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    Posted September 15, 2009 by
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    East Lansing, Michigan

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    Kanye West Apologizes, Everyone Fails to Look Within

     

    I'm no fan of Twitter, but even I had to chime in regarding Twitter posts (I WILL NOT CALL THEM "TWEETS.") My response to this whole ordeal below should be considered by everyone who has thought about this issue.

     

     

    Truly amazing what an apology will show you about someone.

    With Joe Wilson, it was an immediate apology that he blushed while saying, as if to say, "My actions were uncalled for." He was forgiven. Now it's Kanye's turn.

     

    And Kanye apologized. Not to mention Jay Leno bringing up Kanye's recently deceased mother, which seems a bit underhanded to me. But he apologized and hung his head in embarrassment.

     

    I cannot imagine the stress of being a celebrity. It comes with fame and fortune, but it also comes with every eye pointed your way. Things can get confusing. I'm no Kanye West fan, but I could tell the man was dealing with quite a lot of things at that moment and that his apology was sincere.

     

    I would hate to have to apologize to millions of people, some of whom (like me) just heard about it on YouTube and expressed our outrage and indignation even though we've done the same to others or wished we had. Our nation of hypocrites, and I am definitely labeling myself with that as well.

     

    See, the problem with being under that kind of pressure is that it can devastate a person (especially one with few role models around him or her). This is the reason football teams are so close... not only does it make them better players but it keeps them sane in an environment that would rip the strongest of us into pieces.

     

    Soldiers form that bond to stop them from losing their minds on the battlefield. They find a friend to share stories with or someone to just listen to what they have to say. Celebrities don't always get role models.

     

    And lest you think celebrities are living the life... well, they deal with a lot of crap that none of us have to worry about. Throw up at that party? Your friends know, but they laugh it off. As a celebrity, throw up at a party? Your friends know, and soon the entire Mediaverse does too. Welcome to Hell, as you will be paraded around talking about how you lost control and need time to reflect.

     

    Sure, celebrities get off easy in some cases, but it's rare that a celebrity will avoid something that will damage their career in some way.

     

    Kanye made a mistake and apologized for it. He shouldn't have had to apologize to us... what a twisted concept! If he wanted to apologize, he should have only had to contact Ms. Swift and tell her he was sorry.

     

    Sometimes we make mistakes that become public. But imagine... every mistake you make is public, is published in a dozen magazines and gossiped over and laughed at or raged at. Seeing the man under the skin of an artist can humble anyone. He was torn apart at what he had done and lives with it and will most likely live with it whenever anyone chooses to bring up Taylor Swift at the Music Awards.

     

    Maybe it's just the INFP in me, but I think Kanye deserves better as well. I think everyone who railed at him or stared incredulously at his antics (yes, including me) should take a good hard look at themselves to see if they've ever humiliated someone or stolen the show. I'm betting everyone has.

     

    So next time, before we jump up in arms over a mistake... we need to look at ourselves. It's the hardest, most brutal truth of all, but we need to see what Kanye did in ourselves to understand that this man just needs a few guys around that to him are just buddies. Buddies who will take the time out of their day to listen to him.

     

    It's bad enough being alone. Take it from me. But it's so much worse to be alone and have no one to talk to.



     

    To Kanye:

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Tell you what, Kanye. You need a friend? If you're ever around Michigan State University, you'll find me strolling the Comm Arts Building. I'll listen to you if you just need someone to talk to.

     

    Better yet, find someone you can trust. It's a harsh world but I'm sure there's someone you can depend on. If you can't find anyone in your circle of friends or family, see a shrink. Not because you have a mental problem or anything... psychiatrists are often one of the best ways to sort things out if you need to talk and need someone to listen.

     

    Last of all, don't be afraid to open up to people. While we as the American public have proven time and time again to be nasty and cruel, there is always someone willing to listen... but they need you to open up first. It's a leap of faith but it is so well worth it. I have my own leaps that I have to take care of, and I'm pushing myself towards them one reluctant step at a time. You may be able to instantly open up or it may take some work, but work at it and your life will seem so much easier than it was.

     

    You say you want to reflect on how to live your life... take it from me. Live it with someone you can trust. It's the first step. If you already have that person, talk with them and ask them to help you sort out your life.

     

    That's what friends are for.

     

    I wish you the best of luck.

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