Why Kanye, Why

First and foremost let it be known that I did not watch the VMAs because I had better things to do like seeing what else was on TV. I've boycotted anything remotely related to MTV voters since that night Twilight beat Slumdog Millionaire during the Movie Awards; it was at that I moment that I realized that MTV Award shows were less about talent, contemporary subtext or substantive pursuits and more about appealing to a demographic that is easily entertained and endowed with a short attention span. Seriously, what was Kanye expecting? these are the same viewers that were enamored by shows like "Jackass" compliments of the same network that gave us "Yo Momma", "Date My Mom", "Next", "Sweet 16" and so on.

I'm not going to waste time reflecting on whether or not Kanye was right nor will I indulge myself in a back and forth debate about whether or not the voting is rigged. What I will briefly state before moving on to more substantive banter is the fact that Kanye pulled a Douche move; it was disrespectful and ill timed although not surprising considering his past MTV moments, personality traits and incorrigible nature. What is more of a concern to me is the slight possibility that Kanye West may have set Obama and the Black community back a couple of decades. Now those of you who understand Black history and cultural context know exactly where I'm going with this. Kanye's remarks may have potentially pinched a nerve; a never laden with racially charged undertones. After all, this is the same man that said "George Bush doesn't like black people"; a reference to Bush's response to flood victims in Louisiana. Kanye West has inadvertently drawn a line in the sand that pits Black against White; Hip Hop against Country, the Black Experience against the Southern mentality.

You see, what the media will potray today and tomorrow, intentionally or otherwise, is the image of an angry, unapologetic African American man with a sense of entitlement picking on an innocent 20 year old white girl ("Birth of a Nation" ring a bell?)

Sincerely yours,
Kwapi

Copyright 2009
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