Kanye’s WLM T-Shirt Controversy and Why All Dollars Matter

Above: Photo of Conservative Political Commentator Candace Owens and Rapper and Fashion Icon Ye. Photo from PageSix.com

Reluctantly, I address the rapper and fashion icon Ye’s “White Lives Matter” t-shirt controversy. I’ve been hesitant to because, although I don’t know Ye personally, I’ve come to know his tactics. Right before he releases an album, a new shoe or shirt, he does something drastic. He gave his support to Donald Trump and then asked him on live TV to release incarcerated alleged Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover. Ye “ran” for president and then released an album shortly thereafter. Now, within a week of wearing a White Lives Matter t-shirt, news sources reveal he’s purchasing a conservative media company.

White Lives Controversy

But is it OK for Ye to wear a White Lives Matter shirt? By asking that question, you’re giving him what he wants. Say what you will about Ye, but he’s a marketing genius. His critics will point to the interview he did for LeBron’s The Shop which was cut after the WLM stunt. The critics will use this as proof that Ye’s bound to fail.

LeBron’s cutting Ye’s interview is proof that those on the left are trying to rob Conservatives of their rights.

However, LeBron has become a lighting rod for white conservative rage. They see him as a spoiled rich crybaby who’s perpetuating a false idea of Black racial oppression. From their perspective, Ye was exercising his right to free speech when he wore the WLM shirt. LeBron’s cutting Ye’s interview is proof that those on the left are trying to rob Conservatives of their rights. No matter how little sense it makes, to Conservatives, Ye is the victim.

The Candace Owens Takeaway

Moreover, Ye has been seen with Conservative commentator Candace Owens, who’s viewed by critics as the woman who made a living out of being the Black person who’ll say the hateful things white Conservatives won’t say publicly; it’s gotten her wealthy and notorious. Her critics argue that she often paints African Americans in a bad light and attempts to lead them to slaughter, as she makes a profit. These critics point out how willing Conservatives are to pour money into Black people who publicly drag their own, and they say it’s not surprising Ye sees a way to easy money.

Candace Owens’s critics argue that she often paints African Americans in a bad light and attempts to lead them to slaughter…

Kanye’s WLM shirt doesn’t matter. Yes, he’s the same guy who said on national TV in 2005 that George Bush, then-president, “… don’t care about Black people.” Some would say neither does Kanye. His goal has become to get filthy rich as quickly as possible by any means. Does Kanye’s WLM shirt really change anything? Capitalism isn’t a sin. The mere fact that we’re having this conversation gives Kanye the win.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. He also works an Adjunct College Professor. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human. Subscribe and share.