see), it is not obvious how people in a diverse society ought to engage with media and art that bites against their beliefs and convictions. Certainly some of the conservative complaints are more retaliatory in spirit than conviction-driven, but that aside it seems an unpleasant way to engage with the creative work of other minds.

So what if Squid Game has anti-capitalist themes? To suggest that all media we consume must pass a strict ideological litmus test is boring and exhausting, especially in cases where the content is not abrasive and doesn’t compromise the integrity of stories. It is not to say that transgender individuals must watch Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials or that Christians need to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race, but there is a plethora of content in between. Should liberals avoid The Highwaymen because of its conservative undertones? Should conservatives refuse to watch Avatar because of its anti-military and anti-industry messages?

Individuals have perspectives and paradigms. They view the world through this lens and tell stories through it too. There is a difference between content that, on one hand, shows the world through the eyes of others and, on the other hand, breaks the fourth wall to preach from a media pulpit. Most viewers recognize this line instinctively, and we should endeavor to appreciate the value of different perspectives in story-telling.

Expecting ideological purity in entertainment will only further bifurcate our culture and strip away the things that we enjoy together. It is worth sitting through a little anti-capitalist content to avoid this.