Kanye
Posted on September 8th, 2005 by catalyst into the Uncategorized categoryI know I’m late getting to this topic, but I figure I’ll blog my thoughts now.
About a week ago, Kanye West went on an NBC Katrina Fundraiser and blasted Bush. His final remarks before the producers cut him off were, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”
I remember hearing Kanye’s statement and thinking, “I don’t agree with that. But I understand.” And if you were watching the pictures of throngs of black people left alone at the Convention Center and Superdome, it was hard not to wonder why the help was taking so long. And whether race played a factor.
Anyway, I appreciate that Kanye spoke up, and so last week I went out and bought his album. Fox News was reporting that his comments were going to hurt his album sales, so I figured I’d do my best to support him.
Anyway, guess who’s album is #1 this week.
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September 8th, 2005 at 7:52 am
Wait. So what you’re saying is… FOX News was wrong about something?!?
September 8th, 2005 at 8:32 am
Not to say Mr West is perfect but I would like to see more hip hop/rap artists follow him. Kayne at least doesn’t just rap about money, hoes, violence, and rims.
September 8th, 2005 at 9:02 am
Regardless of how valid you think that comment may be, a fundraiser is not the place for that kind of accusation. He was there to raise money for victims of a disaster (including non-blacks), not to assign blame or throw out accusations. By saying that, he diverted attention away from a cause he claimed to support and turned the spotlight on himself and his theory. I don’t think he was brave to say that, I think he was narrow minded and selfish.
September 8th, 2005 at 10:26 am
Fezzik: You may be right. I don’t know. I don’t consider Kanye brave, but I guess I’m glad he said it.
You’re right though, it was probably a bad venue.
September 8th, 2005 at 7:52 pm
Personally, I think everyone should look at the bigger picture. This was a natural disaster, not something George Bush and all the Christians did to the poor, black people in New Orleans! What has happened there and to those people is absolutely devestating and horrible; is that what we’re all supposed to do now, use Bush as the scapegoat whenever something bad happens? What about the leaders in Louisiana? Were they prepared? It’s obvious that the hurricane was beyond anyone’s control; instead of pushing blame I’d like to see more people actually HELPING. Kanye West’s “speech” was ignorant in my opinion. He should have spent more time educating himself on what happened and what can be done to prepare people in other areas instead of running his mouth off about the President. Using this disaster as an opportunity to spout off about the president and gain record sales is disgusting!
September 8th, 2005 at 8:19 pm
Katrina was a natural disaster. But, that’s not the only thing that has “happened to” the people in New Orleans. The federal government’s response was slower and less organized than it has been and would be for any other nation in the world. Let’s just all admit that! We all know Bush isn’t powerful enough to make a natural disaster–duh. The point is that the vast majority of those who did not evacuate prior to Katrina were not able to because of their medical, physical or financial situations. Unfortunately, many of those unable to leave for one or more of these reasons were Black. So, it’s not “all about race,” but it’s difficult to keep that out of the discussion. Yes, the state should have stepped in; I believe they have. But, what about the feds? Come on.
September 8th, 2005 at 8:24 pm
I’m Anglo, but have African American friends who are devastated and discouraged by the fact that so many Blacks in the Katrina-affected area have died, been left for days w/o any assistance, and so on. FEMA initially turned away water & fuel that others brought in. How is any of that justifiable? It’s not only a racial issue, but that’s definitely part of the equation. I think West’s comment was inappropriate, intended to provoke, and detracts from the immediate need to save those still there. Still, when the water has all dried up, those “compassionate conservatives” who failed to immediately rescue those in need should either fess up or be fired.
It’s a little difficult to hear Bush proclaiming a national day or prayer.
September 9th, 2005 at 7:51 am
Those of you who have posted your race baiting comments have shown me that you are children and misdirected. I thought your comments on City Bible were interesting in the past but if you you can be this misguided about race baiting maybe you are misguided about City Bible.
Maybe we should give them another chance.
How can I take you serious about anything?
September 9th, 2005 at 8:54 am
You need to go read the Gandhi thread there anonymous.
Just because you think someone is wrong on one issue has no bearing on the correctness of their view on another, unrelated issue. If you have a problem with the views on CBC here then why don’t you debate the points that have been raised instead of attacking the messengers?
October 29th, 2005 at 5:12 pm
I Think you are very confused about this whole subject. You said you understand Why he felt this way seeing BLACKS held up in the convention center waiting for help. Well that is just a racial element in the diaster. It was not the whole disaster so many people believe that. Black people were the only people effected. But they were only one element. By him saying what he said brings out racism and fuels it. WE need to rid the US of racism. When we make Racism the core of the disaster we degrade all that we have fought for in the last 100 years Kanye was wrong for what he said and should appolgize for his comments. “WE are confusing rasicm with with a racial element in the diaster” That is why i see him as wrong. When u support him u support Racism.
December 1st, 2005 at 6:27 pm
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