Kanye West, Art, and Peer Pressure

Posted on by Michael Sitver

Throughout history artists have been rebels. They’ve fought for justice and exposed tyranny. Modern music is not wanting for activists. Beyonce caused a rucus this year for turning one of her acts into a politicized act. John Legend and Common have been active in calling for criminal justice reform, and Chance the Rapper has taken to the streets of Chicago to fight gun violence.

As good as it is that art has not lost its activism, there’s a bit of a mob mentality to it. At the top, hollywood and the recording industry is a small world, and there’s significant peer pressure to stay in line.

Causes gradually migrate to the status of “hollywood-approved”, and if they haven’t achieved that status yet, any activism towards them is often looked upon with scorn. Artists can lose deals. Other artists won’t record with them. There’s a modern-day Mccarthyesque (but mob-imposed) black list.

That’s why what Kanye West has done in these last few months is really bold. He is the first prominent rapper I’ve seen meet with President-elect Trump. He was candid about their differences, and the common ground they shared. His own wife endorsed Hillary Clinton, but, unlike the rest of Hollywood, he’s willing to work with whoever is in power to bring the issues he cares about to the forefront.


That’s real activism. Activism is not crying about the result of an election long-over. It’s working within the system to bring about the changes you wish to see. It’s very early in the new administration, but I really hope to see Kanye continue his candid fight (and I hope he stays healthy too – It’s good to see him back out and about).