Excuses for Kanye's Behavior, When Will It End?

Image from Newsweek

This past weekend Kanye West made headlines again for his behavior. After West put in his late, 2020 United States presidential bid, he made his rally debut in South Carolina that ended it nothing but confusion. During this rally, West said, “Harriet Tubman did not free slaves, but sent them to work for other white people.” While his mental health has been discussed on many occasions, it is time we stop making excuses for him when he or his family does not get him the help he needs. It is time to take action.

Image from Chicago Tribune

In September of 2005, West went off of script and said, “George Bush does not care about black people,” during a Hurricane Katrina Relief benefit Live on NBC. Now some people may or may not believe concur with that statement.  However, it was just the beginning of Kanye West’s history of going off of script. West has been very outspoken throughout his career and often changing his position on specific issues such as politics and race. An example of his contradictions would be chastising President George W. Bush for not caring about black people, but later goes on to support President Donald J. Trump after there has been documentation displaying his past racial indiscretions.

Kanye’s quotes went viral across social media and has solicited many reactions. While many members of the black community have disagreed with this statement, some members of the community continue to make excuses for West’s statements with responses such as “He didn’t really mean that” or “You have to understand where he is coming from.” Kanye needs to seek help on a consistent basis for his mental health and it is time that we hold him and his family accountable to get him help.

We need to stop making excuses for people and hold them accountable for their words and actions.  Society has become a finger pointing excursion wherein no one wants to take responsibility for what s/he has said or done.  Mental illness aside, society is enabling people who refuse to grow up.  If you or someone you know suffers from mental illness, thee are a multitude of resources available.  Please find help.