There is no denying that Kanye is a professional at speaking his mind; a lot of people can respect that. Even songs such as "Kanye" by the Chainsmokers highlight the rapper's confidence and suggest that more people should go after what they want. Not saying here that we should deem Kanye to be an exemplary role model, but he does not seem the least bit afraid to express himself and talk about what he loves.
All the Kanye haters may only be criticizing because of the fact that he is so high-profile his opinions come off as arrogant and excessive. His Twitter account has over 19 million followers; people are taking note of what he says. But on the other hand, we all have the ability to say whatever we want, thanks to the Internet and all the social media outlets we have access to. Everyone has the right to state their opinion simply because it's their opinion.
It comes down to the idea that most of Kanye's opinions should remain private, but are being made public. And the public has deemed these opinions to be hyperbolic, highly emotional and flat-out wrong. But there is also a difference in believing in yourself and being your own biggest fan versus the need to proclaim yourself a "god" and better than anyone of all time. What has seemed to stir up a lot of backlash recently is response to one set of lyrics off Kanye's new album "The Life of Pablo," where he states, "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that bitch famous."
OK Kanye, this is quite the misogynistic message you're putting out there. You're telling us that Taylor Swift is only famous because you interrupted her a couple OF years back? Swift took this claim in stride when her album "1989" won the 2016 Grammy for Album of the Year. Her response took a dig at the sexism with in the music industry: "I want to say to all the young women out there: there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame." There is a feeling common among high-achieving women in which they feel they're not deserving of the success they encounter. Swift's response holds a lot of weight, as she is in the eye of the public, being a role model for, and pioneering the way for more strong female artists.
Kanye West and Taylor Swift are both very successful artists, and what they say is heard by millions, promoted by media, repeated in tabloids and written about by college students. The Kanye/Swift feud has turned into a national battle, and everyone must pick a side. To give him the benefit of the doubt, Kanye claims in a recent tweet: "I'm an artist… the definition of art - or at least my definition - is to be able to see the truth and then express it…"
The "truth" is subjective; depending on who you are speaking with, every person has their own version of the truth. So Kanye interrupting Taylor Swift back in 2009 or his recent plea for help with his debt, was in fact a mere expression of truth and what he believes he is justified to say. Now we don't have to agree with this any more than the Academy would have suddenly reconsidered Swift's music video award claiming, "Man guys, Beyoncé should have won, we really messed this one up." Kanye's reaction and ability to utilize his freedom of speech wasn't going to change anybody's mind.
So whether you think Kanye is a genius, crazy, emotional or disrespectful, just know that his opinions may not be that different from anyone else out there -- although I am pretty sure there are few other Taylor Swift haters that get as much attention as the one and only Yeezus. It's just that when he says things, the masses are listening and ready to retaliate.
