In last nights telethon to benefit the hurricane victims on NBC, Kanye West speaks his mind about the situation that’s occurring in New Orleans. In what was suppose to be a scripted comment turned out to be a political statement by Kanye West about the situation in New Orleans. Kayne West started his speech with
I hate the way they portray us in the media. You see a black family, it says, “They’re looting.” You see a white family, it says, “They’re looking for food.” And, you know, it’s been five days [waiting for federal help] because most of the people are black. And even for me to complain about it, I would be a hypocrite because I’ve tried to turn away from the TV because it’s too hard to watch. I’ve even been shopping before even giving a donation, so now I’m calling my business manager right now to see what is the biggest amount I can give, and just to imagine if I was down there, and those are my people down there. So anybody out there that wants to do anything that we can help — with the way America is set up to help the poor, the black people, the less well-off, as slow as possible. I mean, the Red Cross is doing everything they can. We already realize a lot of people that could help are at war right now, fighting another way — and they’ve given them permission to go down and shoot us!
and concluded his statement with
George Bush doesn’t care about black people.
What do you guys think of what he said in the telethon? Do you guys think he is right to say that on air even if this is what most people things? Do you think because he did what he did that it took some focus out of raising money for the hurricane victim?
Both NBC and the Red Cross issue statements denouncing what Kayne West said.
NBC issue this statement:
Tonight’s telecast was a live television event wrought with emotion. 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 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
The Red Cross issue this statement:
The American Red Cross is incredibly grateful for the support we’re receiving in the wake of the catastrophic events caused by Hurricane Katrina. We want to acknowledge the ongoing support of NBC-Universal, which aired a telethon tonight on behalf of the victims of this tragedy.
During the telecast, a controversial comment was made by one of the celebrities. We would like the American public to know that our support is unwavering, regardless of political circumstances. We are a neutral and impartial organization, and support disaster victims across the country regardless of race, class, color or creed. We cannot, and we do not endorse any comments of a political nature.
You can see the video here. Transcript from Wasington Post.
[…] We all know that Kanye had say the famous words “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” last week. So he has to continue with another controversial line the next week. What was this that he said? Well Kanye West say something that has to do with using slang by certain racial group. This is what he had to say: I think white people are allowed to say ‘bling’. They are allowed to say old-school black slang, like ‘hottie’ and ‘homie’. […]