Is It Time To Accept Kanye Back Into The Black Community?
This article represents the opinion of the author and doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of The Eastside Times, Eastside High School, or the Antelope Valley Union High School District.
2018 was filled with a lot of nonsense, but none was as disappointing as Kanye West’s descent into madness. Lots of black people, including myself, consider Kanye one of our most talented creatives. Because we held him so high, many of us felt betrayed to see him walking around wearing a MAGA hat.
“This hat,” said Kanye, “it gives me power in a way.”
At the time, Kanye said that he felt like Superman wearing the hat. He also said that no one could tell him what to do or believe. It’s not just his politics. Kanye also made a comment implying that slavery was a choice.
Many people think that Kanye was off his bipolar meds at the time, prompting people to call him crazy. But Kanye doesn’t see it that way. He claims that mental illness isn’t a disability, but rather a super power.
After spending some time away from social media, Kanye West appears to have had a change of heart.
“My eyes are wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in,” he said. “I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative.”
He had also given up the MAGA hat.
A lot of people can't seem to separate the musician from the music. Some students have stopped listening to his music, claiming that it is trash. These comments disrespect both Kanye’s craft and everything he's worked hard at. Others might not agree with all of Kanye’s views but believe it’s important not to exclude him from the black community.
“I’ll accept him back into the community because he’s not doing anything but acting up,” says Eastside student Ja’Lynn Simon. “But it’s hard to tell apart what he means and what’s fake.”
Eastside student Marcus Hayes agrees. “I don’t know how to feel about him,” he says. “He’s been on some stuff, especially when he said that slavery was a choice. He’s a good producer and all, but he needs to get things figured out.”
Marcus is right. Kanye’s music is revolutionary. He, Kid Cudi, and Frank Ocean have helped shape a generation.
Even a lot of rappers still respect him as an artist. YNW Melly, for example, says, “He’s still the GOAT (greatest of all time).”
Even now, a lot of people don’t understand Kanye West’s philosophy. They get confused and then think he’s the enemy. Yes, sometimes what he says doesn’t make sense, but he shouldn’t be labeled as crazy. In fact, one could argue that Kanye’s actually raising awareness about the importance of mental health.
So what do you think? If you’re black and have an opinion about whether or not Kanye should be accepted back, leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
