Hip-hop star Kanye West claims to have reinvented the word ‘gay’

× Close window

Reader Comments

  1. Flapjack  19 Feb 2009, 11:38am  Report
    Thumb up 0Thumb down

    I wish Kanye luck with that, though I think he has his work cut out. Talking of shifting semantics, is he using ‘dope’ to mean cool now? I always thought it meant either mildly stupid or a form of marijuana. It’s getting to the point where dictionary definitions are reversing every 5 years. Can’t we just stick with one definition – my head’s spinning. It was hard enough to keep up when whe ‘Wicked’ witch of the West turned out to be the coolest witch in the ‘hood’. I’m probably showing my age now.

    Post a reply →
  2. I think “dope” has meant cool for a while now, though mainly in the States. “Wicked” however is falling out of fashion. . . Not that I’m overly “down wif da kids”. . .

    I think Kanye could be onto something though. I mean the gay community managed to reclaim “queer” from an insult into a positive term, we might just have to do that again with “gay”.

    Post a reply →
  3. Ste McCabe  19 Feb 2009, 3:00pm  Report
    Thumb up 0Thumb down

    It’s good that someone in a homophobic environment is being gay-positive for a change, but call me cynical here – is this not just perpetuating another stereotype, IE the idea that all gay people are fashion queens? Isn’t diversity the idea? I’m gay, militant, and a scruffy bastard. This is good too!

    Post a reply →
  4. I appreciate his sentiments and his attempt to gain respect for the gay community, especially amongst hip-hop listeners who are not always the most tolerate people. However, a stereotype is still a stereotype, even if it is a positive one. Not all gay guys like fashion or are artists. Entire groups don’t want to be pidgeon-holed into a stereotype even if it is good. For example, Asians do not appreciate that everyone thinks they are good at math and violin.

    Post a reply →
  5. Flapjack  19 Feb 2009, 5:18pm  Report
    Thumb up 0Thumb down

    Ste McCabe/ mmhmmm – Good point. I’m also a scruffy git most days, though in fairness I am an artist. Still, at least Kanye’s heart is in the right place, even if he’s unconciously buying into gay cliches.

    Post a reply →
  6. How pathetic – trying to be cool to gay men, but then saying “I haven’t gone to a gay bar, nor do I ever plan to.” Very telling!

    Another idiotic outburst from Mr West

    Post a reply →
  7. All gay people are no more fashion queens than the god squad are aall paedophiles………….then again……

    Post a reply →
  8. Go easy on him. He seems to be going through a significant mental and emotional process and is bound to say some things that are a bit naive or a tad wide of the mark along the way. The thing is, he’s on his way to being a better, happier person and a better, positive example to his many fans. Apart from the general good that will come of this, I’m actually quite happy for him as an individual.

    Post a reply →
  9. This guy is a joke.. who is he

    Post a reply →
  10. Here’s a radicle, outside-the-box idear:

    insted of using ‘gay’ as synonymous with ‘fashionable and stylish”, how about we use it as synonymous with ‘homosexual’.

    No? Too much?

    Post a reply →
  11. John– I like where your head’s at.

    Post a reply →

Add your comment

These comments are un-moderated and do not necessarily represent the views of PinkNews.co.uk. If you believe that a comment is inappropriate or libellous please click "Report" or email us. Terms and Conditions · Privacy Policy