The rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, cast a bright spotlight on the age-old problem of antisemitism in recent weeks, with his offensive remarks inspiring other demonstrations of hate and stoking fears among the Jewish community.
Ye’s promotion of antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories did bring about some condemnation and consequences — dropped business partnerships, blocked social media accounts and pending legal action have made headlines for days.
But his words also sparked action: Last month, a group hung banners over a Los Angeles freeway with antisemitic messages including “Kanye is right about the Jews.” The Holocaust Museum LA was flooded with hateful and threatening messages after inviting Ye for a tour, which he declined.
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