Kanye and Critisism

I have to be honest; I am a fan of Kanye West. Let me qualify that statement: I’m a fan of his music. I believe he is one of the most refreshing things (artistically speaking) to come out of the music industry in a long time. Sadly thought at this stage in his career he is probably best know not for his music, but for his mouth. On national television, in the wake of the Katrina disaster he uttered the now classic phrase, “George Bush doesn't care about black people". Now I don’t know GW or ever been in his presence so I can’t comment on his relationships with black people, but Kanye’s statement begs the question, “Which black people? All black people? Just black people in New Orleans? What about black people in Haiti and Africa and other parts of the world? Does GW not care about them too?” It goes without saying that this statement was reckless and misguided. I know this point in history was a very emotionally charged time for lots of different people and we have all lashed out in various ways when we are pushed to the edge emotionally, that being said, Kanye’s statement at the least it needs serious and careful qualification. But this whole issue brings me to another broader issue:

What is the means by which we go about criticizing others? Recently I have been reflecting on my need to be informed before I make judgments about people or come to conclusions about issues in our culture. The classic example goes like this: There was man on an airplane accompanied by his three children. During the coarse of the flight his three children became very unruly and obnoxious, yet he seemed to completely ignore the whole situation. All this commotion from his children eventually brought an angry passenger to say to him sternly, “Sir, will you please control your children!” He seemed to be brought to his senses and said, “Oh, I’m sorry. We just buried their mother and I am having a hard time dealing with it all.” Our understanding of someone’s circumstances can greatly affect how we judge their behavior. Personally I have felt the pain of people questioning my motives and my character for certain decisions that I made without ever sitting down and asking my why I made those decisions. I have also been the one to dole out the cavalier statements that disrespect people and cut them deep, giving the impression that I am omniscient.

I am learning that it is much easier to take criticism when you feel like you have been heard and understood. Usually when we seek to listen and understand it brings us first to a place of humility and second to a heart of compassion. Our convictions about someone or something may not change a bit, but the way in which we express those convictions may take a completely different shape which hopefully is more God-honoring and Christ exalting.

All this is a call to love people enough to try and understand why they are who they are and why they make the decisions they make. Seek to listen and understand before spewing forth accusations and judgments. Only God is all knowing. Only He has all the information. Fight for humility and love people enough to carefully listen first. If anyone needs to hear this message, I do.