I recently wrote an article called, “Harry Belafonte Was Right About Jay-Z.” The article went viral, generating a huge response from the Black community and beyond. A few readers were puzzled when I stated, “Kanye West…often laments about racism but strives to uphold the same materialistic values that help drive economic disparities.” Now, I will explore this more thoroughly.
There is no denying that Kanye West has had a tremendous impact on the music industry and pop culture. From the beginning of his mainstream career, Kanye has been critical of issues dealing with racism and the structures within it. His infamous, “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people,” statement caused a media frenzy and solidified the general sentiments of the Black community during the Hurricane Katrina tragedy.
Yet it seems with more fame and popularity, Kanye’s commentary has shifted from calling out racism because it’s wrong, to calling out racism because he didn’t get a seat at the table. This is the bigger issue.
The distinguished psychiatrist Frantz Fanon addressed this line of thinking in his 1961 classic Wretched of the Earth. In this literary masterpiece, Fanon deconstructed the colonized mind.
“The gaze that the colonized subject casts at the colonist’s sector is a look of lust, a look of envy. Dreams of possession. Every type of possession; of sitting at the colonist’s table and sleeping in his bed, preferably with his wife. The colonized man is an envious man.”
One cannot deny the lasting effects that slavery and colonialism has had on African Americans and people of African descent around the world. In a recent interview, Kanye vehemently states, “We’re all slaves!” I understand him to a certain extent. Indeed, there is a systematic glass ceiling that prevents people of African descent and people from low economic classes from upward mobility. Even when some rise up the ranks, there are still many barriers that prevent them from attaining certain goals because they do not come from a certain class (the old money class). This is where I understand Kanye on the fashion industry. They don’t want him and they never will. He will forever be categorized as “urban,” a description he is desperately running away from because he knows that this is another way of being pigeonholed and prevented from making a significant impact (beyond blackness and urbanism) in the fashion industry.
In some ways it coincides with W.E.B Du Bois’ description of double consciousness:
It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.
However, Kanye has time and time again demonstrated that he is displeased with the system solely based on the fact that he wants a seat at the table. His anger is steeped in envy rather than reform. And this is dangerous because we get away from transforming these hierarchical structures, to unknowingly reinforcing them.
For example, this is evident in his almost complete dismissal of Black models for his runway shows in Paris. He doesn’t seem too concerned about the pains of racism unless it’s affecting his own progress. Instead, he went with the flow and continued to allow for Black models to be denied a chance at equality. He also cheers on fashion brands that are known for their lack of diversity. The fashion brand Céline, was recently boycotted by the supermodel Iman, because of their refusal to hire Black models. Meanwhile Kanye West orders full wardrobes of Céline clothing, attends their shows and sports their brand.
Furthermore, he has a lack of respect for African American history. Much like the N-Word, no matter what way you look at it, the Confederate flag represents the deep rooted oppression of African Americans. In fact, it was used as a tool to remind us of our “place.” After the Brown v. Board of Education desegregation ruling, the state of Georgia started using the Confederate flag as a sign of the good ole’ days.
The painful past associated with the symbolism surrounding the flag and what it represents is no laughing or fashion forward matter. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, about 500 extremist groups still use the cross on the Confederate Flag as a symbol of white superiority. This example is tired and old but I can’t imagine someone wearing a Swastika for fashion. I wonder if Kanye will start wearing symbols promoting the South African apartheid era next.
When Kanye speaks about racism or slavery, he’s not doing it for the ordinary people, but instead for sensationalism. He is using the Confederate flag to generate buzz, no matter how hurtful it may be.
He also has an incessant belief that Paris is the only fashion mecca and it has to let him in. Kanye recently wanted to help the Louis Vuitton brand with his “influence.” They promptly rejected the offer.
Kanye has an obsession with getting acceptance, but not the “colored” kind. When the radio host Sway tried to encourage him to maybe create his own way, Kanye gave the now Twitter famous reply, “ You ain’t got the answers Sway.”
Indeed none of us may have the complete answers to racism and upward mobility. However, given his track record and current behavior, Kanye simply can’t be taken seriously on racism. With every new Kanye rant we are witnessing a public display of internal conflict consisting of Fanon’s “dreams of possession” and Dubois’ double consciousness. Ultimately, he cares more about having a seat at the table with the same people he accuses of racism and classism, than bringing about change.
Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor is the founder of OurLegaci.com. To reach JAM, email her at JAMAiwuyor@gmail.com.
Follow JAM on Facebook at Facebook.com/JAMAiwuyor.
Our Legaci with J.A.M. Aiwuyor 
Well put. I will share this with my students.
What a great article! U couldnt of been more right. Thank u for the insight. This is sad. Kanye is a sell out like many other musicians. They sold there soul to the devil for fame. He can care less about racism. He actually is promoting it.
“making his own way” would align with the idea that integration is not necessary, the system doesn’t need to be changed, and separation is the answer.
Yup. America teaches “Rugged Individualism”, while practicing collectivism (familyhood). Negroes try to practice individualism, and when they fail, scream RACISM!, not even knowing what is, nor what kind.
Black people in America have done this because integration was not/has not been welcomed by the ruling class.
I’ve been trying to articulate this Kanye situation over…and over…and over again, but you make my attempts look pathetic. Charlamange and Sway have done an awesome job with articulating what’s going on in Kanye’s head, but you offered an awesome synthesis of them both and added your accurate flair. Nice work.
How did Charlamagne and Sway illustrate what’s going on in Kanye’s head? By which means did they accomplish this feat?
As simple as Kanye is a 5th grader could do that.
Show me this fifth grader! I demand proof of your ludicrous assertion!
If the world is run by these people, how do you change it unless you are at the table? We can talk about making your own label and doing your own thing but that does not change the system. The ability to create a large level will always be marginalized unless you are at the table. We can say do it on your own all you want, but that doesn’t translate the same way getting to the table does.
Because when you sit at their table you have eat what is served and it changes you, because it’s poison. Barrack Obama is only the leader of white racist society and has to serve them as well. What we need a Black man to do that for is beyond me.
Let the church say AMEN .. I honestly do not get our incessant pursuit of white approval. I do not strive to be where I am not wanted, or begrudgingly accommodated
I have to agree with Thinker and ‘Ye on this one. Since when did you have to eat what others are eating at the table? When you’re at the table you tell the chef what you want. Kanye has always ruffled feathers and once at the table you think he’d stop there and “go along with the flow”? I think not.
When will the discussion of black and white end?
There are people either with integrity or without.
Before there were cars there were horses, most still had th walk.
Successful people should remember their roots……choose to make a difference.
YES.
Yes, intended for Thinkers comment.
In order to make change in this scenario of course you have to make your way to the table. Once Kanye arrives at this place he then plans to “change” the way things work. The same motivation that has pushed him to this point will continue him forward to the latter.
The issue everyone has with Kanye is trying to make sense of what he is saying. He doesn’t communicate his thoughts clear. Nor should you expect him to some artist do there explaining with through craft.
Set your own table and invite the guests that you want to attend. He has the ability and funding to do just that so he doesn’t truly want change if he just wants to join them.
Exactly …..the idea that we need be at their table is foolish……As African cans we once had our own grocery stores and other business….we have allowed oursleves to become so assimilated into this culture that we have actually lost all the economic freedom we once had…..Kanye is in a postion to do his own thing without the help of those who are keeping him out and who he seems to be yelling at or begging to let him in. Know your history bruh we gave them all that…..Start your own clothing line….hire your own designers and models…use the platform you have been given to promote your clothing company and grow your business to be a major competitor and let them come beeging you to sit at the table
you guys keep talking in metaphors.. about tables and seats and food and you’re skipping over details. many black people have started clothing lines and will continue to, making money selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans. kanye was speaking very specifically about trying to make quality luxury clothing and being priced out as far as the cost of materials which left him incapable of creating profit margins. the old boy system in fashion is real and kanye finds it racist that he is being relegated to walking advertisement when he feels that he’s an innovator. now you can debate whether you agree with that or not, but all this “table” talk is just empty rhetoric.
This comment and thought reminds me of what Aurdre Lorde writes about in her essay “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House.” The title alone sums it up well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audre_Lorde
This right here^
Start a new table. Most people in this world are people of color. However, colonized American thinking has the whole world on the Western standard. What if there was another standard? The Western ruling class are masters at taking the ideas of others and repackaging them as the standard in every industry. Stop selling out, lower the ego(s), join forces, and create an alternative. Who cares if it doesn’t “translate.” If Kanye or anyone else is truly as influential as they think they are then maybe they can create a large enough table for his ego and his pockets.
Hey guys. Kanye doesn’t want a seat. He wants his own table. with seats reserved for his loved ones. As another commenter illustrated, it looks something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D55rDDvu3n4.
Now, can we lay this stupid idea to rest? You know, because it’s stupid.
Hey guys. It’s me again. Kanye doesn’t want a seat. He wants his own table. with seats reserved for his loved ones. As another commenter illustrated, it looks something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D55rDDvu3n4.
Now, can we lay this stupid idea to rest? You know, because it’s stupid.
What he really wants is acceptance at that table so he can look down & say hey im the jordan of fashion etc. Motives are self serving & not about black. I blind fool could see
Kanye is a sick man in need of medication, at least Jay Z is intelligent, but in my opinion neither have any real musical talent. Kanye only says what he does to remain relevant. The man sold T-shirts worth about 25cents for $100.00 knowing that people who cannot afford them would buy them thus causing them to sink deeper into bondage, and somebody thinks that he is against racism.
I respectfully disagree with you. I can think of a number of pioneers in various industries that did not sit at a table but were able to create something on ” a large level”. For true innovation to take wings, it only requires the approval of those to which the innovation was created. A few people that come to mind: Steve Jobs, Prince, Russell Simmons (Def Jam Records), Bill Gates, Frank Zappa, Nikola Tesla, and I’m sure there are many more. These people created something where there was nothing, then allowed the consumer to decide whether they are relevant or not. I believe Sways argument to Kanye was, why not let your ideas, your brand, your concepts, all fly on their own merit, independent of the approval of others and see if you can gain the audience to consume your vision. What’s the quote from Field Of Dreams? “If you make it, they will come.”
Touché!!!!!! He wants white status and recognition..acceptance from people who still look down on us..who still dont respect for our many talents…who steal and re create these innovations such as hip hop..and in kanyes case leather sweatpants…had he ran with 1st insticncts on being a real trendsetter he would have created a buzz for something that he was the innovator of..so since he wanted LV or GUCCI..whomever, to co- sign his innovation..he missed the bus and now every other designer is capitoizing off of an idea that he claims to be his..priorities are totally mixed up. I can go on and on about this dude but you guys are covering alotof my feelings..and facts.
Perfectly put.
What a beautiful deconstruction and analysis. This was dead on. Great work!
Perhaps someone can now explain why Kanye has chosen to use a white Jesus in his show which is currently touring. Although brilliant at times, the young brother is confused!
if he uses any “Jesus” it would be sacrilegious. Choosing a “white Jesus” is not supporting the concept, but instead empowering “black Jesus” by not including him in his show.
What!!!!!!
Because Kanye, through his Yeezus promotions, has appropriated some of the most pervasive forms of white American iconography and put his black Kanye face all over it. Think about it, white Jesus, Confederate flag, Galloping stallions/those windows xp frontier shots/eagles/motorcycles/impregnating then marrying arguably one the most beautiful women in pop culture then putting on said motorcycle in the Bound 2 video, giving it thee most corny treatment and debuting it on the Ellen Degeneres show. He’s literally shitting on everything white america loves. Naming one song “Black Skinhead.” Then another “I am a God.” Then in new slaves raps about the relationship between the DEA and the Corrections Corporation of America and vows to ejaculate on their spouses in vengeance for their collusion.
It’s incredibly subversive and he’s far from confused. His clarity in execution is nearly flawless.
Well put Dee. His alignment ‘ just “Slightly” off.
if you’ve seen the show, you’d notice that he refers to the ‘jesus’ as ‘white jesus’ in a very irreverent way. the choice is deliberate and ironic. and it makes perfect sense to use the most common representation of jesus.
i’m so impressed. i actually called one of my mentors late one night saying ‘you know maybe if you would mentor manye… maybe he’d realize that he can do it. and he can do it without the europeans.’ i came up with a whole business plan for philadelphian elders to hold kanye a space in fashion and create a youth production house, and a design studio… smh. thanks for saying, reflecting. i love him still. i know it’s not easy to be in his position.
The only words that came to mind watching and hearing Kanye’s rants were he’s confused and in pain!!! I think his mother kept him grounded and sane. Since her death the changes obviously are significant, to say the least. I will pray for the young brother and hope his mother spirit touches him and brings him back to reality.
Who’s reality? What does this reality entail? Please elaborate.
I was just saying how detrimental his Mother’s death was to him. The Brother is obviously intelligent, just needs more focus and support from the right type of people.
I agree. I think this is when he started with the madness
Here’s what happened since rap and hip hop first gained the attention of the public eye (mainly focusing on the youth):
Step 1, Glorify what we already have through heart felt, emotional lyrics, positive or negative. This includes promoting clothing trends to allow for something easily obtainable in low income neighborhoods “over sized clothes that can be acquired via charity, or even from an older sibling “. This also includes sex, drugs, and violence.
Step 2, bad mouth all existing high fashion lines aimed at the teenage public that don’t fit the above description. Promote sex and lack of inhibition. Make drugs easily available to the masses “Corrupt the kids”
Step 3, promote stereotypes based on genres of music and what the typical listener would wear via internet and Hollywood. Promote “RX prescription drugs” to diminish the boundaries between “acceptable” an “illegal” Promote violence and discredit the judicial system. Discredit the news channels. Destroy the morals and values set forth by our America’s founding fathers. Discredit existing religions.
Step 4, promote specific designer lines, different from the main stream fashion that was previously devalued. Push for decriminalization of illegal drugs, and publicize overdose and misuse of legal RX drugs. Promote new values including sex, anarchy, new religion, new definitions of previously existing words. Encourage people to view and indulge in “non-book” forms of entertainment.
Step 5, Generate new genre’s o music that combine and mix genres, allowing for mix between age, religions, sexuality, fashion, religion, etc…Promote wide scale acceptance and glorify everything America’s founding fathers would abhor. Bombard the public with choices between “wrong” and “also wrong” so that the youth unknowingly chooses a “wrong” and deems it “right”.
INTERNET, allows for computers to replace the books that would otherwise speak the past. Blogs social media networks redefine words and create new words because the “dictionary” or “google” shows that “this is the answer most commonly accepted by people as the truth.” Sex can be views, purchased, and facilitated through specific “underground” websites. Drug paraphernalia can be easily obtained along with a set of instructions to manufacture drugs from household items…
Rap is no longer mainstream, but instead mainstream is rap “the culture, not the genre”. Kanye is the god of the new religion. He is married to a lady known for a public sex-tape, and she represents the “not so virgin Mary”. Monogamy is replaced with polygamy. Weed is easily accessibly and highly accepted.
What role does alcohol play? reduces inhibitions, increases libido, and most importantly encourage everybody to get through the “previously productive work week” just to get a chance to “party” and indulge in the new carefree world.. Oh and allow Kanye to keep us all stupid and willing to pay way too much for the same Nike shoes that Nike’s people said were no lnger marketable.
Wow! The most powerful is Step 5 because those choices eliminate a moral compass…..
Seriously?!
I can’t, no I won’t even begin to explain how problematic it is attempt to apply this slippery slope of moral doom to an art for created by historically, structurally and institutionally disenfranchised peoples.
At best “Hip hop reminded us of confidence” at worst it mirrors the white patriarchal structure of America as a whole thus illustrating how pervasive and ugly it’s presence truly is.
I think that one of the most beautiful things about this country is having the ability to express an opinion no matter how unpopular that opinion may be. I do not agree with everything Kanye has said or all of his actions. However I aware enough to see it for what it is. It seems to be appropriate to say that Mr. West is upset because he doesn’t have a seat at the table. I think he has a right to want to achieve that if it is his goal. As consumers we have the right not to buy anything we feel is a detriment to our culture, or anything that represents us in a negative light. It seems to me that the brother is surrounded by yes men, people that are afraid to tell him the truth. Unfortunately this is what consumers respond to controversy and negativity. If you want to see a change in how we are represented stop supporting it with sound bites, and spending money. In the entertainment business any press is good press, it all just helps to boast a brand that people love to complain about, and can’t stop talking about.
Of course he deserves a seat at the table – double consciousness or not. I think his interviewers (Charlemagne and Sway) haven’t reached his level of monetary and creative success, and don’t have similar aspirations, so they can’t relate to his ideas in a sense. And I think this article furthers the overall mission/ media agenda to discredit him as an egostistical, crazy person. No. If he breaks through the glass ceiling – in whichever industry he chooses, he paves the way for other black men and women. His thinking outside the box paves the way for others to do do. Why not? That’s bigger than hiring black models. I hope he wins at his goals and continues to create what HE wants to.
This.
I disagree, Kanye is not aspiring to be a house nigger.
Kanye West needs Jesus.
Yes. One of the most brilliant comments on this thread.
Yes. So brilliant. Everybody go home now. Jacqueline has the answers. It’s Jesus everybody. You hear? No more comments. The answer is Jesus. Because Kanye doesn’t have Jesus as implicated in Jacqueline’s comment. Does anybody have Jesus? Because Kanye needs him. Does anybody have the number to the main line, I heard Jesus is always there. Perhaps this information could facilitate Kanye finding Jesus. Because it’s clear now, as indicated by Jacqueline’s brilliant comment, that Kanye needs him.
@smn so I’m absolutely positive your in Kanye’s payroll fess up!
Yep. Payroll P. My new album “Your comment is stupid” is coming out Nevruary 33rd on C-section/G.O.O.D. Music Records. You should check it out.
I do agree with your article on many levels although one issue you brought up could actually been seen as a slightly positive thing. Kanye ‘s wearing of the Confederate Flag is a step that we as African Americans should take. If the history of the flag itself may be seen as something hurtful and represent fear, then why not wear it to neutralize such an effect. If all black people were to suddenly start wearing the flag, on clothing and flying it ourselves, we as a people would change the meaning behind it and it would no longer have such a hold on us. Many people today are against the flag but don’t even really have a full grasp of what it represented. We cant change history, the fact is that the flag will always exist and that there will always be groups of people who are against our race. But this will send a message to the community of people who claim not to be racist or malicious in any way when choosing to fly the flag, it will show them we too existed during the time of this flag and therefore own it as much as anyone else. Why not make the flag stand for something much more. Then the hillbilly backwards thinking people who support it will have to come up with a new way to show their ignorance.
I like your thinking. ^^ A problem I foresee, on the other hand, is other races using the “N” word to “neutralize” it. Know what I mean?
No.
Ill wear the X as in Malcolm X. Never that flag.
Not much difference. Just coming from opposite applications. Although,”X’s” do symbolize intersections. Irony is funny like that.
@Yasmeen
Appropriation requires power, influence and control. Erasing or revising history requires the same. Ignorant whites who claim the flag as a symbol of their heritage do so with the understanding that by “heritage” they mean ownership and subjugation of Africans. You and every Black person you know could show up at work in a confederate flag jumpsuit every day of the year and you’d never make a dent in their mindset because you cannot muster the institutional clout to revise history.
However you can counteract their ignorance with your own symbols and cultural signs. That’s what Afros, clenched fists and the phrase “Black Power” did. They were cultural signifiers that existed without the approval or permission of white people. They existed separate from white culture and caused consternation within American society. Why? Because they were self affirming generators of pride and community. That’s also what hip hop promised early on- until it was appropriated. That’s what R&B promised as well until it was watered down and infiltrated. White men own the institutions that present / distribute this art form so it was easily appropriated and repackaged leading us to believe that Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Macklemore and Miley Cyrus are the most capable representatives.
The confederate flag is not your symbol. The word nigger is not your word. You can’t “control” them because you can’t control the mindset that created them. Who cares if a white man who controls the institutions that shape your life FLIES a flag or SAYS a demeaning word? What is important is what he THINKS about you and how his perception manifests socially. If he refrains from saying nigger in your presence but treats you like one- what have you won? Likewise, if you wear a $200 dollar t shirt purchased from the descendants of your enslavers with the symbol of your dehumanization on it what message are you sending and what battle are you fighting?
Stated plainly- the flying of a flag represents allegiance to the ideas represented by that flag- not a disdain for what the flag represents.
Nah. The Nazi swastika is an Eastern spiritual symbol associated with nothing involving genocide or war. Hitler appropriated it and now, socially, it means something completely contrary.
Symbols are malleable, plain and simple and can be appropriated and re-appropriated ad infinitum. Of course, with each appropriation, it becomes further removed from the truth which ironically, is what has lead us to this juncture.
@smn|phx
Re your post about Hitler appropriating the swastika. Respectfully, you’ve missed the major point of my post- it’s the very first line.
“Appropriation requires power, influence and control. ”
When we possess these attributes we’ll be able to reassign and appropriate symbols. Until then we’d be better off creating our own.
I read that. I agree and disagree. Yes power is required, however, every group has power. Power is not a finite resource, it is fluid and circular.
“power is diffuse rather than concentrated, embodied and enacted rather than possessed, discursive rather than purely coercive, and constitutes agents rather than being deployed by them…”
Hip Hop has always been about flipping the script – and cultural symbols are a part of that. Only someone with Kanye’s cultural influence could attempt to co-opt a symbol such as the Confederate flag in the popular mind. So this is Kanye expressing the spirit of Hip Hop in a way that he is uniquely suited and positioned to do. I respect those who disagree with it and who are uncomfortable with it. To be honest I’m a little uncomfortable with it myself. But since when has Hip Hop ever been in-step with “African-American History”? Only in retrospect.
Jessica, you must’ve completely missed the 80’s & 90’s hip-hop scene. Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, KRS1, Public Enemy, Arrested Development and even NWA, NOT only were in-step with AA history but they helped create it along the way as well. They were storytellers about what they saw in the AA community. So how can that NOT be, “in-step?”
Kanye was an innovator with his music and he should take a look back to remember how he made it to the top. It wasn’t by demanding anything but by hard work and proving that he’s worthy of being given a shot. Heck, now he’s got enough money that he should set his own table and send out his own invitations. Personally, he’s nothing but a clown these days, searching for any way possible to stay relevant.
Stay relevant? When did he lose relevance? Last I heard, he had a successful tour going on.
Yes, stay relevant! I guess you’re a fan? His music is NOWHERE near as innovative and raw as it was when he started. He’s a, “headline grabber” to the nth degree. Complains about the spotlight but is always seeking it. Complains about racism but does things to promote/incite it, not curb it. Please enjoy that concert, I know he won’t get another one of my dollars for his music because he’s become a clown these days.
P.S. Terry, I personally witnessed Master P getting, “blown” by two white women, so just because he didn’t have one on his arm in public, doesn’t mean he didn’t go there.
You are simultaneously right and wrong. Yes, he wants to stay relevant, because that is what empowers him to evoke change. However, this is not his effort to stay relevant. This is his effort to move beyond needing to be relevant to evoke change.
“Hip hop has never been in step with anything except crime, violence, and drugs”… U gotta be freaking kidding me…smn|phx is absolutely insane for that statement. Thank you for pointing out great artist who empowered,uplifted and entertained in a positive manner. I love hip hop and refuse to let that slide..im truly appalled but truly thankful that ppl such as yourself know the truth and haven’t forgotten the roots of the culture that i live for.
Lauryn hill …that thing
Queen latifah..U.N.I.T.Y
Everyone on self destruction..self destruction
Kid n play… aint gon hurt nobody
Bone thugs..crossroads
Gangstarr…just to get a rep
LudA..runaway love
Jah rule…rainy days
Nas ….i know i can…just to name a few…crime violence and drugs…FOH!!!!!! Pure ignorance at its best!
Im livid….foolish comments like smn|phx’s contribute to why hip hop is judged..kanye is part of a major problem in hip hop. He still wants white status and approval and wont stop until reaches his delusional goal of sitting at the table. Sadly we will continue to consume and support brands that get together and “celebrate Africa” by stylishly arriving in blackface (D and G)….no black models..celebrate in blackface..harass you while shop for ridiculously priced items in barneys..THEY DONT LIKE US! THEY DONT WANT US IN THEIR CREATIONS.. LET ALONE AT THEIR TABLE! OUR BLACK DOLLARS MEAN NOTHINGGGGG TO THEM..Kanye amongst many other rappers are poisoning a very unenlightened youth who cares less about anything worthy of intelligence..all they care about is yeezuS dropping yeezys for 300 or whatever the ridiculous price….uggggh sorry i ended up ranting ..but this here..this here is a topic that i am passionate about…
Hip hop has never been in step with anything except crime, violence, and drugs. I appreciate the ones who keep it real, and are not owned by the big corps like Master P. He also gives to the community, and doesn’t think he has to have a white woman to fit in. So your point is?
Terry, I humbly disagree. Hip hop’s association with crime, violence, and drugs changed in the late 1980’s with N.W.A. and The Getto Boys. Before the “gangster rap” era you would be hard pressed to find any artist promoting violence of any type. The real question is why is this culture of crime and violence the only thing that’s promoted? I say follow the money…….
Terry, where were you in the early days of hip hop. Rapping was a lot more conscious and positive back then. Even when it wasn’t positive, Rappers spoke about their experiences and what they saw, but not everyone rapped about violence and drugs EVEN THOUGH the black community was being ravaged by the crack and then AIDS epidemic.
I mentioned the wrong person in my comment above responding back to SeanDMan67.. I was stating my thoughts on your comment about hip hop not being in step with anything except crime violence and drugs…I’m saddened by that comment..as if HIP HOP didn’t come from a good place…yes your statement is very relevant …for todays tainted remains of what we call hip hop ,but come on..to categorize a whole culture that has done so much for people all around the world…POSITIVE THINGS..
I think Kanye got what so many people in the Black community get when they speak about what others are thinking and feeling. Crickets chirping in and no support. When he said that GB didn’t care about Black people, everyone was trying to get as far away from him as possible. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of speaking up for a groupofpeople who all had the same concerns but when it came time to address them collectively everything was fine and I was flabbergasted. So now I stand up for what I believe in and when they have a problem they have to address it themselves. Only a idiot would stick their neck out twice for folks that’s not willing to stand beside them when they get the ball rolling.
Nah. you gotta do it anyway. Kanye has actually addressed this in saying that, and I’m paraphrasing here, “even people who don’t understand what I’m saying, or support me will still benefit from what I’m trying to accomplish.”
Pardon…i totally blacked out about something that TERRY stated and referenced your name..please disregard
I was just talking about this topic tonight. It seems celebrities like him and Lauryn Hill like to “call wolf” and often it just ends up nullifying racism that really happens in the eyes of people who don’t see it but only hear these comments made by “important people.” I really enjoyed this article; btw, I’m white.
What constitutes having an ‘experience’? Seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and/or smelling. I can not believe that a soul who has not ‘experienced’ racism exists. Everybody sees it. Simply put, it is everywhere. Some just choose to ignore it because they believe that it isn’t ‘happening’ to them. They don’t realize that it is in fact ‘happening’ to them because they are a part of the entire experience.
I also enjoyed this article; btw, I’m black.
I think that you missed the writer’s point and misinterpreted some things. I’d venture that she’s not saying that he’s crying wolf, but suggesting that he redirect his focus.
Also, those who do mislabel problematic thoughts and actions as racist cannot “nullify” the system that is properly labeled racist. They can only distract and confuse .
This thread is distracting and confusing: btw, I think I’m Big Meech.
Here is my whole problem with Kanye, as smart as he allegedly is, and as talented of a singer and producer he is, why does he still spout of ignorance? From the Taylor Swift incident, until now? Some of the comments above, I respect where they are coming from, but to say “more black people should wear the confederate flag, to hopefully numb the pain..” … how shall I put it, I understand the sentiment, but if I were to say allow white people to use the -ga version of the no no word, and only allow the -er version be used as a hate crime, I would be all for it, but I think both sides of this would disagree vehemently. Generations of young white kids to teenagers starting in the late 80’s and all through the 90’s got used to calling each other the -ga version of the word, and still do. Yet unless you have some “Dr Dre Rules” in effect with your black friends, it’s a true game breaker even if you are singing along to the music that is playing. Yet, as white males we have to endure every black comedian calling us crispity crackity crackas, rednecks, etc. … but even if we mean it in the friendly way a white person says “dude, man, or bro..”, we use -ga even if there was no reason to take it the wrong way, it’s taken the wrong way.
When a man, who is talented, no matter his race, uses race as his very being in today’s age, it’s ignorant and selfish and self serving. Especially when they are a mutli millionaire and hang out with their respective worlds elite, ala Jay-Z and Beyonce.
I am sorry, but most of my best and most loyal friends and confidants over the years have been black/african-american and I just don’t see color unless it’s brought to my attention. And Kanye, the man has issues beyond what us normal Americans can comprehend.
if you dont see colour, how did you know your friends were black?
Captiain, you missed the whole point of his comment, they only thing you saw was color. Open your eyes and read it again!!
” I can’t imagine someone wearing a Swastika for fashion.”
Well, you forgot about that Sid Vicious now, didn’t chya?
The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everyone”. = Thug Life
mmmmn … as one who was in the fashion industry and had an inside seat into that world … it is run with a very tight, rigid hand and is not the industry to go into for fun and games… higher stakes than the art world and I think because Kanye is so often misunderstood – cuz like most Black folks he cannot articulate himself as well as we would like him to – he is also misunderstood… I know where he is coming from but I do not stand behind any of this public outing and continual bashing of Black people everyday in this new social media age where any and all things can go viral… Spike Lee vs. Tyler Perry, incites a racist tweet to send blacks to the wrong address to kill George Zimmerman and is now having to sell property to pay the couple off. Harry Belafonte vs JayZ and vice versa, Pebble vs TLC, Mariah vs Niki, Russel Simmons vs Harriet Tubman and this lady here … How about focusing all this energy on making jobs and creating something tangible people – we the people who do not have millions of dollars can touch!!! These folks are supposed to represent the talented 10th and we know that ish doesn’t work and never has if the people do not build and sustain an infrastructure for others to continue to build on. Like say Magic Johnson does but his wife created a jeans line with the help of a rich and famous white male fashion insider – a line too expensive for poor folks to buy… So they go try to steal them… Too many well to do about nothing and if that is what they want to be about – so let them but why hate on those who most would change places with in a heart beat and turn around and do the same… This sista included!!! 😉 just a thought loll
this sista as in the writer of our legaci
Unfortunately there is a lot of narrow minded views or opinions being provided here and a lot of this is purely based on our upbringing, how we was taught to think about people, different people other than ourselves. Its a shame how we fail to fully grasp the bigger picture. Just like its a shame Kanye is unable to clearly get his points across in a manner that is less chaotic.
The guy has aspirations, dreams and a lot of confidence, where is his support? Doing it on his own is a fools errand, we say this because we don’t understand the industry that goes behind the fashion we see, along with many other things in life that we take for granted.
One thing you got to hand to him is he is honest about his place in life and where he is and where he wants to go.
This
http://youtu.be/BeM49Ol2bM0 …who opens that door?!
This article makes for a very good read but gives Kanye way too much credit. I don’t understand when he was put on a pedestal as a spokes person against black people issues? His is just a point of view not facts, unfortunately for all the “revolutionaries” his point of view has changed. lets move on
Was the confederate flag created to promote slavery/racism, or to promote southern secession and pride? That pride of course included holding slavery. But can we stop acting like its the south that was racist and not the North, and pretend if we kill this flag we kill racism? Blacks weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms as soon as they moved North. The people were just as racist, they just didn’t profit from slavery as the southern elites did. To many who bare the flag today, it is a representation of southern pride, not necessarily racism/bringing back slavery. It really is no different than baring the actual American Flag, because under that flag too (with its previous versions) could also be considered a symbol of historic racism.
And the Kanye bashing continues.
Oops! Your ignorance is showing. Get a clue!
Get two.
Great article. It is the inability, not of the society to accept us, but to get us to understand our creativity and ability to build society. He is looking for approval he does not need. No need to eat at the king of this worlds table when a table has been prepared for you by your Father
Great job, really, a fine piece of writing! Kanye, Jay-Z (and his wife Beyoncé), and Russell Simmons are only the tip of the iceberg, very visible to be sure, but they are leading an ignorant army of (mostly) men who would promulgate this bullshit in their ignorance and greed. Their choices to ignore and participate in continuing institutional/ structural racism and in fact to become pushers of a different dope, is all the more insidious because of it’s economic disempowerment despite the marketing message. This is what I see as the downfall of hip-hop. It is a soul-less genre with no positive messages anymore, certainly not with the likes of XXL, and images of scantily clad black women being paraded around an awards stage watched by millions with dog-collars on a leash to the song, “It’s Hard Out Here for A Pimp,” and Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” among the legions of others with their barely understood denigrating recitative or the simplest melody sung ad nauseam that passes for ‘music.’ I have no interest in helping that machine and wish that more people were truly aware.
For all of the education Mr. West has acquired both formal and informal his lack of clarity on racism/white supremacy will be his downfall if not corrected. Neely Fuller and Dr. Frances Cress Welsing should be on his Christmas book list.
You ain’t got the answers Jess
Well played.
WHO TF cares what this conceited ignorant racist loser has to say?
His “music” is awful, his attitude is nasty, his self-image is far from his
actual useless reality. No wonder he is so into fashion. It’s the Emperor’s New Clothes-syndrome.
As long as his paid minions are terrified to disagree, he is fine.
Sounds oddly familiar (Obama).
One of the main reasons the Fashion Community did not accept Kanye, as they have done other celebrities and their essays into high end clothing lines, like P Diddy’s Sean John (at its peak), or Victoria Beckham or the Olson Twins’ The Row is because the collection was shite.
Not because of racism. People were excited to see the collection. And editors were kind in their initial appraisals, as to encourage him. He chose to present his collection in BIG way, with lots of hype, and ultimately there was no there there. He would have been better to have started with a small collection, worked to build an actual consumer base for his collection, as the Olsons have done, and not just hoped he could sell silly fur pieces based on his name and record sales, and solidify relationships with retailers.
This was not the case. And now we have to hear that racism felled his business. Not exactly.
To be honest, I feel like most of people’s issue with Kanye is his lack of tact. He approaches things in a way that turns people off which is understandable…but he’s right. I feel like people are encouraging him to lower his expectations and his goals. He’s much done the ground up portion…he’s got his tour merchandise in Pac Sun he’s got the adidas deal. To really make an impact you do need a seat at the table…somebody has to help you out and give you support to do things on a grand scale. Fashion is an industry that requires a lot of physical labor and material. It’s not like music you need major capital and backing. It’s like trying to start your own steel company or trying to get into home computers after ibm, microsoft, and apple. You need some sort of backing from the old guard.
Jessica, I am a fan. I am not a fan because you are black. I would be a fan in spite of the color of your skin. I am a fan because you are worth my time. I am a fan because when I read your work, I am instantly engaged; I am instantly stirred to respond emotionally, passionately, and intelligently. I am a fan because you lend me time to think, and I can borrow thoughts from you and those you admire; and I can share my owe thoughts. You stop being you—you stop inspiring me to respond, and I am gone. Yes, and you can’t stop being black, and still, I would be gone. In other words, you are insisting that Kanye stop being Kanye in his present presence of mind. How is that at all possible, black or not?
Because Kanye is black, he is not by any measure or balance entitled to be a beacon of black liberation above self-economical-liberation—by whatever measures and balances he recognizes, understands, and accepts. While it is not your intention, I sense that you’re inadvertently doing to Kanye the very same thing that many others have done to us in our strides to claim relevance and/or reverence—setting standards by which we can only fail, because we are different and we are the same: limited by what we recognize, understand, and accept about ourselves—our strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and that distant reasoning to change that comes to many owned by the sincerity of greatness, in spite of obstacles.
Remember Malcolm X, he started by responding to his pain and then limitations, by hating the oppressors skin color and inevitable power over everything.
Malcolm X: “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”
“We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.”
“Why am I as I am? To understand that of any person, his whole life, from
Birth must be reviewed. All of our experiences fuse into our personality. Everything that ever happened to us is an ingredient.”
Jessica, I know change; it is not easy; it is not instant; and one should never allow their change to be measured and balanced by others. Change is measured by he who seeks to know change. And when change is earned via individual ownership, it becomes a constant stay-of-being: thoughts-to-words and words-to-actions—it becomes overt. Kanye has earned economical change, we can only hope that he earns freedom.
“Hence I have no mercy or compassion in me for a society that will crush people, and then penalize them for not being able to stand up under the weight.” – Malcolm X
Man, that last quote tho…..
Applaud this man.
Um… shit. I think your response was better than mine.
Much Love to you my brother.
I don’t think a “systematic glass ceiling” or Kanye’s being categorized as “urban,” is keeping him from being accepted and making an impact in the fashion world. If that was the case Marc Ecko, Puff Daddy and Jay Z would never have made it in the fashion world. I think his arrogance is holding him back. Just because your on top in the music industry doesn’t mean you can walk into the fashion world and start off on top. You have people in that world, just like the hip-hop world, who have spent a lot of time and hard work to get to the top, so of course your not going to be accepted simply because you have a well known name in another space. Like every other industry you need to pay dues before your taken seriously, before people put their reputation on the line for supporting you. Sometimes you have to start off on the bottom and work your way up, regardless of how much success you have hand in another field. Instead of leather sweatpants he might need to start silk screening some t shirts in his garage. I don’t know Kanye personally but I would go out on a limb and say that he probably thinks he is above that. To write off his nonacceptance in the fashion world as the result of a racist “old money class” is a lazy argument.
I’m not sure why Kanye doesn’t look to link up and fund/partner with some up and coming designers. This seems to be a way to “Backdoor” into the fashion industry. If the European/Caucasian powers that be don’t want to work with you directly start your own thing. They’ll come knocking eventually. Then you really make them pay!!!!
In the end Kanye West (and Jay-Z) are nothing more than creative capitalists … their concern is not the exploitation of Black people or the effects of racism … their concern is only expanding and exploiting their markets.
That doesn’t make any sense. Kanye West is an artist. At the end of the day he is all about promoting his image and brand. So everything this man says or do is marketing. Talking about racism is appealing because he is voicing the concerns that many people feel. On the flip side I am wary of his motives. As Charlamagne points out, Kanye is a walking contradiction. He talks down corporations, yet he is going to them and trying to mold his own. So there is exploitation of blacks when you are rapping about New Slaves but you aren’t walking your talk.
I think this writer is confusing Kanye’s genuine concern with the need for ego stroking we ALL HAVE. We all want OUR THOUGHTS heard.
The writer cant disagree, mainly because SHE WRITES A BLOG….
Note she didnt describe when and how he crossed from activist to me-avist.
Growing up around Pill Hill Chicago, those of us who fist considered ourselves “conscious” rode the middle road between righteousness and prosperity when properly in tune with Self
We disagreed with injustice done in the name of gain , not a person’s Benz itself.
It’s not Kanye’s fault that mankind is greedy and always has been and will be. Yet I dont see him promoting foolishness, just nice things.
It hurts my heart to see people accuse famous folks of supporting materialism when the simple truth is we all want “nice things” and would buy them if possible.
Just some thoughts.
In other words to criticize Ye for wanting a “seat at the table” as you write a blog from the very same table more or less is hypocrisy….
I agree! He said that on Bfast club too. Like of course you want nice thing! You don’t want to be embarrassed.
@Spiral – WOW, I HEAR that.
I am always torn on how to feel about Kanye. My gut tells me that he is definitely a genius and even that he has the potential to make a great change in the world, but my eyes and ears tell me something completely different. He continues to underwhelm me as time goes on. Someone mentioned that the passing of his mother may have been a catalyst for this egotism, but one part of me thinks that it all might be an act. His behavior is so erradic and bizarre, it’s hard for me to believe that it’s genuine. Some part of me thinks that he’s doing all of this for attention/media.
Very well written, Can’t say that I totally agree though. There is an assumption in this article that makes it seem as if Kanye is only doing this for himself. We’ll never know if he is trying to open doors for others unless he cracks one of these ceilings. He was reckless during the Sway interview but I wonder what your take is on his interview at Power 105 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1W_QWDWHiI
I don’t think she even watched either of those. That is very evident from her blog that she missed his two most important interviews in years.
Beautifully written post. I love the DuBois and Fanon excerpts, as well. Kanye is the perfect example of a person that is a revolutionary when it’s beneficial for him, or to be trendy… Yet he secretly has meetings with those that he rebels against, and then pillow talks with their daughters at night. I hope that he may find a realistic truth of who he is one day.
I disagree. Did you watch his Breakfast CLub and Sway interviews? I would have agreed with this BEFORE those two interviews. I think he wore the confederate flag in an attempt to neutralize its meaning. His point was that the conferderate flag will only continue to symbolize pain if we let it and if we are letting it, then it will continuously be used to push our buttons.
Kanye’s message is now, he is tired of people getting rich off of them. He is tired of white corporations using tastemakers and urban culture shifters to get a bigger check but cutting them out of the bigger picture. In short, he is tired of being a worker. He knows the bosses have lost their touch. This is why we have Alicia Keys for Reebok. Kanye West for Nike. etc. When you get into the Givenchy’s, the arguement weakens a little bit. However, I don’t see a problem with knowing that you are more than a taste maker, you are a culture shifter. Jay-Z had many drinking Cristal. Then they got caught being racist. He rapped about it and switched brands. Look what Diddy was able to do for Ciroc. Kanye West knows he has this SAME power. So what he WANTS to do is say , “Okay, you cut me out, I’ll make your sh-t not hot.”
Only in those 2 interviews do we find out that he doesn’t price his own items. He took a lot of sh* for the price of the Cruel Summers given he wants to create affordable items for everyone. did Guiseppe ever stand up and say, “Don’t blame Kanye, we priced these shoes.” Nope, Kanye just took it. This is why he wants to be in control of his product. Nike won’t even give him royalties. Who wouldn’t be tired of being a pawn?
There’s nothing wrong with pointing out that there is strength in numbers. It is a strong message to the urban community. This article had a definite slant. It shoul dhave been written six months ago, though. It seems ill-researched at best. Especially given his most recent interviews. Please do better. If you’re going to villianize someone. Anyone can respect opinions, but this was very very shallow. Shallow examples and relationships. You have to do a little better.
Well put
Reblogged this on amBETCHious.
You bring up great points but telling Kanye to not worry about Big Table is like telling Rosa Parks she doesn’t need the bus.
He wants a seat at the table to show that it shouldn’t be reserved for only one type of people.
hey to the retarded author of this article! THE SWASTIKA A HOLY EMBLEM OF OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE! HINDUS..BUDDHISTS..SIKHS..AMERICAN NATIVES! but since you black live in a b+w and forget there are other peoples around you wouldnt know that! its dummies like you who help to keep the swastika in nazi hands! thanx retard!
Looks like somebody feels left out. Would you like to trade places?
I owe an apology or at least an adjustment.
I listened to these two interviews again and I have to say that I understand Kanye. I think he represents idealized young Black America at the top of their game and the end of the rainbow- the road, and the story. I’m making a point of saying “young” Black America because plenty of his older contemporaries have made the same journey and simply settled when they came to the same fork in the road he’s come to. He’s made the incredible money and he’s worked with his “idols” and he’s been able to purchase whatever he wants. Now all of a sudden his fame won’t buy him what he yearns for- artistic respect and freedom, more time, power and autonomy. He’s at the place where all of the young boy/young man bullshit gives way to the real world. He’s at a place where his predecessors usually take up “white” hobbies and fall in line with their financial advisors and begin “investing” in mainstream endeavors (worlds away from where they grew up physically or politically). I think Kanye imagined that he’d be able to stay true to the game and simply keep growing using the same vocabulary and the same work ethic. I think he thought that he’d be able to simply say, “the street loves me so you got to love me too” and actually have that count for something. He thought that the love and support of a marginalized audience would always be recognized as legal tender. Nope- it doesn’t work that way. The real world is vicious, selective and racist and you got to bring much more to get a seat at the table he covets.
You can almost see the ideas careen off the inside of his head and flash behind his eyes as he struggles to verbalize what he thinks nobody in the room seems to grasp. Simply put, he’s got much more to say about the world and his journey through it and he knows that millions of other black and brown people do as well- but they will never ever get the chance. His frustration is palpable and painful to watch. It’s the realization that his skill set hasn’t adequately prepared him to do battle with this brand of devils that drives him to rant like he’s unhinged. This same realization makes him shout his resume and equate his accomplishments to various white men (always white men) who sit atop their fields. This makes him sound like an egomaniac but he’s really only mimicking the same thing he sees his white heroes do- overstate their influence to position their brand and legitimize their dominance. He’d like his audience to take up the charge with him but their battles will always be pale in comparison.
He’s chosen fashion as his entry point but he might as well have selected the space program or time travel. It would be too simple to say he’s come up against the glass ceiling- because in truth he hasn’t. He can enjoy a long, fruitful career doing exactly what he’s doing right now with a little elevation- but he won’t settle for that. He wants to be rewarded for being artistically superior to others and the reward he wants is not only monetary, he also wants power. That’s where his feelings get hurt and his game plan falls apart. White billionaires are not in the business of “helping” to create Black billionaires (not unless they can control them). White billionaires will happily create millionaires and sign their checks and guide their investments but they will not bequeath or share equal power. In listening to him you naturally wonder why he doesn’t understand this. And then in the next moment you realize that he does and he’s simply scared to death and angry as hell. Fear usually makes you do one of three things- run like a bitch, give up and die or swing back with whatever you can get your hands on. He’s swinging back- the weapons he’s chosen are odd (“reclaiming” the confederate flag- as if rich white men gave a damn about hillbilly history) and his explanation is awkward at best- but you have to give him credit for fighting and you have to respect his frustration.
Kanye obviously knows that he’s gifted but he also knows that he’s at the stage where his music alone will not sustain his lifestyle or fulfill his creative needs. Truth is, he’s getting older and by his own admission younger lions are appearing and they’re circling that throne.
Perhaps he’ll realize that real visionaries see opportunities where everyone else sees darkness. Europe ain’t the only place with billionaires and factories. Time will tell.
Not much to say other than it takes a great amount courage to do and less to speak of what has been done. When we get a second chance from conception we will make better choices. Until then we the brave will try, knowing our try will invite criticism from all quarter. Maybe he’s is wrong, maybe he’s a little wrong, but more than likely he is human with the same frailties we all have. I love when we quote our leaders of the past with well quilted revisionist text, as though they themselves did not have fault worthy of mention. The truth is they did, however their contributions outweighed all else. His story has yet to be recorded in full.
Man! I appreciate you! Well stated!
Great story. I can’t understand why he wants to be accepted by people who won’t accept him. He needs to make his own path and create his own success in the fashion industry (as he did in the music industry). If his clothes are good, people will buy them. He’s alienating his own people to try to gain acceptance from the majority.
“Watch them all stand in line for a slice of the devil’s pie”
-DeAngelo
1619. 394 years and our beautiful black brothers & sisters lost in America are still waiting in vain for our oppressors love. For what reason when it is obviously not forthcoming? The author quoted Frantz Fanon, who like Che Guevara & Maurice Bishop gave their lives for the liberation of our peoples so that they would not integrate or assimilate into our oppressors wicked wasteful western way of life. Our young lost brother Kanye West is but another agent provocateur, a weapon of mass media distraction employed by the Ruling Elite’s system of white supremacy to brainwash & bamboozle you into believing in their American pipe dream. The Ponzi scheme started in 1605 that is the western economies capitalism is running its course and the end of empire is fatally near. The US petrodollar backed by their military will fall to the status of loo paper once it is supplanted by the gold standard & alternative currencies currently being used throughout Africa, Asia & Latin America.
So please, don’t throw your lot in with US & UK because they are in their twilight and the sun is rising elsewhere in the world. Blessings 1 ❤
“The unpreparedness of the educated classes, the lack of practical links between them and the mass of the people, their laziness, and, let it be said, their cowardice at the decisive moment of the struggle will give rise to tragic mishaps.”
― Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth
“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it."
― Frantz Fanon