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Opinion

Kanye West antisemitic remarks just part of a cynical money grab

Dr. Rashad Richey National TV Political Analyst, Talk Radio Host, Univ. Prof.
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Kanye West’s Twitter and Instagram accounts were restricted after the music superstar unleashed a series of antisemitic posts. That controversy came on the heels of West’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where he wore a “White Lives Matter” t-shirt. As some in conservative media jumped to the hip-hop mogul’s defense, others wondered what sparked the incendiary remarks. Straight Arrow News contributor Rashad Richey says West’s antisemitic remarks are just part of a cynical money grab.

Remember when he decided to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt and stand with Candace Owens, known conservative, known objector to Black Lives Matter? When he did this, what was he really saying? Because, remember, Candace Owens, she doesn’t believe in Black Lives Matter. She says, “All Lives Matter.” Where are the All Lives Matter people when the t-shirt says “White Lives Matter.” They’re silent. Why are they silent? They’re silent, because the All Lives Matter movement was the White Lives Matter movement. It’s the same people.

So he comes out with Candace Owens, who refuses to wear “Black Lives Matter” t-shirt but will wear a “White Lives Matter” t-shirt. They do this…they know is going to be hyperbolic. They know it’s going to be sensational. They know right-wing and left-wing pundits like myself will opine on this. But who buys Kanye’s shoes? Who consumes his music today? Who made him or helped make him richer beyond his wildest dreams? Well, his consumer base. 

Now did Black people validated Kanye from the beginning? Yes. We were the culture that validated Kanye. Kanye obviously is no longer concerned about their culture because for a man who goes from saying that a former president did not like Black people to now, deciding to wear shirts that say “White Lives Matter,” to stand with the person who refuses to even say “Black Lives Matter,” is a dramatic change, is it not? 

And now the latest. The antisemitic statements of Kanye West. He decided to say that he’ll be going “death con 3 on Jewish people.” Now the term is “Defcon.” But he said “death con 3 on Jewish people.” 

Let me put it this way. What if Kanye West would have said he’s going “death con 3” on Black women? He’s going “death con 3” on members of the LGBTQ community? We would all find this to be very problematic. 

You see, he has engaged in a divisive protocol that continues to yield him money. You know, he sounds very much so like those who were chanting during that racist demonstration a few years ago, “Jews will not replace us.” He sounds like them. 

Well, those are the same people purchasing his products now. Those are the same individuals validating his current musical selection. So while yes, Kanye is doing things that are dangerous, in my opinion and sick, to be frank with you, they are also calculated and increasing his personal economy.

Okay, Kanye West, yes, has lost his damn mind. But he’s no one really shocked. Let’s be very clear about what he’s doing. Yes he’s sick. But he’s also playing into his consumer base. I believe there’s an economic incentive for what Kanye has been doing lately. Let’s highlight the ways here. 

Remember when he decided to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt and stand with Candace Owens, known conservative, known objector to Black Lives Matter? When he did this, what was he really saying? Because, remember, Candace Owens, she doesn’t believe in Black Lives Matter. She says, “All Lives Matter.” Where are the “All Lives Matter people when the t-shirt says white lives matter. They’re silent. Why are they silent? They’re silent, because the All Lives Matter movement was the White Lives Matter movement. It’s the same people.

So he comes out with Candace Owens, who refuses to wear Black Lives Matter t-shirt but will wear a White Lives Matter t-shirt. They do this…they know is going to be hyperbolic. They know it’s going to be sensational. They know right-wing and left-wing pundits like myself will opine on this. But who buys Kanye’s shoes? Who consumes his music today? Who made him or helped make him richer beyond his wildest dreams? Well, his consumer base. 

Now the black people validate Kanye from the beginning. Yes, we were the culture that validated Kanye. Kanye obviously is no longer concerned about their culture. Because for a man who goes from saying that a former president did not like black people to now deciding to wear shirts that say White Lives Matter, to stand with the person who refuses to even say Black Lives Matter, is a dramatic change, is it not? 

And now the latest. The anti-semitic statements of Kanye West. He decided to say that he’ll be going DEFCON three on Jewish people. Now the term is DEF CON. But he said Death Con three on Jewish people. 

Let me put it this way. What if Kanye West would have said he’s going Death Con three on black women? He’s going Death Con three on members of the LGBTQ community? We would all find this to be very problematic. 

You see, he has engaged in a divisive protocol that continues to yield him money. You know, he sounds very much so like those who were chanting during that racist demonstration a few years ago, “Jews will not replace us.” He sounds like them. 

Well, those are the same people purchasing his products now. Those are the same individuals validating his current musical selection. So while yes, Kanye is doing things that are dangerous, in my opinion and sick, to be frank with you, they are also calculated and increasing his personal economy.

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