Should Twitter Have Banned Azealia Banks?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Should Twitter Have Banned Azealia Banks?

Azealia Banks was wrong, but maybe so was Twitter.

12
Should Twitter Have Banned Azealia Banks?
Tim Boddy

Azealia Banks is problematic; no one is disputing this. Her recent Twitter fight with singer Zayn Malik and actress Skai Jackson is only the latest in a long list of conflicts and controversial statements she’s made on social media. It was this last conflict that got the New York born rapper banned from Twitter.

The issue started when Banks made a comment about the aesthetic similarities between her music videos and Zayn’s. Then, Malik tweeted two vague comments which Banks believed were made towards her. This is where things went from bad to worse, Banks began tweeting at Malik using racist, homophobic, and Islamophobic slurs. When Skai Jackson tweeted against Banks, Banks started attacking the 14-year old actress by taking shots at the actress’ career, age, and image. It was after this that Twitter users began to speak out against Banks and to report her account, until her account was canceled.

This isn’t the first time that Banks has made controversial statements and there is no doubt that these latest statements were completely wrong and extremely offensive. However, she’s not the only person that makes offensive statements on social media. In fact, any person who spends enough time on social media, especially on Twitter, can attest that Twitter is filled with many people who seem to thrive on making derogatory claims and harassing other users. Yet very few of these users are actually banned. While it could be argued that the reason these users aren’t banned is because they’re not celebrities so there is less attention on them, there still are some celebrities and media icons that make controversial statements yet they’re not banned either. Furthermore, Twitter has a policy that prevents its spokespeople from speaking about specific cases so we really can’t know what exactly made this situation different and serious enough to get Azealia Banned.

For now, Banks has been using Instagram to communicate with her fans. She has also apologized for her statements in what seems to be a sincere apology. Putting aside these problematic things for a second, Banks actually has the opportunity to be very influential but only if she continues to use her voice to speak against the negative aspects of our society rather than for attacking other people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91713
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

69058
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments