Today in Nonfiction Writing, Michael and I were debating about Kanye West- a person I've idolized. We verbally-sparred with such fervor throughout the period that Dr. Majerus had to step in to make me shut up about how Kanye was the G.O.A.T.
One of Michael's many pitiful arguments was that Kanye was a terrible person. My first impulse was to retort "but that's why I love him!" because truthfully, Kanye's flaws are a huge part of what makes him so enticing to me. When people point out Kanye's controversies- the 2009 VMA's, his support for Trump, declaring that "slavery was a choice"- many Kanye stans immediate response is to argue that we should "separate the art from the artist" which is something I don't believe in. I actually like it more whenever my musicians are total jackasses.
It expands beyond music, too. If you were a #loyalreader of my blog, you would know Kevin Durant is one of my favorite basketball players. The reasons I idolize Durant as a person are the same reasons why so many people hate on him: arrogance, trash-talking, him being famously insecure. I look up to him because of his flaws. When I see Durant in a press conference, describing the precariousness of his current mental state, I think "same, KD". But when I see another athlete who seems perfect, I hate it- because how do I relate to that?
When watching TV shows and movies, my favorite characters often similarly carry the same terrible traits. Mainly being manipulative, narcissistic, self-destructive, and generally often a flat-out asshole. One such character is from my favorite show: Bojack Horseman. Bojack- the titular character- is characterized by his depression, narcissism, and substance abuse. He is also a huge celebrity in the world of the show, which makes him desperate for the person he actually is- impulsive and damaged- to remain completely unknown to the public eye. This leads Diane, a friend of Bojack's and another major character in the show, to eventually tell him: "Bojack, when people find out that someone like you, who seems larger than life, is actually just as wounded and vulnerable as they are, it makes them feel better." I love this quote because it's exactly how I feel regarding my favorite celebrities- I want to see someone vulnerable, who I can relate to.
Writing this, I question whether shows like Bojack Horseman normalize being an asshole, as the show tells the audience that somehow, it's OK to not be OK. Shouldn't we always be trying to better ourselves? Seeing so much representation of people who are content with their flawed character just makes an onlooker inclined to be similarly content. For example, the chorus of Kanye's iconic song Runaway (check lyrics out at the link at bottom of the blog!) essentially calls for assholes to take pride in their douchebaggery. I know, the song may initially sound terrible, but I think it helps a lot of people to be content with who they are, which isn't the worst thing in the world. We have body positivity for people who hate their bodies, why not have douchebag positivity for people who hate themselves?
-HD
Runaway lyrics: https://genius.com/38115
It expands beyond music, too. If you were a #loyalreader of my blog, you would know Kevin Durant is one of my favorite basketball players. The reasons I idolize Durant as a person are the same reasons why so many people hate on him: arrogance, trash-talking, him being famously insecure. I look up to him because of his flaws. When I see Durant in a press conference, describing the precariousness of his current mental state, I think "same, KD". But when I see another athlete who seems perfect, I hate it- because how do I relate to that?
When watching TV shows and movies, my favorite characters often similarly carry the same terrible traits. Mainly being manipulative, narcissistic, self-destructive, and generally often a flat-out asshole. One such character is from my favorite show: Bojack Horseman. Bojack- the titular character- is characterized by his depression, narcissism, and substance abuse. He is also a huge celebrity in the world of the show, which makes him desperate for the person he actually is- impulsive and damaged- to remain completely unknown to the public eye. This leads Diane, a friend of Bojack's and another major character in the show, to eventually tell him: "Bojack, when people find out that someone like you, who seems larger than life, is actually just as wounded and vulnerable as they are, it makes them feel better." I love this quote because it's exactly how I feel regarding my favorite celebrities- I want to see someone vulnerable, who I can relate to.
Writing this, I question whether shows like Bojack Horseman normalize being an asshole, as the show tells the audience that somehow, it's OK to not be OK. Shouldn't we always be trying to better ourselves? Seeing so much representation of people who are content with their flawed character just makes an onlooker inclined to be similarly content. For example, the chorus of Kanye's iconic song Runaway (check lyrics out at the link at bottom of the blog!) essentially calls for assholes to take pride in their douchebaggery. I know, the song may initially sound terrible, but I think it helps a lot of people to be content with who they are, which isn't the worst thing in the world. We have body positivity for people who hate their bodies, why not have douchebag positivity for people who hate themselves?
-HD
Runaway lyrics: https://genius.com/38115
I can see where you're coming from. It's difficult to relate to figures that seemingly have no flaws because they don't seem human. However, I also think that there should be a boundary. There's a point at which we should express disagreement towards flawed notions of a public figure. I think you make a valid point, but also I think it's important to take into account what they're representing and what it means for someone to support them.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people should love themselves. I, however, also believe that people should always strive to better themselves. Everyone has flaws, that's undeniable; it's what makes us human. I feel like the celebrities who have flaws, and show their flaws, can be inspiring and help people feel better.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean here, and I appreciate that you shared that. My line of relatability to an artist is definitely different though: I can relate more to a musical artist if they're flawed at making music since that's what they're known for, but I can't respect an artist that doesn't align with my moral standards. For example, I can relate to a professional dancer who doesn't have perfect technique but is still successful - but I don't respect them if they treat other human beings like trash. Chris Brown is another controversial artist, who makes excellent music (trust me, Pills and Automobiles is a musical masterpiece) but the way that he treats women (and really any person that's not himself) is a really big turn off for me. SO in conclusion -- I believe that I can admire celebrities for their talent/skill, but can not respect them if they don't respect humanity.
ReplyDeleteKanye is the Busch Light of humanity. Kind of boring, insanely popular, pretty tasteless, but if you ingest enough, feeling goes away and you find a way to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing, you are more than entitled to idolize who you please.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that it's hard to look up to someone that is seemingly superhuman and perfect in every way. I think the best idols are ones who have clearly discernible flaws which are overshadowed by what we like about them. If you are able to overlook Kanye's flaws and appreciate his talent, then I guess that makes him a good idol for you.
ReplyDeleteI don't follow music in general, however even I know who Kanye is, which just goes to show that he truly is famous he is. Whether its for his controversies or music is another matter. I can't judge him since I don't really know much about him, but I do agree about separating art from the artists. Several famous artists in the past such as Beethoven have had interesting personalities while creating some of the most respected music in the world.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I get this. We always want to get that essential confirmation that we're not the only ones who are insecure, that even really successful people have their struggles and sacrifice a lot. TBH, a lot of the people I've idolized in the past ended up being complete and utter assholes - Elon Musk and Howard Hughes come to mind.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, with Kanye, I feel like he's also just going crazy - his being bipolar combined with the insane publicity he's had around him for decades to make him crash. It's really hard for me to believe that the same man who made "crack music" said that "slavery is a choice" without some serious blows to his mental health. In some ways, I'm glad he's open and real about what's happening with him, instead of having a team carefully curate and manipulate his image so fans can worship him. On the other hand, I think the man should get help and be more careful about what he says, because it could have dangerous consequences.
I think your argument makes total sense. Celebrities are portrayed as nearly inhuman through the media; I think people often have exaggerated perceptions of how attractive or talented celebrities are, simply because of their fame. In reality, there are thousands if not millions of "regular" people around the world who are more talented or attractive than many music stars, athletes, and actors. Being able to see the flaws in a celebrity would separate them from that image of perfection and make them more relatable to you.
ReplyDeleteKanye is the GOAT. His flaws definitely make him stand out. But at the same time, in a more positive outlook, I see Kanye's flaws as more of confidence to speak out about your opinions. Kanye doesn't care about what the media thinks; he's going to say whatever he wants. That's one of the reasons why his music is so powerful. He was the moving force of rap in the past decade, and the main reason for that was his fearlessness.
ReplyDelete