Hear Ye

2013 Yeezus Tour
Photo by Peter Hutchins 

“Hear ye, hear ye’ has often been a cry for attention.  And Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has rarely been one to avoid the spotlight.

His latest cry has sounded anti-Semitic to many an ear.  Using a military term that calls for an "increase in force readiness," Ye sounded off "on Jewish people."  On all Jewish people, allegedly because some had done him wrong.

This recently occurred during a long winded interview with Piers Morgan, who had the patience and ratings to hear Ye out.  As the talk progressed, it seemed that Ye finally felt a bit contrite.  He even somewhat apologized for “Defcon” comments that had “caused hurt and confusion… for the families of the people that had nothing to do with the trauma that I have been through.”

Compassionate listening to someone who’s feeling traumatized can certainly help to rechannel energies. Since hurt people often hurt people, hearing someone out may even help to mitigate prejudice.

Resources

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/piers-morgan-kanye-west-antisemitic-remarks-apology-1234614875/