Op-Ed Analysis: "The Tale of Kanye West, From Dropout to Let Down" by Shelton Boyd-Griffith

By Courtney Coleman

November 20, 2022

Structure and Narrative Flow

Shelton Boyd-Griffith's op-ed on Kanye West's downfall is structured in a way that mirrors the artist's chaotic trajectory. The author effectively chronicles West's journey from his "pre-crazy" phase to his current controversial status, focusing on his recent hate speech against minorities. This approach makes the complex narrative accessible and easy to follow, especially for those who haven't kept up with West's continuous stream of controversies.

Key Quotes and Their Impact

The article highlights several significant quotes that illustrate West's evolving rhetoric:

"We shine because they hate us, floss 'cause they degrade us/ We tryna buy back our 40 acres."

"I say f— the police, that's how I treat 'em/ We buy our way out of jail, but we can't buy freedom."

"EVERYONE KNOWS THAT BLACK LIVES MATTER WAS A SCAM, NOW IT'S OVER, YOU'RE WELCOME."

These quotes demonstrate West's shift from addressing systemic racism to promoting harmful conspiracy theories. The author also includes West's controversial statement about George Floyd's death:

"They hit him with fentanyl. If you look, the guy's knee wasn't even on his neck like that."

Personal Reflection and Broader Context

As a Black person in America, I strongly agree with the author's sentiment. The daily struggle of being on guard due to one's skin color, even in 2022 (almost 2023), is a reality that many minorities face. The author effectively contrasts this everyday experience with the out-of-touch perspectives of wealthy individuals like West, who speak on basic human rights without understanding the realities of "normal folk."

The op-ed highlights a crucial issue: the pressure on Black individuals who achieve success to represent the entire community. When these representatives make harmful statements, it's not just disappointing—it's damaging to the very people they're supposed to inspire and support.

Writing Technique and Tone

Boyd-Griffith uses effective transitions like "as for," "it's apparent that," "of course," "during that," "following his," "he continued," and "after seeing" to guide readers through the narrative. While the author's personal viewpoint isn't explicitly stated until the final three paragraphs, the underlying tone throughout the piece is one of hurt and disappointment from a Black perspective.

The Author's Call to Action

The op-ed concludes with a powerful message:

"I want us collectively to let him and others like him exist in their own orbit and not feel the need to engage continuously. That's what men like him want. It's like his life force counts on the engagement, the clicks. As we push for more inclusive, safe-affirming spaces, there's no room for this behavior. After weeks of watching him spiral, my message is this: Let's all agree to leave him (along with other problematic voices in the industry) to his own devices, in his own orbit, and shift our focus instead to creatives using their practices and platforms to effect change, fashion brands that represent the world we aim to see, and issues that matter."

This call to action encourages readers to disengage from harmful rhetoric and instead focus on positive change-makers in the industry.

Conclusion

Boyd-Griffith's op-ed effectively captures the disappointment and frustration felt by many in the Black community regarding Kanye West's recent actions. By chronicling West's descent from inspirational figure to controversial figure, the author highlights the broader issues of representation and responsibility in the public sphere. The piece serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of words and actions, especially from those in positions of influence.

Work Cited

Boyd-Griffith, Shelton. "The Tale of Kanye West, From Dropout to Letdown." TeenVogue, 22 Oct. 2022, https://www.teenvogue.com/story/not-even-fashion-can-save-ye-now-the-tale-of-kanye-west-op-ed