Trump exploits Kanye West's struggles with mental illness

On Oct. 11, Kanye West visited the White House with great applause on the right and great consternation on the left. As Kanye West continues to align himself with President Donald Trump, his mental health deterioration is broadcasted into the public eye. West makes controversial statements on TMZ and Twitter, proclaiming his love for Trump's "can-do" attitude and boldness. West is the same man who once announced "George Bush doesn't care about Black people" on national television.

An overwhelming majority of Black Americans do not support Donald Trump. However, Kanye's alignment with Trump isn't the issue, it is his provocative and often harmful language that degrades Black people in America. Trump's exploitation of Kanye's mental illness is a reminder that vulnerable Black people are used as political pawns for categories such as "diversity" or "urban outreach." In this process, Black Americans are not accurately represented in politics, among other arenas. In the interview a few weeks ago, Kanye spoke on his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, claiming that it was "misdiagnosed," and that he felt like "Superman" when he put on Trump's signature MAGA (Make America Great Again) red cap.

Kanye isn't the only example of mental illness among celebrities, but he is certainly one of the most watched of all-time. This spotlight fails to recognize the underlying issue of his previously self-acknowledged mental illness. Kanye identified with bipolar disorder, as admitted in his recent "Ye" album and following interviews. Last year, West admitted himself into a psychiatric facility, pausing his worldwide tour, and, in my opinion, has exhibited erratic behavior since.

Another example of this behavior was his infamous 2017 TMZ interview where he asserted that "slavery was a choice."

Some 6.8 million Black Americans have been diagnosed with mental illness, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. There are many stressors for mental illness within the Black community, such as racism, mass incarceration, poverty, and other socioeconomic disparities. Along with these stressors, there is also a large stigma surrounding mental health. Mental health care is often not sought by the Black community. The stress of systematic racism and both macro and micro discrimination exacerbate the notion that Black people shouldn't crack, both emotionally and psychically, which is a concept promoted among families. Moreover, racial disparities exist across mental health care for those who do seek treatment; mental health checks are not included in annual visits for most primary care physicians and are often not covered by insurance. If we are not able to remove the negative stigma plaguing mental health care in the Black community, I believe another generation will carry the burden of lack of care that will never be fully addressed.

Improving mental health care for Black Americans will take a concentrated effort from both healthcare providers who need to make care more accessible, and community members who need to make care more acceptable. Community-based support can go a long way in changing the culture around mental health, and through active participation community members can seek care, coupled with a reform in healthcare policy that will allow for a mental health evaluation.

The events of the last decade have solidified the notion that Black Americans can only move forward through the support of our own community. Sure, it seems funny - watching Kanye West make erratic comments, get portrayed on "Saturday Night Live" for everyone's entertainment - but simply laughing at Kanye's often ridiculous statements is not going to have any impact. We must recognize the severity and impact of his words and respective political influence. We must change the culture and stigma surrounding mental health in our community.

The meeting between Kanye West and Donald Trump can be viewed through many telescopes - but I believe we have to view it as an opportunity to take mental health in the Black community more seriously. We must move forward through advocation and awareness, for the benefit of the Black community, both at home and across the nation.

(Gianna Griffin is a New Pittsburgh Courier intern. She is a senior at All-derdice High School.)