Kanye West has opinions about many things, and reading is one of them. West was a guest on the Alo Mind Full podcast, where he offered his view on literature.
“When you said, ‘I hadn’t read this book,’ I actually haven’t read any book,” Ye volunteered. “Reading is like eating Brussels sprouts for me. And talking is like getting the Giorgio Baldi corn ravioli.”
West explained that “speaking and communicating clearly is more important than reading.” He backed up his theory with examples of inventors who have shared similar thoughts on reading being frivolous.
When the music and fashion mogul’s interesting declarations about reading hit social media, many views were shared in reaction. But one of the world’s most acclaimed literacy advocates also chimed in to offer his take on Ye’s statement.
In a tweet quoted by HuffPost, LeVar Burton shared his thoughts.
“Hmmm… I’m going have to take Mr. West at his word,” he wrote. “I hope however, that he shares a different message with the children enrolled in the school he’s founded named after his mother, who was an professor of English. I’m fairly certain she read a book or two. #bydhttmwfi.”
The 65-year-old screen vet is possibly the most notable face in literature, as he hosted Reading Rainbow during the entirety of its 26-year run on PBS.
Burton is referring to West’s latest venture, Donda Academy, a private Christian school that Ye recently established in California.
The tuition-based institution opened for the 2022-2023 school year at the end of August and has already been hit with controversy. As reported by Blavity, many are curious as to what pupils are actually learning, as the school’s website is vague regarding the curriculum.
It’s also turning heads because parents are forced to sign nondisclosure agreements when their kids are enrolled. The school is yet to be accredited.
Outside of its questionable administration practices, Blavity also reported that West and Donda Academy were recently called out for having students eat lunch in what looked to be a warehouse. The students also appeared to be wearing Yeezy merch.
I need to see a syllabus SO BAD.
Also, what kind of tax write off do you get for creating a school? 🤔— Air Harp (owner of NattyGirl apparel) (@AirHarp) September 3, 2022
Why are they in a warehouse
— mrs. munch💓 (@Cowgurlbeboop) September 3, 2022
West has had a hard time garnering support for his endeavors lately, as people have doubted the credibility of Donda Academy and attacked the pricing and presentation of his Yeezy clothing line.
West could learn a few things from Burton on how to interact with the public. According to CinemaBlend, Burton launched a Kickstarter to revive Reading Rainbow for digital platforms. CinemaBlend also reported that the initiative received over $1 million in support in a single day.
