Kanye West: A Volatile Journey Through Fame and Mental Health
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Chapter 1: The Train Wreck of Celebrity
Kanye West has become a focal point of concern for many, as his life unfolds like a slow-motion disaster.
There's something unsettling about the nonchalant media portrayal of Kanye West; it resembles watching a train derail while we sit safely on the sidelines, glued to our screens. It's undeniable that tragedy captures our attention, and I admit I have a fascination with it myself. My queue is filled with true crime documentaries and episodes from the latest season of "Snapped." This morbid curiosity isn't a new trend; studies on "rubbernecking" highlight our intrinsic desire to witness calamity from a safe distance. Picture it as an emotional amusement park ride, where we soar towards impending doom — yet the peril is merely a spectator sport, with the fallout affecting someone else. It’s a thrill without the threat, excitement without consequences.
Clinical psychologist Matthew Goldfine, Ph.D., notes that fear and excitement can trigger similar physiological responses, stimulating the hypothalamus and releasing dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good hormone." Interestingly, research indicates that our capacity to foresee outcomes heightens our brain’s reward system; in simpler terms, we crave to see the drama unfold. From the outset of his career, Kanye's mix of skill and misfortune has kept us captivated. His 2002 hit, "Through the Wire," recounted his recovery from a life-threatening car crash after he fell asleep at the wheel. Yet, despite his evolution since that Grammy-winning track, it still feels as though we’re witnessing a disaster in progress.
With recent headlines showcasing an alarming uptick in unpredictability and intensity, the signs of a severe crash are becoming more pronounced. Recently, Kanye faced allegations of spreading rumors about his estranged wife Kim Kardashian's new partner, Pete Davidson, allegedly having AIDS. During a January interview, he controversially claimed he protected Kim from public humiliation following an alleged second sex tape with her ex, Ray J—an assertion she firmly denies. Earlier that month, he went live on Instagram, claiming Kim's family was conspiring to keep him from their daughter’s birthday celebration, casting himself as a victim of a system designed to separate Black fathers from their children. Just a week earlier, he had stated they would host separate parties, only to later post images of himself at the celebration. Additionally, he was recently filmed punching a fan and lashing out at his cousin/assistant for not managing the situation. Adding to this chaotic narrative, he made headlines for purchasing a property across the street from Kim, a move deemed unnecessary by many divorce experts. It begs the question: how will this saga conclude?
The first video titled "I'M SORRY" - Kanye West Apology Video To Kim For Jeffree Star Affair!? (DIVORCE RUMORS) explores his public apologies and tumultuous relationship dynamics.
Kanye has openly discussed his battles with bipolar disorder, revealing in a 2019 interview with David Letterman that he experiences paranoia and psychosis. While this is not a clinical diagnosis, friends and former partners have hinted at the narcissistic tendencies that accompany his behavior. It's not surprising, as our culture tends to nurture narcissism, particularly within the ego-centric entertainment industry. However, there is a threshold where these traits shift from being merely entertaining to genuinely concerning, and Kanye has crossed that line numerous times. He has confessed to undergoing manic episodes since his 2016 diagnosis, admitting to neglecting his prescribed treatment, which escalates his turmoil from uncomfortable to dire. A manic episode is characterized by prolonged irritability, heightened energy, racing thoughts, and other extreme behaviors, including hypersexuality and paranoia.
One particularly notable episode occurred on July 19th, 2020, when Kanye burst into tears at his Presidential campaign rally, disclosing that his father contemplated aborting him and that his wife had considered the same for their first child. While manic episodes can last from weeks to months, untreated cases can extend for half a year or more. Again, this isn't a diagnosis, but if Kanye were experiencing such episodes, would we even recognize them?
Section 1.1: The Grandiosity of Kanye West
According to Psychology Today, those with narcissistic traits are often perceived as arrogant, self-centered, and manipulative, showing a pronounced need for admiration and a lack of empathy. Kanye's proclamations of self-importance are well-documented. He once claimed, "I'm the Number One living and breathing rock star," highlighting his inflated sense of self-worth. In an interview with Sway, he stated, "I am Warhol. I am the number one most impactful artist of our generation."
Interestingly, Kanye's self-characterization mirrors that of the Medici family, who rose to prominence in 13th century Florence through the patronage of artists like Michelangelo and Raphael. Their support was pivotal in ensuring that the genius of these creators did not go unrecognized. It's telling that Kanye would juxtapose his musical contributions with such historic artistic achievements.
The second video, "Young Chop Interview on Beef With Kanye West Over 'Don't Like (Remix),' Exploiting Chicago Artists," delves into the controversies surrounding Kanye's relationships within the music industry and his influence on emerging artists.
Section 1.2: The Cycle of Narcissistic Relationships
In the initial phases of a relationship with someone exhibiting narcissistic traits, the affection can feel overwhelming, but this isn’t genuine love — it’s obsession. This phase, known as idealization, involves placing the new partner on a pedestal, attributing qualities that enhance the narcissist’s self-esteem. As the relationship progresses, the partner receives lavish attention, gifts, and promises of everlasting love, often termed love-bombing.
However, this idealization soon gives way to devaluation. The partner who was once revered may suddenly feel criticized and belittled for the very traits that were once praised. When they begin to assert themselves, the narcissist will dismiss their feelings, focusing instead on their own emotional turmoil. Eventually, the relationship may end abruptly, as the narcissist seeks to control the narrative around the breakup.
Kanye's relationships seem to follow this troubling pattern. He famously ended his engagement to Alexis Pfifer in 2008, only to swiftly pursue Amber Rose, whom he initially celebrated for her beauty. Yet, he later claimed that his time with her had negative effects on him. His relationship with Kim Kardashian began with grand proclamations of admiration, but has since devolved into public criticism of her parenting and personal choices.
Fear of abandonment drives the narcissist's behavior, compelling them to push others away before they can be rejected. Kanye's isolation in Wyoming, despite Kim's pleas to work on their marriage, exemplifies this pattern. Following their separation, he resorted to media appearances to lament the breakdown of their family, framing himself as the wounded party.
As we continue to observe this unfolding narrative, it's crucial to recognize the severity of what we are witnessing. This is not merely a celebrity scandal; it's a profound emotional crisis involving a family. The signs of emotional abuse — manipulation, boundary violations, and retaliatory behavior — are evident.
In a society that often sensationalizes mental health crises, we must confront our complicity in this tragedy. We consume the chaos while neglecting the underlying issues, particularly regarding the mental health of Black men. In an age where mental health discussions are commonplace, why do we still hesitate to address these crises directly? Are we, as a society, willing to risk our empathy until it becomes unavoidable?
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