Michael Eric Dyson is one of the best known representatives of hip-hop culture.
Not only has he taught hip-hopcentric classes at Georgetown University, but Professor Michael Eric Dyson is also the author of over 20 books.
His latest book is titled “What Truth Sounds Like: RFK, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America.”
Professor Dyson stopped by Hot 97 and had a chat with Ebro.
Their wide-ranging discussion turned to the topic of race and Kanye West, and the rapper’s comments during an interview that “slavery was a choice” for African-Americans.
According to Professor Dyson, Kanye’s comments are extremely dangerous, and demonstrate just how uneducated the rap star is.
“Kanye has not been exposed to systematic study of a particular issue and now you got a biggest microphone in the world and may not have the most intelligent understanding of the world in which we live.” Professor Michael Eric Dyson
According to Professor Dyson, artists like Kanye West have a dangerous amount of power, which is not always used for good.
“We got to hold people accountable for that just got you an entertainer and you got a big microphone you got to know what the hell you talking about,” Professor Michael Eric Dyson said.
Professor Dyson pointed to a new trends, where Americans now get most of their news from Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds.
According to data released earlier this year almost 67 percent of American adults “somewhat rely” on social media for news.
“Social media has just destroyed the game ’cause people now think they can tell me in 200 words or characters what happened. Are you crazy?” Professor Dyson said.
“This ain’t something we can discuss by swiping right or Google or whatever we’re doing there right with a Tinder or with IG or with Facebook,” Professor Dyson snapped.
Professor Dyson’s new book “What Truth Sounds Like: RFK, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America” is in stores now.