So this week was an examination of celebrity and fandom, and with every example, comes the opportunity to apply it to our own lives. Let me start off by saying I am an unhealthy Kanye West fan. Ever since College Drop out (his first album in 2004) I've had all the albums. My first concert I attended was his back in '06.. I've seen him 3 times since (it will be four in december after the Watch the Throne Tour). I can attribute a lot of my style to inspiration from him, (bright colors or colored accessories to match against a more conservative outfit). I have Kanye West Bapestars (a limited edition japanese sneaker) and when is signature nike shoe comes out in the summer... I will probably be in line.
To me he means a lot of things, most consider him an asshole and I really won't spend the post trying to defend him, but I discovered hip hop music through his lyrics and I would never have chose to come to this city all the way from Connecticut if it had not been for his music and my interest in its origins. I wonder if I have a sick obsession? If I am just like the avatar people that show up at the comicon conventions or the hardcore sports people. To me, (and as studies indicate) I enjoy referring to myself as extremely different from the obsession that grips those people. To me, I use West as an emblem or physical manifestation of my own creative spirit, a spirit that defies status quos and is an undying optimist and swagger that most people lack. Too often in society people are weighed down by a feeling of self conscience and acceptance of the greater population. His stardom, is a rebel attitude towards others opinion but not one that is bulletproof or not often marred by personal tragedy. For this I follow him avidly and look up to him as an innovator and stylistic genius. This may have been a text book case of idolatry but I ask that if these figures embody higher ideas or ideology that people follow does it make them equally as culpable as the normal fans? Why or Why not
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