We see themes involving slavery, incarceration, racial tension, and racial stereotypes depicted throughout the video. The overarching theme that Mr. West is addressing is that throughout in every action, and through every individual Jesus is with us at all times. On the surface this video speaks about a very positive message that is inherently woven into the christian faith. The controversy is derived because most of the people that are persecuted in the video, aren't the most angelic characters, and seem to be getting punished for there wrong doing.
In society today, we have accepted certain customs and norms, label good and bad behaviours, and we have given accredited citizens the ability to lay judgment on others. Are we wrong for creating these social institutions?
Another poignant issue which is raised is the privatization of religion in north america. Mr. West agues that it is impossible for such a record, that blatantly celebrates the gospel of christ, to be accepted on a national scale in his genre of music. This has proven to be true because millions of people follow and practice one religion or another and yet we live in such an atmosphere where it is something that is unspoken. Religion is has been forced to be confined in the private sphere, out of respect for others. This leaves a wide arena for everything that goes against the gospel of christ to be displayed on a public platform. In the media today we see, premarital sex, greed and violence being openly celebrated. This has thus spread throughout other cultures, isolating religion as a taboo.
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