Honestly, everytime we see Kanye's name in a headline the majority of people will immediately reject whatever he's saying and it's even easier to do because of the things he's usually caught saying. By West stating that he does not read, the most people will automatically label him to be an imbecile.But perhaps we should push past the assumptions we've already made on West, based on previous indications of his character, to understand the point of his message.
What West might be attempting to express a concern that literature is overbearing on the reader. Kanye West seems to have been turned off by the superfluous and complex style of highly esteemed literature. West's feelings do have a backbone, as many people feel classics such as those of Shakespeare to be too complex to be read lightly. Even those who enjoy their literature with a passion have likely conveyed a frustration at times with the overly styled deliverance of a novel. The story of some books simply may not be worth the effort and time necessary for the author to convey it, which is to the discretion of each individual reader.
West's claim that his lack of interest in reading being caused by overly styled texts however, is simply an empty claim. Popular reads today are written in a more modern, direct style in order to attract younger readers without intimidating anyone. West's lack of interest in reading seems to be caused by the overlooking of the benefits of books which can not be ascertained from life. Surely there are many lessons taught by books which can be brought up in life experiences, many novels offer foreign locations and cultures or situations that one would not be likely to be faced with in their life time. In this way, reading diverse literature can certainly portray ideas which may not be attained in many a life time. Of course there are certain academic advantages to developing a healthy apetite for literature as it often proves to better one's mastery of their language. This last benefit of being a reader may be something West specifically should ascent towards.
I agree with the fact that you said that, "There are certain academic advantages to developing a healthy appetite for literature as it often proves to better one's mastery of their language." This is the main point of reading; to better yourself when coming to language. Kanye West almost makes himself sound illiterate when he claims that he does not read and in fact detests it. It's hard to tell whether or not he worded his comments wrong or he in fact is against all reading. To categorize all books, "too wordy" or too melodramatic simply shows his ignorance. You do an excellent job of pointing out the fact that books today are watered down so that it will attract younger readers and not cause anyone to repel. There are novels out there for everyone and i guess Kanye West missed that memo.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Kanye and others may be turned off by a complex style of literature. Some people love to read these kind of novels, and love getting into a deep story, but others have no interest. Their interest may be something short and sweet like a song, which Kanye is great at loves to writing.
ReplyDeleteNice Job :)