Young… Black… & Kanye.
Watching Kanye go through his trials I’ve always assumed this man is cray cray! He’s lost, misguided, and troubled. I always wondered what did happen to the “Old Kanye”? Had he not gone through the tumultuous period of losing his mother unexpectedly would he have wound up isolated… deemed as crazy by society… and married to a Kardashian? And for Kanye, a man who used his platform to discuss social issues through his lyrics the term “Kardashian” is critical. When I say, “Kardashian,” that term epitomizes the term of a white woman whose lifestyle has granted her the gifts to only know white privilege and who’s consciousness of the black adversity is absent. Let me note, while this may not be who Kim Kardashian is, this is who she represents for many. And I wonder, would she have been attracted to the old Kanye? And would the old Kanye have chosen her? For me, Kanye, is the justification in my belief that there is absolutely a thin line between brilliant and crazy.
In my mind, the thought of Kanye’s experience is important because it parallels and almost defines my experience as a young black professional. In multiple aspects of my life I feel as though I will be speaking and metaphorically even yelling the truth, but the truth that I’ve formed gets brushed off by my counterparts. In this instance, I’m left wondering are they not capable of understanding my point because of our differences in culture, race, age, and gender? Or maybe it’s just a lack of respect that leaves them deaf to my ideas and concerns. Or, is it that in a society where social media has transformed us into self-centered entities with short attention spans, and conversations are diluted to emoji’s and text acronyms, and playing outside with others is transformed into playing alone with handheld electronics that the ability to listen and comprehend the words and meanings behind what others are saying is now obsolete?
The concept of constantly trying to explain and justify yourself to others is especially displayed within modern day media and the racial tensions of today’s society. On Facebook, I see tons of posts where individuals are arguing back and forth about their ideas and perspectives on race and politics. Their comments are all based on who their society has formed them to be. I know as a black voice we all have felt silenced. Case and point, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who responded to her silencing with, “I’m a strong black woman, and I cannot be intimidated!” However, at times, it’s as if we’re screaming our history, our adversity, and our truths at the top of our lungs, but, no one hears us. No one comprehends, or understands, or acknowledges the sound reality and pure common sense of the things we are saying. Is it the genius in us that leaves the next person unable to comprehend our thoughts behind the words, or is it the crazy within ourselves? This leaves me to wonder… have I judged Kanye too soon? Because maybe we’re all just Young… Black… and Kanye.
