By: Alana Frank
Photo Editor
Kanye West’s Twitter account was locked on Oct. 9 after sparking controversy when he referred
to violent behaviors against the Jewish community. The repetition of his cruel comments have
not only shown Kanye’s self-destructive behavior, but demonstrate a need for more repercussions
to be levied against him.
In the past year, Kanye has been subject to public scorn for various reasons, most notably his
comments about the Jewish and Black communities over the past month. Kanye has now been
dropped by JP Morgan, Gap, Balenciaga, his law firm, and Adidas. Kanye’s severed ties with
multiple brands have caused him to lose $1.5 billion in one day and be demoted from his
billionaire status, according to The Wrap. On Oct. 26, Kanye visited the Skechers headquarters
in Manhattan Beach, hoping to find a new business partner for his Yeezy brand, but Skechers
refused to work with Kanye and turned him away, according to NBC News.
In a Fox News program with Tucker Carlson, Kanye argued that it is not possible for him to be
antisemitic because Blacks are the original Jewish people. However, according to AJC.org, this
statement is incorrect, as it disregards the origins of the Jewish people in Israel. Kanye claimed
that in his references to the Jewish community, he speaks of the 12 lost tribes of Judah, who are
Black. Kanye’s beliefs correlate with both the Black Hebrew Israelite Movement (BHI) and the
Nation of Islam (NOI), two organizations who leverage his words to promote their
discriminatory beliefs and the oppression of the Jewish community. If Kanye’s antisemitic
attitudes continue to be perpetuated by influential organizations such as the NOI and the BHI, his
ideas will reach more individuals, causing division and radicalization.
Kanye has also directed insensitive comments toward the Black community, stating that slavery
in America was a choice and promoting the slogan “White Lives Matter,” according to CNN.
When prominent news outlets such as TMZ sensationalize Kanye’s derogatory claims, they are
perpetuating his discriminatory ideals. Kanye’s continuous disrespect for marginalized groups
shows that he needs to be held accountable, especially considering his recent statements
degrading Jewish and Black individuals.
According to CNN, Kanye will likely not be canceled due to his popularity and the
sensationalism evoked by his actions. However, some people and brands have taken steps to
combat antisemitism caused by Kanye. According to a post on his brand’s Instagram page,
@shopbubuleh, Jewish fashion designer Jordan Star’s brand will donate 18% of its sales to the
Anti-Defamation League. If influential figures and companies such as Star’s rally to hold Kanye
accountable and defend against hate speech, it is possible to delegitimize his platform and
prevent him from issuing derogatory statements.
While Kanye’s recent attacks on the Jewish and Black communities have resulted in the downfall
of his business, this delegitimization should have happened sooner, given his history of hateful
comments. Kanye needs to be held accountable by media outlets and social media sites. It is
imperative that Kanye recognize the degradation his statements evoke. Despite his musical
accomplishments and talents, Kanye’s status in the music industry does not excuse his behavior.
Leave a Reply