Slavery was a choice

[sandy whitelinger]

Of course living in a house of luxury away from the dregs of society and not having any compassion will make you think like this....And doing pain pills which Kanye admitted to.

Dude...you were doing so well...

 

[Woberts]

That is like someone black saying (and this person exists on youtube) saying slavery wasn't that bad and because of slavery we are in a better position.

This person? Because she's a politician from Florida. Why are some people so stupid?

 

[zaahru]

Kanye West appeared on TMZ headquarters and said the following:

"When you hear about slavery for 400 years...400 years? Sounds like choice."

He then went on to say:

"You were there for 400 years and it's for all of y'all. It's like we're mentally imprisoned."

Van on TMZ confronted him by saying the following:

"While you are making music and being an artist and living the life that you've earned by being a genius, the rest of us in society have to deal with these threats to our lives," Lathan said. "We have to deal with the marginalization that's come from the 400 years of slavery that you said for our people was a choice."

Lathan added, "Frankly, I'm disappointed, I'm appalled, and brother, I am unbelievably hurt by the fact that you have morphed into something to me, that's not real."

Kanye cleans up his remarks by saying the following after a barrage of social media backlash:

"[T]o make myself clear. Of course I know that slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will. My point is for us to have stayed in that position even though the numbers were on our side means that we were mentally enslaved."

Kanye went on to add:

"[T]he reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can't be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought. It was just an idea. [O]nce again I am being attacked for presenting new ideas."

See:Kanye West just said 400 years of slavery was a choice - CNN

My comment:

Kanye's opinion at least contextually comes from a position of celebrity privilege who is not subject to the extent that some of us in the inner city are, to the marginalization we experience daily. Just the other day I used a payphone (my cell died and I needed to make an emergency call) to make a phone call this being at night, had a spot light on me and asked me if I was on parole or probation. Of course this leads me to say neither and inform the cop I was making an emergency call. Judging by their behavior they were looking for someone so they're trying to identify me. Now, I didn't have to answer their question and could have went on my way but this is but a small example some of us black non-celebrities go through that Kanye does not understand. The problem with Kanye's remarks is the context he used which made him sound like a fool.

The fact that Kanye couldn't acknowledge the impact of subsequent systemic racism in society even as a black man, is the prime example of someone who (he himself coming from the hood as Van on TMZ pointed out) has disassociated himself with the common black experience. Sure, there is mental slavery, and yes people must begin to alleviate themselves from the mental complex of victimhood, however perpetual systemic racism which still exists in society makes the issue a cyclical effect which Kanye doesn't understand. Of course living in a house of luxury away from the dregs of society and not having any compassion will make you think like this....And doing pain pills which Kanye admitted to.

 

[zaahru]

KANYE has not only finished out his own career and is about to suffer a great financial hit.. but its been reported that threats are made on his life now.

 

[Spiderman]

You ARE in a better position because of slavery. Unless you'd rather be swatting the fly's from your face in a mud hut in Kenya?

I'm surprised to see such a post, but I live with a lot of people with African ancestry, who have a free apartment, free meals at the Dorothy Day, free food stamps, free cell phone with internet access, free gift cards for Walmart, free bus cards, free bus tokens, free money from the government, free health care where everything and the medications come free, free taxi rides to doctors appointments, free case managers helping them with paperwork and transportation , and they don't have to do any work for it , none of which they would have in most places in Africa.

 

[Curious George]

You ARE in a better position because of slavery. Unless you'd rather be swatting the fly's from your face in a mud hut in Kenya?

And if my grandma had balls, she would be my grandpa.

Whether someone would be in a different position does not change the moral responsibility, the history, or the lessons learned.

The problem with a person asserting such things is not whether or not such an argument could be made. The problem is in why a person makes such an argument.

 

[Stevicus]

Kanye West appeared on TMZ headquarters and said the following:

"When you hear about slavery for 400 years...400 years? Sounds like choice."

He then went on to say:

"You were there for 400 years and it's for all of y'all. It's like we're mentally imprisoned."

Van on TMZ confronted him by saying the following:

"While you are making music and being an artist and living the life that you've earned by being a genius, the rest of us in society have to deal with these threats to our lives," Lathan said. "We have to deal with the marginalization that's come from the 400 years of slavery that you said for our people was a choice."

Lathan added, "Frankly, I'm disappointed, I'm appalled, and brother, I am unbelievably hurt by the fact that you have morphed into something to me, that's not real."

Kanye cleans up his remarks by saying the following after a barrage of social media backlash:

"[T]o make myself clear. Of course I know that slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will. My point is for us to have stayed in that position even though the numbers were on our side means that we were mentally enslaved."

Kanye went on to add:

"[T]he reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can't be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought. It was just an idea. [O]nce again I am being attacked for presenting new ideas."

See:Kanye West just said 400 years of slavery was a choice - CNN

My comment:

Kanye's opinion at least contextually comes from a position of celebrity privilege who is not subject to the extent that some of us in the inner city are, to the marginalization we experience daily. Just the other day I used a payphone (my cell died and I needed to make an emergency call) to make a phone call this being at night, had a spot light on me and asked me if I was on parole or probation. Of course this leads me to say neither and inform the cop I was making an emergency call. Judging by their behavior they were looking for someone so they're trying to identify me. Now, I didn't have to answer their question and could have went on my way but this is but a small example some of us black non-celebrities go through that Kanye does not understand. The problem with Kanye's remarks is the context he used which made him sound like a fool.

The fact that Kanye couldn't acknowledge the impact of subsequent systemic racism in society even as a black man, is the prime example of someone who (he himself coming from the hood as Van on TMZ pointed out) has disassociated himself with the common black experience. Sure, there is mental slavery, and yes people must begin to alleviate themselves from the mental complex of victimhood, however perpetual systemic racism which still exists in society makes the issue a cyclical effect which Kanye doesn't understand. Of course living in a house of luxury away from the dregs of society and not having any compassion will make you think like this....And doing pain pills which Kanye admitted to.

To be honest, I'm not sure what to make of this. I was listening to the radio about how Kanye West was getting flak over making pro-Trump statements. I'm not sure if he's just being provocative just so he can be in the limelight or what.

At least from the standpoint of history, it's a bit difficult to accept a few blanket statements covering 400 years. Whole volumes have been written on the subject, so Kanye or anyone else can avail themselves of the information that's out there. ]

As far as his statement on "mental imprisonment," there may be some truth to that. I think a lot of people might be mentally imprisoned to some degree or another.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Kanyes slavery statement is just wrong. The problem is that systemic racism can only be resolved through cultural appropriation. Instead of celebrating our ethnic differences we need to celebrate each others ethnic differences. Music is a good example of what I am saying, there are groups that cross ethnicity and gender and then there are groups that define ethnicity and gender. As long as we have groups that define a limited section we will always have racism. We must have all groups be inclusive and most people do not want this. They have a particular reason for wanting a specific type of music.

I think music tends to blend end the two (celebrating both differences and similarities), but I don't think this addresses the issue however.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

I do not think this is true.

What do you mean

 

[Epic Beard Man]

You ARE in a better position because of slavery. Unless you'd rather be swatting the fly's from your face in a mud hut in Kenya?

Not surprised the two people that liked your post would agree with you.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

My great-grandparents were immigrants and had nothing to do with the slavery and bigotry.

My grandma and grandpa voted for Barack Obama.

I think there is a general consensus at this forum that the statements in the op are idiotic. It would surprise me to find anyone who takes such statements as gospel truth.

Many people of European descent laid down their lives to end slavery. Also, they were not all for white privilege, and many of them dedicated their lives to putting an end to such Madness.

I'm frankly more concerned about what's going on in the 21st century, there are countries where women are not allowed to drive or get an education. There are still theocracies that jam religion down people's throats, and oppress people of other faiths.

There are still laws in the 21st century that imprison or put people to death for blasphemy or being critical of the violent lifestyle, pedophilia, polygamy, intolerance, of the "Sacred prophet".

people accused of stealing are still getting their hands cut off, and adulterers are still taken out and stone to death and homosexuals executed.

I'm horrified by some of the crimes against humanity that used to be allowed in America.

However, the people who are suffering oppression and discrimination in our current world, have my attention and sympathies and prayers far more.

Next time, before commenting and agreeing with another member's vile post, please read the thread and follow your post has nothing to do with Kanye's comments.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Keep in mind that Kanye has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

I don't agree with what was said but this could be coming from one of his swings...

Just saying... We can spare some sympathy for anyone with mental disorders. If he comes back later and apologizes then I see the issue as mute.

Having bipolar disorder does not mean you are spared from scrutiny. You can still have a cognitive ability to make rational and irrational statements independent of your mental disorder.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Dude...you were doing so well...

Excuse me?

 

[Epic Beard Man]

I'm surprised to see such a post, but I live with a lot of people with African ancestry, who have a free apartment, free meals at the Dorothy Day, free food stamps, free cell phone with internet access, free gift cards for Walmart, free bus cards, free bus tokens, free money from the government, free health care where everything and the medications come free, free taxi rides to doctors appointments, free case managers helping them with paperwork and transportation , and they don't have to do any work for it , none of which they would have in most places in Africa.

What in the great hell? I see a lot of whites on meth that get free healthcare, welfare, benefits, privilege, etc and your point?

 

[Jumi]

You ARE in a better position because of slavery. Unless you'd rather be swatting the fly's from your face in a mud hut in Kenya?

That must be the next level of ignorance.

 

[suncowiam]

Having bipolar disorder does not mean you are spared from scrutiny. You can still have a cognitive ability to make rational and irrational statements independent of your mental disorder.

Very contradicting comment.

Many mental disorders prevent the person from making rational decisions and comments.

The statement itself is wrong. Whether it's Kanye, another man, or the Pope saying it, it does not matter. The statement would still be wrong. There's no doubt there.

However, the level of accountability is less for an insane person versus a sane person. Laws already reflect this concerning mental state. So if Kanye later realizes how wrong he was in a state of mental clarity by also apologizing, then I make no further point of it. All sane mental states would then have agreed that that statement was wrong.

I suggest you consider the entire context before you make a final judgement but that's your call.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Very contradicting comment.

Many mental disorders prevent the person from making rational decisions and comments.

The statement itself is wrong. Whether it's Kanye, another man, or the Pope saying it, it does not matter. The statement would still be wrong. There's no doubt there.

However, the level of accountability is less for an insane person versus a sane person. Laws already reflect this concerning mental state. So if Kanye later realizes how wrong he was in a state of mental clarity by also apologizing, then I make no further point of it. All sane mental states would then have agreed that that statement was wrong.

I suggest you consider the entire context before you make a final judgement but that's your call.

We do not know whether he was under the influence of any mental breakdown. If I say two plus two equals four, am I wrong mathematically? You'd say no. What if I told you I haven't taken lithium in months is my answer no less correct because of my non usage of my medication? Point is you can still make rational judgments and irrational judgments independent of your mental disorder. What red flags it are things that are outrageous and indicative of mental instability. My point is just because Kanye is bipolar does not mean he is free from scrutiny. He can still be under medication and still make stupid comments. I actually work with patients with mental disorders for a living.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

That must be the next level of ignorance.

His comment is indicative of the level of ignorance in today's society. Often times people's perceptions of Africa are based on Christian donation videos depicting people in extreme poverty in Africa.

 

[Jumi]

His comment is indicative of the level of ignorance in today's society. Often times people's perceptions of Africa are based on Christian donation videos depicting people in extreme poverty in Africa.

Not just Christian, there is a whole lot of that "let's make these guys just like us" going around.

And I know lots about that disgusting side of charities. At first I refused to believe it(I was an ignorant young adult at the time), but now they think I'm cold and hate the needy if I rather sell my used stuff here than give it to some charity.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Not just Christian, there is a whole lot of that "let's make these guys just like us" going around.

And I know lots about that disgusting side of charities. At first I refused to believe it(I was an ignorant young adult at the time), but now they think I'm cold and hate the needy if I rather sell my used stuff here than give it to some charity.

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