Original Article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/kanye-west-slaps-on-a-maga-hat-goes-on-a-pro-trump-rant-after-saturday-night-live/ar-BBNKK2V
This past Saturday Kanye West was featured on SNL (notably subbing for Ariana Grande--not a first choice), and the cast of SNL definitely got more than a disappointing performance from him. As he wrapped up the show, ye put on a MAGA hat and went on a pro-Trump rant, which was cut off for the public. He stated that Democrats "take black men out of their homes to promote welfare" and that "if he was concerned about racism, he would have moved out of America a long time ago."
This has been the latest of many polarizing moves the rapper has made. He followed this rant with a post on Instagram expressing his desire to abolish the 13th amendment--the one that ended slavery after the Civil War. I agree that this did not erase slavery for America; the affects still shape American life. However, abolishing the 13th amendment seems ridiculous. Many think Kanye is doing this to be controversial, and while that does make sense, it is out of the ordinary for someone considered a icon in American culture to make such polarizing moves. There have been Americans in history that have had the public turn on them after making certain decisions--like when Jefferson passed the Embargo Act of 1807, but the cultural landscape today is so different than back then that what Kanye is doing and from what position he's acting is really incomparable. A lot of people continue to dismiss Kanye's antics and even support him. Some say that SNL cutting out this outburst was censorship.
Of course all of these controversies remind us of ye's renewed promise to run for office in 2020. I have a hard time seeing him being backed by conservative Republicans; he would be a radical choice. Honestly though, look who got elected last time. America could be going down an uncharted path guided by social media, fame, and the cultural power held by celebrities.
I almost forgot Kanye was gonna run for president 2020, what a grim reminder. I really do agree that he's doing this to be controversial, because this support is very out of the blue and outright strange.
ReplyDeleteI am not well versed in the happenings in Kanye's promises and views but this just seems ridiculous. I really hope he is doing this just to be controversial since his antics, especially his desire to abolish the 13th amendment, are extremely out there and surrounded by many conflicting views. As a popular icon Kanye should consider the effects his views have on young people.
ReplyDeleteI totally forgot about Kanye running for president in 2020. I definitely dont agree with the pro-trump rant and the whole racial thing. Why abolish the 13th amendment? That confuses me so much. What's his reasoning? Although I know this won't pass in congress, I'm still curious. This causes so much controversy, and he should be thinking more of how his actions and words could effect those blinded by his fame. - Ariana Oliver
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis and i like that you chose to write about this. It was very well thought out, good job, i also enjoy how you connected it with U.S History. But i would love to get more on your opinion on what you think about the controversy with kanye. Just a personal opinion.
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