Fans urged to look beyond West's flaws
Jaquaya Grant, '13 | Staff Reporter
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: Opinion
Although many people are displeased with West's actions and judged him because of it, there are still loyal fans and friends of his that will defend and support him no matter what. Jay-z, who is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists in America, said he agrees that West's actions at the VMAs were "rude." He added, "I think it is equally rude the way he is being treated in the media. He's on the cover of every paper. He didn't kill anybody. No one got harmed."
When we sit back and discuss this situation entirely, I cannot help but wonder if race played a role in the seriousness of the situation. If Taylor Swift had been a teenage black girl instead of a young white girl, would we have found West to be so disturbing, or would it not have held the same amount of importance? We all agree Mr. West's behavior was wrong.
He is a role model for thousands of people and everything that he does, including the way he conducts himself at an award show, counts. But should this overshadow the fact that he is a great performer? He makes amazing music and is extremely talented. In the end it should not be this single mistake for which we remember him by, but his passion.
When we sit back and discuss this situation entirely, I cannot help but wonder if race played a role in the seriousness of the situation. If Taylor Swift had been a teenage black girl instead of a young white girl, would we have found West to be so disturbing, or would it not have held the same amount of importance? We all agree Mr. West's behavior was wrong.
He is a role model for thousands of people and everything that he does, including the way he conducts himself at an award show, counts. But should this overshadow the fact that he is a great performer? He makes amazing music and is extremely talented. In the end it should not be this single mistake for which we remember him by, but his passion.