He made this comment a couple of weeks ago after Kanye had said something Kanyesque about books. This was the quote:
“Sometimes people write novels and they just be so wordy and so self-absorbed. I am not a fan of books. I am a proud non-reader of books.”
People, primarily white, middle-class people, as far as I could tell, rushed to their social media channels to denounce and mock Kanye yet again, portraying him as an illiterate, entitled child who lacked the intellectual capacity for long-form reading. However, in so doing they completely over-looked the fact that what he said wasn’t stupid at all, and could easily apply to the vast majority of the population.
Novels were once the castles in which everybody wanted to live. To write one was considered the highest artistic and intellectual aspiration, and all that was profound in culture and human experience was transferred– as if by holy passage– through them. Well, that’s simply not the case any more. The world has changed and we consume our culture and entertainment in very different ways than we did 50 years ago.
The experience I used to get reading a novel, I now typically get following specific TV shows. For me, the scope, intellect and cultural penetration offered in shows like Breaking Bad or Transparent (you could name dozens more), and the continued richness of experience and evolution of circumstance they present, simply outstrips what is available in novels. Other people will make similar arguments using graphic novels, Blogs, gaming communities, sports or more traditional forms like cinema, dance or music as examples. (I would also argue that we are much more participatory, almost partnered, in what we consume now and much less the passive receptacles we were in the past.)
Novels, particularly literary novels, have traditionally been written by a very specific group of people, and it’s never been a diverse group. The expression “Dead White Males” might pop to mind here, and although there’s much greater diversity in writing than there ever has been before, it still speaks loudest in the privileged, virtually aristocratic fields of MFA’s.
Naturally then, the experience of reading novels is an alienating one for the vast majority, and with so many other, and superior options available, why on earth would somebody like Kanye spend his time reading books that don’t speak to him, instead of creating art and pursuing his passions?
Earlier in the week a video purportedly made by bored hacktivist group Anonymous was released targeting Kanye. It was ridiculous– like a Prog Rock video from the 80’s. In it, a Guy Fawkes masked figure, in a condescending British accent, chided Kanye for all manner of untoward behaviour. It really sounded like the gripes of a 15 year-old who was angry with the cool kid in school who got all the attention.
What people want with Kanye, I think, is to keep him in line.
They want him to remember his place in the hierarchy, and every time they raise their voices to ridicule something he says or cry foul at a taboo he’s broken, they remind us not of his boundless ego, but of their inability to live in a world– now so different from the one they grew up in– where a man like Kanye might confidently assert himself and speak for an unheard majority that they’re no longer a part of.
]]>***************************************
Canada is a beautiful country full of picturesque natural settings, which include the sea, magnificent mountains, charming lakes, wheat fields and gorgeous tar sands. Along with the loveliness of nature, Canada also boasts many modern cities with bustling cultures all their own:
1. Toronto, Ontario
One of the most eclectic cities in all of Canada, Toronto has people of all colours. The city is home to many beautiful valleys and a lively waterfront with a view of the quaint archipelagos dotting the lake. However, there are often outbreaks of infectious diseases in Toronto, so many inhabitants wear surgical masks.
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Canada. Halifax is not only known for its truly impressive number of bars, pubs, and drinking, but also for it’s perfect gardens and beaches. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was shot in Halifax up until host Regis Philbin was killed in the Great Flood of 2002 and shooting was moved to the US. Anne of Green Gables also died in Halifax.
3. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
This beautiful area, full of leafy trees amid an otherwise treeless prairie landscape, appears on much of Canada’s currency. People of all colours and religions are now welcome.
4. Athabasca Tar Sands, Alberta
A stunning natural landscape and testimony to modern Canadian industry, the Athabasca Tar Sands are a must see for any visitor. Not only does the area teem with wildlife, but the city buildings are of such a scale that they generate their own, unique weather systems. Truly, one of the modern wonders of the world!
5. Victoria, BC
The retirement capital of Canada has a mild climate and is a must-see destination for any tourist who enjoys gardens and parks. Kim Kardashian and Kane met while visiting Victoria. In Retirement City, love is always in the air!
6. Montreal, Quebec
Famous for it’s topless beaches and smoked meat, Montreal is home to many festivals, shops, gardens, parks and a subway known as Le Grand Rocket. It’s a taste of Europe on North American shores!
7. Kelowna, BC
For those looking for a Canadian version of California, Kelowna is the spot. Known for its beaches, parks, gardens and Roller Skating, the city also has ski slopes not far away as well as helicopter trips for hunting Sasquatch from the air. Essentially, everything that one would want to do is within a stone’s throw making it perfect for any tourist.
- Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is known as MONUMENT CITY, as it houses numerous national monuments. The beautiful cobblestoned streets–often full of civil servants waiting for municipal transportation– are perfect for strolling!
In it, he asks all sorts of cool, attractive and successful writers a series of questions about potato chips, but for some reason he forget to include me in his survey. This sometimes happens as an awful lot of people find my blinding talent and natural, easy charisma to be terribly intimidating, so they just act like they’ve never heard of me. Also, I’m sure that they figure I would command a very sizeable fee for any sort of participation or association, so I guess I understand why Kevin didn’t ask me.
No matter, as I am generous, I have decided to answer his questionnaire anyway.
1. Tell me about yourself. In 25 words or less, who are you?
I look like Elvis Costello, but remind people of Kanye. Skipped grade three. I do alright.
2.What is your favourite brand and flavour of chip? Of all the chips out there, what make it the every day chip?
O’Grady’s Extra Thick Au Gratin potato chip. They were as thick as a pork chop and covered in some sort of chemical cheese powder and they were awesome. Each chip was like a sandwich, a toxic, completely narcotic sandwich. I think they were discontinued in the 1980’s, although I did see a bag in an Amish General Store a few years ago in West Pennsylvania. (I heard rumours that they were used in the Chernobyl clean-up, but I never believed them.)
3. Have you ever had a negative experience with potato chips?
Yes. I had a Cinnabon flavoured potato chip the other day and it tasted like a fucking Cinnabon. It was disgusting. Also, I have very vulnerable gums and sometimes a jagged, little dagger of a chip can get lodged in them. Very painful.
4. Have you ever incorporated potato chips into love making? If yes, what was it like? If not, is this something you have considered?
Potato chip packaging has been used in a variety of sexual acts, but the actual potato chips have never been used in love making.
5. Finish this sentence, people who list plain chips as their top snack choices are _________.
First against the wall.
6. Dip or no dip?
Dips are for rookies and pretenders, the proper chip, the O’Grady’s Extra Thick Au Gratin chip, needed no such vulgar embellishments.
7. Do you ever mix flavours of chips? What is your favourite combination? Is there a combination you have been meaning to try? What is your signature blend and what do you call it?
Mixing flavours of chips is something a child or somebody who suffered a very serious head injury would do.
8. Dehydrated fruit chips, yay or nay?
If you’re a Dumpster Diver of some sort of Freegan, sure, but for members of society? Of course not.
9. Is there a time for a baked chip? Or is it a fry or die situation?
Maybe in times of extreme deprivation, like in a war, but certainly not when America’s clipping along at full speed.
10. Tell me about your favourite chip memory?
I was a student at University in Montreal and I was broke. I went to the local corner store and begged for credit, which they stupidly gave me. I bought a large bag of O’Grady’s Extra Thick Au Gratin potato chips, a can of Coke Classic, a pack of Winstons, five quarts of Molson and the magazine Celebrity Skin. I think it was the best night I ever had, a moment of still perfection that I travel back to often.
Here is a selection of them:
Gravity’s Alec @AlecButModarn
Kanye has inspired me to start working on my novel again, thank you Kanye
Raymond Herrera @rayy_rayyy
I guess not working on my novel for a few days works for me cuz once I begin again I dominate!
shay cleckley @1educatedworld
Late night working on my novel. I’m determined to finish it this year. Full speed ahead.
??Mateus Ward Fan?? @schroer_schroer
Working on my novel “Fears Of The Unexpected.”
Jake Reinhardt @JakeRhino
I’m back in black. I’m working on my novel and nothing can stop me!
The Becoming Suchnez @FefeFatale
I’m so happy being at home that i’ve started working on my novel again. And I LOVE IT!!!!
Max is NOW! @maxisnow
Drinking white wine and working on my novel.
Jodz @ImAlwaysWriting
Working on my novel & the main character loves cemeteries lol its weird but i kinda understand her point of view
Kelli Stuart @kellistuart
Coffee, chocolate and writing. They go together so perfectly. Working on my #novel today.
? koda ? @kodasilly
really need to start working on my novel, I think I’m really onto something with this idea
Patrick Nathan @patricknathan
If each day could consist, as this one, of working on my novel and reading Proust…
JackyRobus @JackyRobus
Love technology! Working on my novel as I sit outside (in my car) during lunch break!
Cheryl CottrellSmith @CottrellSmithC
A bottle of red, a hot bath, and working on my novel until my man gets off work. Sounds like a fantastic start to the holiday. 
Lauren Hardy @lauren_hardy
Working on my novel while the pizza bakes in the oven. #whataperfectnight
Natasha E. Neagle @agirlnamednat
Dishwasher repair man is here. I’m working on my novel. He wants to talk. I want to write. AAAHHHHHHH
Sean Hannifin @seanthebest
still working on my novel’s climax, a battle sequence… tricky to get the pacing right
Cassandra Hennessey @LiteraryWomen
I’m working on my novel “Stranded in Paradise” wherein a Goth Rock Star does a complete 180, risking fame and fortune.
Sierra Brown @SoulAlexis135
Currently working on my novel and listen to really nice music. Yeah I’m a writer deal with it.
Pierce Novak @piercenovak
Listening to metal and working on my novel. Must say I am enjoying both.
Sara Wynette @saradoodle_
Staying up late, listening to swing music, working on my novel. I don’t need a guy!!!
Haley Sudduth @haysudds
I’m planning on moving to London to open my own gluten free bakery, but at the moment I’m just kind of laying low and working on my novel.
Sharon @WriterPhotog76
work out was fantastic today! watching some CSI: Miami and working on my novel!
Achieving one of the highest pollution ratings in the history of the planet last week, the city of Shanghai was almost completely enveloped by smog.
The skyline was obscured, schoolchildren were ordered to stay inside and all manner of commerce was suspended. This was a monumental, even apocalyptic kind of problem, but the government decided to use it as a rather cheerful opportunity to disseminate propaganda, pointing out that the smog was excellent for national defence as it acted as a kind of shield, discombobulating the navigational systems of enemy missiles. I present to you a short list of some of the messages the government passed along to the people in the hopes of quelling their anxiety and boosting their morale:
“Although criminals may think the smog conceals their actions from our surveillance cameras, the people of China will always do what is right!”
“Now free from the courageous bustle of industry, it is a lovely time to stroll the streets of Shanghai!”
‘It is important for the people of China to understand that the pollution we see in the air is definitely not living invisibly in the water, earth or food sources of our nation! China: United in safety!”
“The brownish, rank smog must know that the colour of Red China will never change!”
“Be indomitable in physical training to strengthen the physique, but please, not outdoors in peak smog hours!”
“The people must keep the birth rate low to defeat the smog! ”
“We are fortunate and blessed not to have a flu epidemic while the people fight smog!”
“The smog is our shield against aggressive capitalist imperialism!”
“It is good that Kanye cancelled his concert in Shanghai because of the smog for he is decadent and corrupt!”
“Like smog, the Gods of wealth can enter the home from everywhere if the worker is committed!”
“Chinese women’s volleyball, #1 the envy of the world!”
