I already saw what went down with the Black Lives Matter thread that was created during the George Floyd protests and bounced on that trainwreck then. It's one of the reasons this is one of the only threads I even fuck with anymore.
So... after this post, I'm just gonna fall back and let white dudes discuss their feelings about black artists and race relations again, as usual. Stay corny with this shit.
I'd agree with your post, except I thought Yeezus was trash, too. Guy was just doing shit Madonna style and mining lesser known artists like Death Grips and B L A C K I E, while selling it to people who didn't know better like he was innovative. He's basically Taylor Swift with that fanbase rushing to his defense creating narratives that aren't even from his own making, handing out excuses and rationale he didn't even ask for. "He's a genius and what he's 'REALLY' saying isn't that at all... there's a deeper meaning. He's not really discussing being unable to get into fashion week with zero experience." Every time, that clown will go do an interview immediately after and say, "this IS all about a fashion line!" And people still won't admit it.
"Saying slavery is a choice is really about ___ There are layers, see?" Even after dude comes out and apologizes and retracts, fools still try and defend the cornball shit using the old conspiracies. His shit has been boring forever.
So here's a theory...
White people love Kanye because they can identify with him. He brought a suburbanized style with soul samples that polished some of that soul off. He's an in to a culture that a lot of people may love but didn't always necessarily connect to in the deepest way, because they can't identify with it in a spiritual or experiential level. So now they don't want to let that go.
I won't assume anyone's race in here, but as a larger statement overall, if you are a white dude hyping Kanye and excusing this shit, that's a bold fucking move. If you feel that your views on this matter are necessary or relevant, that's reflective of the greater issue connected to it. And if you identify with this guy, the question to ask is, to what extent. He espouses racist shit and he is praised for validating these views and making them acceptable? Anyone who sees that as a positive, connects with that, and applauds him for it... there's only one way to interpret that shit. The fact that more people feel emboldened and protected enough to proudly stand at his side announcing their support for his words, because it's empowering, is an acknowledgment that it is empowering certain groups, while ignoring who that power is taken from. It's also a reflection of why it's dangerous. Normally, logic would suggest distancing oneself from shit like this, but this cornball is using his platform to encourage anyone in positions of power to reject justice, compassion and responsibility in favor of white supremacy.
What percentage is "despite" versus "because of"?
