It looks like rapper superstar Kanye West is serious about running for president. And regardless of whether he wins or loses, his courage and directness can win the younger generation to the side of the conservatives.
It is a big understatement to say that Kanye West is a controversial figure. Even among the conservatives, to whom I belong, there is no consensus about it. Some believe that celebrity should not be worshiped, while others see an unexpected benefit in him. I'm from the second category.
I believe that conservatism as a political philosophy is in big trouble right now, as conservatives are losing the culture war. In general, in the field of culture, the conservatives are not doing very well, since many of them do not have the attitude necessary to make a tangible effect here. When it comes to their art and success, many cultural figures become obsessed with their narrowly personal interests and slide into political giveaways and self-centered nonsense.
Kanye seems to understand something here. And besides realizing that he is one of the greatest rappers on the planet, he also realizes the importance of community and cohesion. He speaks candidly about things that harm the black population and family structure. Take, for example, his recent statement on abortion. Was this bewitchingly logical and thoughtful reasoning, taking into account scientific facts? No, but it was an emotional statement about the value of life that made a much bigger impression.
Kanye West has spoken out on other topics as well. Among other things, he discussed the importance of Christianity and expressed contempt for the so-called abolition culture. And although his idea of the "Wakandan Model of Governance" sounds strange, there is a strange method in this madness. The same goes for the name of his party - The Birthday Party (which, thanks to the play on words, reads both "Birthday Party" and "Birthday Party").
“If we win, it’s as if everyone will have a birthday” - this is the logic of this attempt to play up the idea of a holiday. West borrows the image of Wakanda from popular culture and makes it a landmark for innovation. As a fan of "Black Panther" (the eponymous comic series by Christopher Priest is a must-read), I would have taken such a landmark, if only out of a sense of nostalgia.
However, it doesn't matter at all whether Kanye West wins the election or not. His entry into the political sphere is already a big plus, because it marks the breaking down of two barriers, which are the electoral preferences of blacks and the cultural issue.
It is very difficult for conservatives to enlist the support of black voters. This pattern has persisted for so long that it began to seem as if this business seemed hopeless to many. However, leaving him would be very unwise.
The elements that conservatives promote are generally perceived as positive by blacks: a sense of responsibility, traditional family structure, and faith in God. However, there has long been an assumption that conservatives oppose the provision of benefits and other aid from the state, and oppose blacks (but this is illogical, given that the "queen of benefits" of the Reagan era was just a white woman).
Kanye West can turn this situation around, since he is an example of a supporter of the above ideas, who, at the same time, can hardly be attributed to the number of prim and pompous resonators. He has acted in this role throughout his journey, rapping and representing what some would call the "black subculture." But instead of showing the conservatives the middle finger, he recognized Donald Trump as an important figure. He speaks very respectfully of the Christian faith that many conservatives profess. It acts as a kind of bridge that helps blacks understand: this is not a racially oriented system of views, but a human one, and it does not require you to behave like Gordon Gekko.
Even more significant is the cultural issue (the second barrier West overcomes). Let's face it: Conservatives have no plans for the post-Trump era. They have no idea what will need to be done after the current president leaves, especially if he loses to Joe Biden in the election (this year) or the Democratic candidate wins in 2024.
Hollywood will retain both a monopoly in the entertainment industry and a pronounced leftist orientation, comics will overwhelm the masses of social justice advocates, and people will wonder why Stephen Crowder's parody clip "Dr. Trump" never changed anything.
And to be perplexed here, I think, is rather stupid.
Now it may be difficult to predict exactly what kind of impact Kanye will have on culture in the end, but there is the possibility that many more artists will reconsider their position on publicly stating their conservative views. Or even just about anti-left views or disagreement with the fighters for social justice. As much as I loved Glenn Danzig or Joey Ramon, they, so to speak, split from the pack years after their peak in popularity.
Kanye, a massive star, departs from the rest of popular culture and says you don't have to be a Democrat. Not many artists would have had the courage to do that.
I see Kanye West as a potential catalyst for change. His behavior may eventually become an example for conservatives in the future. Maybe we need fewer suits and ties and more sneakers and jeans. Less nervous stiffness, more relaxation and cheerfulness.
In a sense, Kanye's “cool” image and his willingness to stand up for his beliefs can force many to reconsider their approach to the issue of culture, or, for example, ask this question: should a person be a Democrat by default simply because of his skin color or artistic talent?
Author Twitter - @MindofMicahC.
The author's point of view may not coincide with the position of the editorial board.