How do you feel about Kanye West's Comment

[DableST_1]

I watched the Concert on NBC and I was curious on what you all felt about Kanye West's comments. First off I could tell that he wasn't following the television prompter, but I am AMAZED at what he said. Apparently after the special went off, the News came on and he stated that "Bush doesn't care about black people". Luckily the network cut away quickly and went straight to Chris Tucker, I knew something was wrong, because the way they cut away didn't seem right, and you could tell that this taping was live with a 5 second delay.

The news however, played the part that was cut out of the official airing. I am looking for his publicist to issue out an apology statement for his comments.

I just wanted to know if you any one else caught his comments that he made, and what were your thoughts on it?

[UrbanizdSkillz]

I saw it on the internet so I assume I saw the uncut version. I agree with Kanye fully but I do not believe that was the platform in which to express his political views.

[DableST_1]

LOS ANGELES - It began, fittingly enough, with jazz from New Orleans natives Harry Connick Jr. and Wynton Marsalis.

But “A Concert for Hurricane Relief,” a heartfelt and dignified benefit aired on NBC and other networks Friday night, took an unexpected turn thanks to the outspoken rapper Kanye West. Appearing two-thirds through the program, he claimed “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” and said America is set up “to help the poor, the black people, the less well-off as slow as possible.”

The show, simulcast from New York on NBC, MSNBC, CNBC and Pax, was aired live to the East Coast, enabling the Grammy-winning rapper’s outburst to go out uncensored.

There was a several-second tape delay, but the person in charge “was instructed to listen for a curse word, and didn’t realize (West) had gone off-script,” said NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks.

As the show came to a close, host Matt Lauer noted that “emotions in this country right now are running very high. Sometimes that emotion is translated into inspiration, sometimes into criticism. We’ve heard some of that tonight. But it’s still part of the American way of life.”

In a statement, NBC said, “Kanye West departed from the scripted comments that were prepared for him, and his opinions in no way represent the views of the networks.

“It would be most unfortunate,” the statement continued, “if the efforts of the artists who participated tonight and the generosity of millions of Americans who are helping those in need are overshadowed by one person’s opinion.”

Comedian Mike Myers was paired with West for a 90-second segment that began with Myers speaking of Katrina’s devastation. Then, to Myers’ evident surprise, West began a rant by saying, “I hate the way they portray us in the media. If you see a black family, it says they’re looting. See a white family, it says they’re looking for food.”

While allowing that “the Red Cross is doing everything they can,” West — who delivered an emotional outburst at the American Music Awards after he was snubbed for an award — declared that government authorities are intentionally dragging their feet on aid to the Gulf Coast. Without getting specific, he added, “They’ve given them permission to go down and shoot us.”

After he stated, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people. Please call —” the camera cut away to comedian Chris Tucker.

The concert ended with the entire ensemble performed “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Friday’s program was the first of several TV benefits planned through next weekend.

NBC and the five other major commercial broadcast networks, along with PBS, plan to unite next Friday for a special. The same night, BET will air a benefit. And on Saturday, Sept. 10, the MTV networks will air a special.

[Proverbs31]

I agree with his comment.

[ladygreek]

^^^^ Ditto. And I didn't see a problem with him saying it. Desperate times need desperate measures.

I agree with Kanye but I don't feel it was the right place to make those statements. He is fully aware that all of the people watching the special DO NOT have the same views as he does, and I'm sure he wouldn't want that to affect how much money is donated. I wouldn't go as far as to say Bush doesn't like Blacks on national televison. I guess I just don't know what to say about Bush anymore I honestly think he just doesn't know any better. Did anyone hear him speak today? He's not the brightest... I mean, really, how could you NOT see the damage the hurricane did. Anyone with half a brain could turn on the tv and assess the damage. Maybe he doesn't believe in watching tv while on vacation I dunno. But to say that HIS GOVERNMENT was not well prepared is just NOT a good excuse. There was well enough warning..... Sorry for the rant...

[smlwonderdst]

So what would be the right place to make those statements? I don't see anything wrong with what he said. That's how he felt and he had a medium available to him to say what he felt. I hope his publist doesn't ask for an apology from him. And, if they do I hope he doesn't give it.

The response to this tragedy has been horrible. We need to let them know that the excuses are tools of the incompetent ......

[unmute1913]

This is the first I am hearing about Kanye's statements but yes they are very true, and personally they keep talking about looters, but how else are these people surviving? I have a one year old daughter and if she was without diapers and other essentials...you damn right I'm going in there and taking what I need. It's not like there's a cashier there to check me out. However, these people who are stealing stuff like TV's are out of control. I heard that it's mainly drug addicts who's supply has been cut off and they don't know how to act. But I don't know... this is crazy.

[Sistermadly]

To quote an old Dr. Hook song, it was in the right place, but it happened at the wrong time. People -- okay, those people -- are already hesitant to send money to charitable organizations because of the race/class of the people involved. They became even less inclined to help after the looting started. Now Kanye goes and smacks his jaws on National TV, saying what a lot of us think anyway but generally we have the sense to keep to ourselves -- saying it during a fundraiser, no less?

The people in NO are going to suffer more because of what he said. It was truthful, but not particularly helpful.

BTW, video's here in case you want to see it: http://media.putfile.com/Kanye79 (windows media), or here http://movies.crooksandliars.com/Kay...ack-People.mov (QuickTime).

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by smlwonderdst
So what would be the right place to make those statements?

Anywhere else, except for a fundraiser for the victims. Say it in a televised interview. Make a video and run it at the bottom of the screen for the full four minutes. But don't turn something that has the potential to help the people that this government would just as soon forget into your own personal platform. It alienates people and causes them to put their checkbooks away. How is that helpful?

[DirectorDST1999]

I'm an advocate for free speech; it is our right. Whether "I' agree with Kanye or not is besides the point. Yeah for free speech...see I would be the one holding up a "free speech" sign in support of it and not necessarily because what he said. It was, after all, his opinion.

I also don't think his statement will cause the NOians to suffer because they are already suffering due to this catastrophe. I saw his statement as a challenge to Bush who seems to be changing his tune somewhat. I'm definitely NOT a Bush supporter but let's see over the next week or few weeks if his approach changes.

Kanye saw an opportunity and took it. Go Kanye!! I'm not nearly a fan of Kanye's, but I like that he took the risk.

I'm curious if people have people been criticizing Mayor Nagin's comments? That brother was furious and had alot to say. I think there's a transcript out there on the web. His comments, IMO, were just as strong plus he had alot more to say and time to say it. He wasn't censored. I didn't realize Nagin was so "crunk".

[RACooper]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
To quote an old Dr. Hook song, it was in the right place, but it happened at the wrong time.

Sorry for dropping in but the Dr. Hook reference really caught my eye...

Okay back to the Kayne's comment - what would have been the best time for him to make such a comment if not now? I think he picked the best time, politically speaking, to make such a comment... if he waited until later to make such a comment I doubt it would even reach a 10th of the audience it has now, nor would it have the same impact. Look how many people are talking about it in the news and here on GC - I firmly believe if he made such a statement say a month ago, or a month from now the spinmasters would go to work and suppress, discredit, and dismiss.

[Tickled Pink 2]

I agree with what he said, but I can not help but laught at the looks. When he first strayed away from the script - you can see Mike try to bring it back around by following the teleprompter. Then when Kanye made the Bush statement: Heeeelllllllaaaarrrrrioussss! He looked like "No you didn't..." Even Chris Tucker looked stumped for a moment.

[9dstpm]

*listening to KW's Late Registration as I type this*

My best friend sent me an email attachment with what he said and to tell the truth, I have to agree. I usually don't go for some of Kanye's media antics but this time, I am not blaming him one bit for what he said. There are hundreds upon THOUSANDS of people down in NO, Biloxi, Gulfport, Mobile, etc. are without food, water, formula, diapers, medical care, etc. They are being warehoused like animals at the Superdome and the Convention Center. As a native southerner and native Mississippian I am angry about this. As an American, I am ashamed and appalled that our citizens would be treated like this. I am angry with our president that he has not done more to bring relief. I am angry that he went on GMA Thursday morning to say that he would not ask other countries for help. Why the hell not? He seems to have no problem giving OUR money to help OTHER countries, why not get on the phone and call up Tony Blair and Vincente Fox and Vladamir Putin and ask for their help. I am pretty sure that they and their citizens would have no problem helping our country.

[Sistermadly]

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