I Miss the Old Kanye
Racial tensions in America are
currently at a peak. With issues like police brutality, voter identification
laws, and DACA on the forefront conflict is here with vengeance. The conflict
is more than just disagreements on policy; bigotry and racism have become more
commonplace. The current president has even paved the way for white
nationalists to feel comfortable displaying their beliefs out in the open. Donald
Trump took his time to condemn these groups in the past and because of this
many question his beliefs. Celebrities and pop culture figures have significant
amounts of influence and because of this they are often asked to weigh in on
these issues and use their platforms to help promote change.
Recently
the incredibly successful rapper Kanye West has come under media scrutiny for
his relationship and support of the current president Donald Trump. Many are
confused as to why the artist supports the president because of statements Kanye
has made in the past, his race, and the views he displays in his music. In the
past Kanye was politically active and even criticized President Bush on his handling
of Hurricane Katrina on national television. Kanye has also included lines
about the Black Lives Matter movement in his songs. These ideas he expresses in
his music are completely at odds with his support of the current president. Kanye
has tweeted saying he doesn’t agree with everything the president does, but it
is confusing how he could support him at all. The current president has made
many racist remarks and because of this many artists Kanye was friends with
have started to distance themselves from the rapper or ask Kanye what is going
on. The president on the other hand did not take long to capitalize on the
opportunity given to him.
Kanye’s support of Donald Trump is telling of the corruptive influence of Kanye’s success, his wealth, and all the praise he has received for his musical talent. In a recent video Kanye describes why he supports the president and it’s because Trump won the presidency despite everyone saying he couldn’t. That is not reason enough for someone to support someone who defies all the beliefs they previously held. The true reason for Kanye’s support of Donald Trump is because they are now both one in the same. Donald Trump and Kanye West are both caught up in their successes. They believe that because of the money they make and the fame they have acquired they are superior and are constantly looking for ways to validate those beliefs. Kanye’s transition from a man with humble beginnings to the fame monster he is today is a sad story of the corruptive influence of power. Unfortunately, Kanye’s transformation does not only impact himself. Many people feel that Kanye has betrayed them, everything he stood for in the past has been tarnished by what he is saying today. Our societies lust and desire for constant success and approval creates monsters. We must remember what we fight for, where we come from, and also be understanding of other people.
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