Kanye West’s inflammatory statements have doubtlessly caused fervour over the past few weeks. What began as a series of tirades against other members of the fashion and music industries culminated into a slew of provocative statements and actions from Kanye. In early October, Kanye and right-wing commentator Candace Owens brandished shirts with the phrase “White Lives Matter” printed on them at the Paris Fashion Expo. On the night of 9 October 2022, Kanye tweeted a statement, saying that he “was feeling a little sleepy” but that tomorrow he would “go death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE.” He has consistently deflected requests to apologize for his statements in subsequent media appearances, repeating claims of a Jewish media conspiracy targeted against him.
Kanye’s statements, and the unfortunate ramifications thereof, have already been discussed extensively in the media. Hate in all forms is morally reprehensible, and it is evident that Kanye’s statements run the risk of emboldening and empowering antisemites. We have already seen deplorable antisemitic demonstrations shortly after Kanye’s tweets, such as with the group of Neo-Nazis who hung a banner stating “Kanye is right about the Jews” over a Los Angeles freeway. There is no doubt that Kanye has endangered members of the Jewish community, but he’s also disappointed people. People like me—a Jewish guy who’s been a massive fan of Kanye’s music since a young age.
I am disappointed because Kanye’s statements stand in such stark contrast to his previous advocacy for marginalized communities; for instance, in his advocacy against the use of homophobic slurs in rap music. I am disappointed by the way Kanye has allowed disingenuous opportunists—like Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Louis Farrakhan—to poison his worldview. Most importantly, I am disappointed in the way that Kanye has so recklessly echoed the perennially insidious rhetoric of antisemitism, with no attention to or regard for the disastrous ramifications that such rhetoric has had throughout history.
My disappointment is only exacerbated by the manner in which, I believe, Kanye has reached this breaking point. The past few years have not been kind to him, with his divorce, media scrutinization, and deaths of those close to him all doubtlessly contributing to his troubled mental state. These factors have likely aggravated his existing mental illness, a topic which has far too often been left out in the discussion of his antisemitic remarks. Kanye has been officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and avid fans have noticed how the degree of Kanye’s inflammatory conduct has vacillated over the years. It is important to point out that none of these things excuse Kanye’s statements, but the interplay between Kanye’s mental health and his recent statements is underappreciated and can help us understand the phenomenon of modern antisemitism more broadly. What makes Kanye’s antisemitic remarks so sad, and this is purely my own opinion, is that they originate from paranoia and ignorance, rather than from a place of true hate and malice.
Every individual is different, and most do not suffer from the same mental illnesses as Kanye West does. Nevertheless, paranoid proclivities do run the risk of seeping into the broader public consciousness, especially when promulgated by prominent figures. Antisemitism can be analyzed solely on the basis of social and economic conditions, but I dare say that Kanye’s statements highlight an uncomfortable truth: namely, that part of the reason for the pernicious pervasiveness of antisemitism, is the manner in which the ideology so readily co-opts the uglier elements of human nature. The inherent dangers present in life necessitate some level of suspicion toward others. This suspicion becomes paranoia when it is no longer individualized; in other words, when that one person who actually wishes you harm is substituted by a cabal or organization, the sole goal thereof is to harm you and the people you care about. Indeed, such collective paranoia has recently manifested itself in manners which were not explicitly antisemitic, such as the various conspiracy theories surrounding the World Economic Forum, or QAnon. It is unsurprising that the Jewish people, a historically othered and insular group, can so quickly fit into these theories like a puzzle piece, especially for those susceptible to paranoia. This susceptibility may be most apparent in those suffering from mental illness but can take hold of wider society tremendously quickly, especially when such views are parroted by the very figures we look up to in society: basketball players like Kyrie Irving, film stars like Mel Gibson, and media figures like Kanye West.
Material conditions can exacerbate such paranoia; informing a particular strain of economic antisemitism that has historically proven to be quite palatable for the masses. Simplistic conspiracies of global finance being controlled by Jews become more attractive when the economic outlook of the average individual is bleak. Ironically, these canards stem from the history of Jews in Europe—Christian prohibitions on taking interest restricted Jews to certain professional roles in commerce and finance, whilst excluding them from other parts of society. Other antisemitic tropes like blood libel also date back to this period, and it thus distressing to see these ideas reemerging in our society. Antisemitism is usually a central tenant of white supremacists, and the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric can contribute to the normalization of other forms of bigotry.
Instead of sowing division between African Americans and Jews—two groups that have historically been marginalized by white supremacist institutions in the United States—Kanye should perhaps focus on our shared humanity, and this truth to fight against oppression in all forms, rather than contribute to it. Tragic events such as the Charlottesville rally and the Tree of Life shooting, offer a clear impetus for figures like Kanye to denounce antisemitism, and for all of us to try to learn a little more from history, lest we wish to repeat it.