What Happened During Kanye West's Infamous Interruption at the 2009 VMAs?

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The discussion centers around Kanye West's controversial statement during a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert, where he claimed, "George Bush doesn't care about black people." Participants express mixed reactions, with some believing the moment was intended as a serious political statement, while others initially thought it was a comedy sketch due to the presence of Chris Tucker and Mike Myers. The conversation highlights the shock and confusion on the faces of Tucker and Myers, suggesting they were unprepared for West's remarks. There is debate over whether West's comments were appropriate for the context of a fundraiser, with some arguing that it detracted from the event's purpose. Others defend West's right to speak out, citing the delayed government response to the disaster as justification for his criticism. The thread also touches on themes of perception and racial bias, questioning how different audiences interpret the actions of public figures based on race. Overall, the discussion reflects a broader dialogue about the intersection of celebrity, politics, and social responsibility.
  • #31
outsider said:
The other black person at the end of the video was chris TUCKER, not ROCK... he had a strange face on for a second, but that could have been for any number of reasons if you've ever been at a live taping of anything. Townsend chose to view it how he wished to entertain everyone... well, I found you more entertaining to be quite honest...

I think it was quite obvious that his facial expression was because of what he said along with Myers. I'm going to review the video but I remember them both having a "what the hell did he just say?" look. Myers also seems like he was not in on what that rapper was saying. After Kayne's or whatever's first part, Myers continues and there's a noticable delay with that deep breath. Now 50/50 chance as to its a breath to prepare for myers' part of the speech or a breath as in like "uhmmmmmmm" and just tryen to get the subject back to the red cross. I take it as the latter because that's just how his expressions seemed to have come off.

Tucker's reaction is a little difficult because his expression could easily have been the expression of someone who has been 'cut to' without warning and maybe he wasn't sure what was going on.

outsider said:
Don't even deny it... the title for this thread is "some people just don't get it"... what is that supposed to mean? if you really want to discuss it, then come out with it...

It was just a title. Hell, everyone got all worked up when I put up that thread called "I want to kill everyone here". People just read too much into title threads :rolleyes: :rolleyes: jk though, i love these weirdos.
 
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  • #32
Townsend said:
I actually saw this video posted in another forum that also has a general discussion area connected with a politics forum. It seemed to me everyone there thought it was pretty funny and so I wanted to share it with the people here. I figured they might find it funny too.

I had no idea that people would actually think I had a motive to be political or that people would take what was said seriously. I definitely didn't think that someone would try to tell me that I was had... :rolleyes:

I don't think me taking a defensive position against people who want to attack me is unjustified. From what I could understand those people were looking to slam me and I got a tad bit defensive...so sue me. :devil:

And I think the part where you said "clearly your intentions are..." is clearly in doubt if not completely false. I know it is false but since I cannot find a link to a bbc report that says it's false I guess it's just my opinion.

And you are clearly trying to slam me, what for?
you haven't explained the title of this thread... so i will refrain from answering any of your questions... if you answer the questions honestly, then you will have the answers to your own questions. :devil:
 
  • #33
The point of the title of the thread is that Mr. West does not get it. He was suppose to be there to raise money for the red cross, not to make a political statement. He used the opportunity to make a political statement and likely caused some people to turn away from donating. I am certain that Mr. Meyers also had a political point of view, and I bet Mr. Tucker did too. Why were they not there going off on how they felt about politics in the world? Heck, why not just have every celebrity at every fund raising event stand up and make their views known to the world...

I thought that it was transparently clear to anyone, also from the expressions on Mr Meyers face and on Mr. Tuckers face, that this was for raising money to help the victims of hurricane Katrina and not for politics. It was not the time or the place for him to make that kind of statement. I could careless what he thinks and I could careless what most celebrities think and I don't like it when they use their celebrity status take political pop shots when it's not prudent.

So like the thread of the title says and the purpose of the video being posted and the reason it was funny. "Some people just don't get it."
 
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  • #34
Pengwuino said:
I think it was quite obvious that his facial expression was because of what he said along with Myers. I'm going to review the video but I remember them both having a "what the hell did he just say?" look. Myers also seems like he was not in on what that rapper was saying. After Kayne's or whatever's first part, Myers continues and there's a noticable delay with that deep breath. Now 50/50 chance as to its a breath to prepare for myers' part of the speech or a breath as in like "uhmmmmmmm" and just tryen to get the subject back to the red cross. I take it as the latter because that's just how his expressions seemed to have come off.
so it does have to do with perception. When a white guy drives down the street in a luxury vehicle, no one thinks anything of it... but when a black guy drives down the street in a nice car, there comes a certain set of thoughts... I am guilty too... and it all has to do with what we choose to see. I think you guys chose to see this video in a certain light and put your personal spin on it... subtle, but unfair. Again, you say that it is a judgement call... and so townsends judgement was pretty clear and disallowed for another persons perception... c'mon, if i didn't see it on the news myself, i might even think of it as a comedy act... hell, at 8:10am on 9/11, I saw what looked like a movie on CNN... i was in disbelief myself...
Tucker's reaction is a little difficult because his expression could easily have been the expression of someone who has been 'cut to' without warning and maybe he wasn't sure what was going on.
exactly... you see this kinda stuff all the time.

It was just a title. Hell, everyone got all worked up when I put up that thread called "I want to kill everyone here". People just read too much into title threads :rolleyes: :rolleyes: jk though, i love these weirdos.
i disagree... especially in this case, it is obvious that he was making fun of someone... who was it that he was making fun of? And for what reason? Some people just like to act all nonchalant after being put to shame... Oh, I MEANT to do that :rolleyes: Or when racist jokes go around an office and they say... oh, it was just an innocent joke... don't be so sensitive...

yeah, maybe I'm a weirdo because I'm not compromised. You are defending a loser for whatever reason you chose to... and you're so weak that you throw in a jk... whatever you say because the jokes on you... Rope towers. You'd rather fit in than to believe the weirdo who built an ark to save the earth. IMO, Sucks to be you dude. it really does...

back to the thread... apparently, what kanye west said was not in the script... which probably lead mike myers to the look on his face. kanye west is known to say whatever is on his mind no matter how contraversial it may be. i don't think it was wise of him to say that... but the actions (or lack thereof) of the bush administration certainly give him justification for his opinion.

Pengwuino, here's some advice... just stick to defending yourself... defending others may only compromise your own credibility.
 
  • #35
Townsend said:
The point of the title of the thread is that Mr. West does not get it. He was suppose to be there to raise money for the red cross, not to make a political statement. He used the opportunity to make a political statement and likely caused some people to turn away from donating. I am certain that Mr. Meyers also had a political point of view, and I bet Mr. Tucker did too. Why were they not there going off on how they felt about politics in the world? Heck, why not just have every celebrity at every fund raising event stand up and make their views known to the world...

I thought that it was transparently clear to anyone, also from the expressions on Mr Meyers face and on Mr. Tuckers face, that this was for raising money to help the victims of hurricane Katrina and not for politics. It was not the time or the place for him to make that kind of statement. I could careless what he thinks and I could careless what most celebrities think and I don't like it when they use their celebrity statues take political pop shots when it's not prudent.
i don't know what statues you are talking about... but i doubt you are a prudent type of individual to be judging what is and isn't prudent. kanye west obviously capitalized on this opportunity to make a political statement. as i said before, i don't agree with it and perhaps it was in bad taste... nonetheless, due to the delayed reactions of the administration, he is justified in his opinion.
So like the thread of the title says and the purpose of the video being posted and the reason it was funny. "Some people just don't get it."
so you do admit that you were slamming someone for their beliefs. which is why i confronted you in placing it in GD. I questioned your motives as you only allowed for one interpretation of the video... if you wanted to make a stance about how he didn't get it, you should've made it apparent rather than beating around the bush about it... just shows your cowardice. :devil: A coward dies a million lives... a soldier dies once.
 
  • #36
outsider said:
so it does have to do with perception. When a white guy drives down the street in a luxury vehicle, no one thinks anything of it... but when a black guy drives down the street in a nice car, there comes a certain set of thoughts... I am guilty too... and it all has to do with what we choose to see. I think you guys chose to see this video in a certain light and put your personal spin on it... subtle, but unfair. Again, you say that it is a judgement call... and so townsends judgement was pretty clear and disallowed for another persons perception...

What? What the heck are you trying to say here? That guy was not being prudent and that was pretty clear that he didn't understand that fund raisers are not the place for people to go off on politics. Are you telling me that I would have reacted differently if he was white?

c'mon, if i didn't see it on the news myself, i might even think of it as a comedy act... hell, at 8:10am on 9/11, I saw what looked like a movie on CNN... i was in disbelief myself...

Are you saying that if someone attacks me I should be caring about correcting them and try my best not to offend them when explaining to them that they were wrong?


i disagree... especially in this case, it is obvious that he was making fun of someone... who was it that he was making fun of? And for what reason?

Someone who didn't get it. So what?

yeah, maybe I'm a weirdo because I'm not compromised. You are defending a loser for whatever reason you chose to... and you're so weak that you throw in a jk... whatever you say because the jokes on you...

I'm a loser now? Wow... I need to cool off... I just hope that the moderators leave your words up.

You'd rather fit in than to believe the weirdo who built an ark to save the earth. IMO, Sucks to be you dude. it really does...

Just so you know, I am agnostic. But you can believe whatever you want.

back to the thread... apparently, what kanye west said was not in the script... which probably lead mike myers to the look on his face. kanye west is known to say whatever is on his mind no matter how contraversial it may be. i don't think it was wise of him to say that...

Here you are calling me a loser for saying he doesn't get it and then you move on to say that you don't think it was wise of him to say that...

What is the difference between what you said and what I said?

Pengwuino, here's some advice... just stick to defending yourself... defending others may only compromise your own credibility.

I don't think your really in much a position to be giving out advice considering this post.
:rolleyes:

[edit]
******************************************************************************
To keep score so far Outsider has said he thinks it was not wise for Mr. West to say what he said. Which for all practical purposes is exactly what why I titled this thread, "Some people just don't get it..."

So far I am accused of

1. attacking someone beliefs. Outsider seems to think the purpose the title of this thread is to attack someone’s beliefs.

2. I am told that I should respond nicely to people who attack me. (the irony)

3. I am called a coward

4. I am called a loser.

5. At the request of outsider I am adding that I am kniving individual

Outsider is directing all of this vehement anger at me because he thinks the reason for the title of the thread is that I wanted to attack someone’s beliefs. I have attempted to explain why I worded things the way I did and have so far restrained myself from making any personal attacks on anyone.

Maybe it's time this thread gets moved to the politics section. Or maybe one of the moderators can change the thread title. Maybe people would stop jumping on me if it said:

"Poorly timed political pop shot"

Or no... I am sure someone would still take offense...

How about:

"Fund raiser funny"

No...someone would still think I am trying to make a political statement...

I dunno. I have no idea how I could have titled this thread so that people would realize that it's purpose is to make fun of someone for not knowing when it is and is not prudent to be political and not to attack Mr. West's personal views on Bush.

In any case, this kind of response is not called for.
[/edit]
 
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  • #37
outsider said:
so you do admit that you were slamming someone for their beliefs. which is why i confronted you in placing it in GD. I questioned your motives as you only allowed for one interpretation of the video... if you wanted to make a stance about how he didn't get it, you should've made it apparent rather than beating around the bush about it... just shows your cowardice. :devil: A coward dies a million lives... a soldier dies once.

NO I was not slamming anyone for their beliefs...

Can someone please explain to this guy what I am trying to say here. I don't care what that guy believes. I don't think he understood the purpose of his being there. He didn't get it...nothing more...



I cannot believe this utter nonsense. This is outrageous !
 
  • #38
It seems like ANYTHING can be turned into a political war on ANY DAY on this forum.
 
  • #39
Pengwuino said:
It seems like ANYTHING can be turned into a political war on ANY DAY on this forum.

It's hopeless I tell you...
 
  • #40
Townsend,

I was wrong to suggest that you had been "had". When I first saw that video, the comments were so ridiculous that I assumed it must have been a comedy sketch, like the ones on SNL when they make fun of something by exaggerating it to the point of absurdity. The presence of Chris Tucker and Mike Myers re-inforced my belief that it was intended as comedy -- in poor taste, perhaps, but not to be taken seriously. It was only after I followed the link to the news story that I discovered the clip and the comments were "real", and not a parody.

So as it turns out, it is not you who were "had" for presenting the video as real, but me for ever doubting that it was.

Does that clear things up?
 
  • #41
jma2001 said:
Townsend,

I was wrong to suggest that you had been "had". When I first saw that video, the comments were so ridiculous that I assumed it must have been a comedy sketch, like the ones on SNL when they make fun of something by exaggerating it to the point of absurdity. The presence of Chris Tucker and Mike Myers re-inforced my belief that it was intended as comedy -- in poor taste, perhaps, but not to be taken seriously. It was only after I followed the link to the news story that I discovered the clip and the comments were "real", and not a parody.

So as it turns out, it is not you who were "had" for presenting the video as real, but me for ever doubting that it was.

Does that clear things up?

It's no problem really...I assumed you realized it was real afterwards and it was a simple mistake. Everyone makes mistakes and I hope I didn't come off as too rude in response to you. :smile:
 
  • #42
outsider, just drop it. geez. he wasn't attacking anybody; he just found the video funny.
 
  • #43
Did kanye go too far?

vote here:
http://www.learntodownload.com/vote3
 
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  • #44
outsider said:
When a white guy drives down the street in a luxury vehicle, no one thinks anything of it... but when a black guy drives down the street in a nice car, there comes a certain set of thoughts... I am guilty too... and it all has to do with what we choose to see.
HAHAHAHA! Maybe that's what you and people where you are from do. It's not like that around here where I live, though I'm sure there are probably a few people like you who have those thoughts too. :wink:
 
  • #45
To address Townsend: you wanted to make a statement whether you believe it or not. Sure, you make yourself out to be a victim... just shows the kind of individual you are... you chose to see name-calling...

I can objectively say that kanye took an opportunity to make a political statement. I personally don't think it was wise, however he did it... and I don't blame him for his opinion. Perhaps he really does get it and you are the one who doesn't? What is and isn't appropriate is up for personal opinion. I will leave it at that.

TheStatutoryApe said:
HAHAHAHA! Maybe that's what you and people where you are from do. It's not like that around here where I live, though I'm sure there are probably a few people like you who have those thoughts too. :wink:
i'm just being honest... i can't help what dirty thoughts may fall into my mind... I've lived an interesting life... not that i'd change anything... i feel a lot of people view themselves as non-racist but don't even know that they are one of the most dangerous kind of racist.

i'm not calling anyone on PF a racist as it was just a depiction of how our minds are all slanted to view things in a certain light favorable to our own beliefs...
 
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  • #46
outsider said:
To address Townsend: you wanted to make a statement whether you believe it or not.

Since when can we just go around and tell people what they really wanted to do? I could say you really wanted to vote for Bush whether you believe it or not.

In any case, clearly you believe you know more about me than I know about myself and yet we have never even met before.

Sure, you make yourself out to be a victim...

Well I am so glad you won't let me pull the wool over your eyes.

just shows the kind of kniving individual you are... yeah.. you can add it to the list.

Ok I will...

I can objectively say that kanye took an opportunity to make a political statement.

An obvious fact...why even bother to mention it?

I personally don't think it was wise, however he did it... and I don't blame him for his opinion.

I agree with you completely...

Perhaps he really does get it and you are the one who doesn't?

Perhaps...

And perhaps the sun won't rise tomorrow or perhaps Bush will suddenly want to pull out of Iraq...anything thing is possible but all of these things are as unlikely as Mr. West getting it.

What is and isn't appropriate is up for personal opinion. I will leave it at that.

So why do we have laws? What are norms all about? Why does society have customs?

So if someone thinks it's appropriate to beat the crap out of their kid, then its ok? I don't think so...

People cannot just go around and act like idiots because they think it's appropriate.

And last but not least...why is it that in your opinion it is ok for Mr. West to express his opinion but then you jump on me saying that I shouldn't be slamming someones opinion? I mean, if I decide it is appropriate to slam someones opinion then by your rules it's all good.

You also seem to think I shouldn't have posted this in GD...why would you say that? You don't think it's appropriate? Don't you find that to be a tad ironic?
 
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  • #47
Townsend said:
And perhaps the sun won't rise tomorrow or perhaps Bush will suddenly want to pull out of Iraq...anything thing is possible but all of these things are as unlikely as Mr. West getting it.
well, ok... whatever you say mr. townsend...

kanye is expressing what many black people in america believe. his intentions were (in my opinion) in the wrong venue and a poor choice of words. Although, his perception of the government is accurate to the proof provided by the delayed response to the emergency situation in New Orleans.

I have stayed consistent with my logic as I also called YOU out for the same thing... your title was clearly slanted (just as kanyes statement was), but your slant was subtle, which gives you room to run.

In reading your response to jma2001, it became very obvious that he was not aware of what was happening and instead of simply educating him, you put him down.

You make yourself out to be a victim and that's just what I'd expect to see in primary school politics.
lil town said:
"oh teacher, jason is calling me a doohicky, and jennifer thinks I'm a dummy because i can't tie my shoes... waaaah", please help me everyone... look I'm a victim.
you were probably really proud of how you got TheSmokingMan banned... sure, maybe I'm next to go... whatever. it says nothing for your actual intelligence... i hope you know that.

What you could have titled it: "Kanye West makes statement during benefit concert" or if you really think it's funny "Look at Chris Tucker's Face!"

The interpretation of Chris Tucker's face... well, only Chris Tucker can say what that was caused by... our interpretations are simply what we choose to perceive.

yes, and last but not least...
And last but not least...why is it that in your opinion it is ok for Mr. West to express his opinion but then you jump on me saying that I shouldn't be slamming someones opinion? I mean, if I decide it is appropriate to slam someones opinion then by your rules it's all good.

You also seem to think I shouldn't have posted this in GD...why would you say that? You don't think it's appropriate? Don't you find that to be a tad ironic?
I'm so glad you asked because my logic has not bent or wavered... i still stand firm that I did not agree on Kanye Wests timing or choice of venue. His message was justified due to the lack of reaction from the Bush Administration. I slammed you because you were slamming him while you were basically doing the same thing. I can't stand a hypocrate.
 
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  • #48
Ok I think this is why I am going to stop posting in the GD:PWA forum (yes i know this is just the GD main section). No one can be right in anyone elses eyes and every single word has to be questioned and everyone has to be criticized to the highest standards conceivable.
 
  • #49
outsider said:
you were probably really proud of how you got TheSmokingMan banned... sure, maybe I'm next to go... whatever. it says nothing for your actual intelligence... i hope you know that.

I have NEVER complained about anyone on this board...EVER!

I had the utmost respect for TSM and I liked him. We just didn't agree very often on most things.

If it were up to me I would have TSM reinstated here at PF but it is not up to me. I have no idea why he was banned but I can promise you it had nothing to do with me.

I am however at this point going to make my first ever complaint about another member, that being you. I can handle the name calling, personal attacks and meaningless diatribe but having you perpetuate an underhanded lie is beyond reproach.

As for the rest of your post...I have nothing more to say to you.
 
  • #50
Outsider, you're really crossing the line. Please temper yourself.
 
  • #51
TheStatutoryApe said:
Outsider, you're really crossing the line. Please temper yourself.
:smile: so you agree with townsend?
:smile: maybe you crossed the line?
:smile: what gives you authority to warn me?
:smile: this conversation was over, so what is the reason for your post?
:smile: sure... whatever you say mr. virtual-rent-a-cop, sir.

my points still stand... :cool:

"kanye is expressing what many black people in america believe. his intentions were (in my opinion) in the wrong venue and a poor choice of words. Although, his perception of the government is accurate to the proof provided by the delayed response to the emergency situation in New Orleans.

I have stayed consistent with my logic...

The interpretation of Chris Tucker's face... well, only Chris Tucker can say what that was caused by...

As for the rest of your post...I have nothing more to say to you.
yes, i agree... let's end this now.
 
  • #52
outsider said:
what gives you authority to warn me?
It's not a warning. It's a statement of opinion and a request.
Any member has the right to request that you abide by the rules.
 
  • #53
TheStatutoryApe said:
It's not a warning. It's a statement of opinion and a request.
Any member has the right to request that you abide by the rules.
noted and will be considered. o:)
 
  • #54
And I'll have you know I am a rent-a-cop! :wink:
 
  • #55
well, rent-a... is usually referring to an inanimate object...
 
  • #56
rent-a-yomamma
 
  • #57
Pengwuino said:
rent-a-yomamma
:smile: That was pretty good...
 
  • #58
Now I seem like a bad person
 
  • #59
TheStatutoryApe said:
And I'll have you know I am a rent-a-cop! :wink:
... congratulations! ... do you do birthdays and barmitzfas?
 

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