Marc Lamont Hill described the move as ‘disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible’
Kanye West has been widely chastised after he wore a ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt to the Paris fashion week.
The controversial singer – who formally goes by the name Ye – wore the long-sleeved top next to Candace Owens while showcasing season nine of his Yeezy clothing line.
He dubbed the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement a “scam” in comments posted on Instagram, saying:
“Everyone knows that Black Lives Matter was a scam.
“Now it’s over. You’re welcome.”
But the move has provoked widespread backlash, with American academic, author and activist Marc Lamont Hill describing the move as “disgusting, dangerous and irresponsible”.
Kanye West decision to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt is disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible. Some of y’all will rush to defend him. You should ask yourselves why… pic.twitter.com/YT4a6c9tKI
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) October 3, 2022
BLM has also hit back, telling TMZ that sayings such as White Lives Matter’ and ‘All Lives Matter’ have “long served as violent retorts to the Black Lives Matter movement” – a movement of which has ‘been measured as the largest racial justice movement in history”.
BLM noted how the sayings are “used by white supremacists and hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan”.
Reflecting on Ye’s Instagram story, BLM stated: “In a follow-up statement, Kanye was clear that he intended to kill the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Black Lives Matter Grassroots sees this as a teachable moment. Political education is core to what we do.
“While some may see Kanye and Candace’s stunt as a distraction, we recognize that it harms thousands of families fighting for justice for their loved ones killed by state-sanctioned violence. It can spread toxic confusion and be used to legitimize violent assaults on Black people.
“Battling misinformation while continuing to do the hard that liberation requires is nothing new for us.”
Kanye West comments on the “White Lives Matter” shirt blowback: “Everyone knows that Black Lives Matter was a scam. Now it’s over. You’re welcome” pic.twitter.com/XslJBiedw6
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 4, 2022
BLM called Ye and Owens’ decision to wear the ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt a ‘performative dog whistle to millions’.
They continued: “Kanye knows very well that ‘white lives’ have never been targeted for oppression. Black folks, in contrast, are at the bottom of virtually every economic, social, and political measure because of centuries of individual and institutional racism.
“Building a world of Black freedom means upending systems that harm and building new systems of care. Ultimately this benefits everyone. When Black people get free, everybody gets free.”
The global network concluded by inviting both Ye and Owens to a ‘free, open, online Black Power class,’ taught by the Director of the BLM Grassroots Dr Melina Abdullah to ‘deepen their understanding’.
The statement concludes: “We invite them into courageous conversation on race, racism, and why we say ‘Black Lives Matter’.”
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