Can I still listen to Kanye?

Kanye West represents a significant dilemma for me.

I’m a huge fan of his music. He has genius level talent at producing some bangers. And I appreciate genius in all shapes and sizes.

I’m also very intentional with the things I choose to support. When possible, I believe in intentional currency flow and conscious spending. I want to direct my money towards people and organizations that are building more of what I want to see in the world.

There’s a clear and direct conflict between this intentional currency flow and what Kanye has been saying and doing. Completely inexcusable and condemnable.

That’s pretty black and white. But. There’s still some nuance for me.

A friend recently asked me “Does your vision for a more beautiful world allow for and accommodate mental health issues?”

I was kinda stumped. To be completely honest. The obvious answer is of course it does. In a more beautiful world we are accepting and loving of all people and all situations. And yet here we are… faced with someone who has documented mental health issues and now says he “likes Hitler” while giving a platform for people to spread hate.

It’s obvious I don’t have a clear answer to my friend’s question. I’m choosing to continue to not listen to Kanye’s music even though a) I do miss it and b) I am anti-cancel culture. I do hope he is getting the help he needs and that we all get to enjoy more of his genius for years to come, but it seems we are heading in the opposite direction for now.