Kanye West says 400 years of slavery was 'a choice'
In a shocker, rapper Kanye West in an interview with an entertainment website called African-American slavery that lasted for 400 years a matter of "choice".
As he spoke about the US President Donald Trump and the US rapper community’s love for him, Kanye also said, "When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... for 400 years? That sounds like a choice.”
He quickly added, "We're mentally imprisoned” before moving on to another topic.
As he wrapped up the interview, Kanye was interjected by a black member of staff at the company, Van Lathan. He said, "You're entitled to believe whatever you want, but there is fact and real-world, real-life consequence behind everything that you just said. We have to deal with the marginalisation that has come from the 400 years of slavery that you said for our people was a choice.”
Van added, "I'm appalled, and brother I am unbelievably hurt by the fact that you have morphed into something to me that isn't real."
Twitterati also took to their pages to condemn his remarks with some even suggesting him to refer to history books. This is the second time in less than a week’s span when Kanye has been trolled on social media. He was trolled last week for releasing a new song defending his support for Trump, who according to Kanye is "fighting for the people".
This is Kanye West saying "400yrs of slavery was a choice" is so insulting. ? pic.twitter.com/ySqZxldVAK
— Mwes M Drew™ (@_mwes) May 2, 2018
Man, this Kanye West shit makes me sad as a former history teacher. Nothing is worse for the world than dumb people who think they are smart cause other dumb people agree with them. Especially when it comes to ignoring or revising the most horrific parts of humanity's past.
— Jesse Cox: at Monster Prom (@JesseCox) May 2, 2018
As the issue gathered steam on social media, Kanye took to Twitter to clear his stand and wrote: “The reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can't be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought It was just an idea.”
the reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can't be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought It was just an idea
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) May 1, 2018
In a series of tweets, he defended his stance and wrote about the real meaning of his statement. He added: “to make myself clear. Of course I know that slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will.”
to make myself clear. Of course I know that slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) May 1, 2018
As per history, black people were forced to leave their homes in Africa and were brought to the US during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries to be sold as slaves.