# Why does Kanye West continue to try and test the boundaries of assholish behavior? \[VMA Spoiler\] **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 14, 2009, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991 "2009-09-14T01:55:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/141 "2009-09-14T19:13:36Z")
Well I think the Olsen Twins are about as ugly as a fistful of worms, so it all sort of comes back around to zen. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/142 "2009-09-14T19:14:47Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > Is she actually hot? She looks pretty on tv but I can’t tell for sure under all the makeup and soft lighting. [This picture](http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/78/17/taylor-swift.jpg) suggests to me that she’s probably pretty doofusy-looking when she wakes up in the morning. I think she’s hot, especially in this music video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJSs7W9HSw8](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJSs7W9HSw8) ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/143 "2009-09-14T19:15:36Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Well I think the Olsen Twins are about as ugly as a fistful of worms, so it all sort of comes back around to zen. Stop picking on worms! ---
**Author:** ![Roland\_Orzabal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@Roland\_Orzabal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Orzabal)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/144 "2009-09-14T19:24:17Z")
Before reading this thread, I had heard the name Taylor Swift in association with country music, but had somehow managed to remain unaware that this person was a demure teenage female. Therefore, when I first heard this story, my mind’s eye was picturing an androgynously-named but otherwise standard-issue country singer, such as [Trace Adkins](http://www.countrystarsonline.com/CSO/images/artists/TraceAdkins2005_2.jpg). As you might imagine, my mental image of the situation was…substantially different from the truth. Now, however, I’m imagining Kanye pulling this shit on Trace Adkins. I do believe I’d like to see the results of that. At the very least, it’d be far more entertaining. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/145 "2009-09-14T19:38:23Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Well I think the Olsen Twins are about as **ugly as a fistful of worms,** so it all sort of comes back around to zen. My bold. I just wanted to say that this is the best expression I’ve heard in a while. Thank you for adding that to my collection of “Ugly as…” similes. It will go right to the front of the rotation, beside such giants as “Ugly as homemade soap” and “Ugly as a mud fence”. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/146 "2009-09-14T19:42:28Z")
Don’t thank me; thank the fine colloquialists of down-east Maine. May I also offer you, “ugly as a bucket full of smashed assholes,” as a side dish. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/147 "2009-09-14T19:46:15Z")
> [@Enderw24](#): > > Be glad to. There’s a thread a little ways down the pit titled [Who heckled Obama during his address to Congress?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=531367) where we discuss Joe Wilson’s outburst last week during President Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress. > I was taking **Stephe96** ’s words and subbing in applicable words for the situation at the VMAs. > . I understood the reference but I’m afraid the point being made escaped me. As an attempt at humor, it clanked about as badly as Russell Brand’s opening monologue at last night’s VMAs. ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Joe\_Meager](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bb73d2/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Joe\_Meager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Joe_Meager)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/148 "2009-09-14T20:55:16Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > This picture suggests to me that she’s probably pretty doofusy-looking when she wakes up in the morning. I can tell you, from personal experience, that she is not. ETA… I \*wish \*I could tell you, from personal experience, that she is not. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/149 "2009-09-14T21:33:37Z")
> [@Snooooopy](#): > > One day, he’s going to pick the wrong artist to interrupt. > > Kanye: I’m sorry, Anthrax, I’m going to let you finish. … > Anthrax: Kill. And hopefully it’ll be on live TV! 😃 (Plus, Scott Ian’s a hell of a lot sexier than Kanye can ever HOPE to be) (An didn’t Kanye do this one other time before – when HE was the loser?) > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Probably, but I was going for the idea that Kanye doesn’t really give a shit about Beyonce’s video and just felt like getiing his ugly-sunglassed face on TV. Plus, “Beyonce” is closer to “black people”. That and I don’t think he gave a shit about Beyonce, either. If you’ll note, she looked pretty embarassed. He only wanted attention, and that was probably what instantly came to mind. And look at how SHE ended up coming out the winner over him. She and Taylor basically, well, pwn3d him. (I know, I hate saying it). ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/150 "2009-09-14T21:34:55Z")
> [@Stephe96](#): > > I understood the reference but I’m afraid the point being made escaped me. As an attempt at humor, it clanked about as badly as Russell Brand’s opening monologue at last night’s VMAs. Well yeah, of course it escaped you. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/151 "2009-09-14T22:07:40Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > If I were planning the MTV outrage of the day, the next one would be someone on stage calling Kanye a stupid nigger. Add a million more outrage points if a white person does it. I’d pick Emenem. [He already said it to himself, didn’t he?](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtpxcBl4tJ0) This is the end of “We Don’t Care” off _College Dropout_. Go to the 5:10 mark, where the principal is telling him off for saying something really stupid onstage. The character says to him just what Paleface wants to say to him. I find that highly, highly ironic. Disclaimer: This is written as a fan of Kanye West’s music who thinks his behavior last night was atrocious and is noting an irony, not as someone trying to call him the N word. ---
**Author:** ![MeDrewNotYou](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@MeDrewNotYou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeDrewNotYou)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/152 "2009-09-14T22:58:07Z")
> [@Dante](#): > > Hmmm, the troll support usually shows up within 20 posts. It took 44 this time. I assume the next support post will mention how Kanye was “keepin’ it real”. Wha? Here’s post #21. > [@MeDrewNotYou](#): > > I personally am in awe of Kanye’s IRL trolling abilities. Man’s a genius! He elevates doing it for the lulz to a new level. Don’t get me wrong. Sure, Kanye is an asshole and I feel bad for the girl, but he _does_ know how to get (negative) attention. So between this and “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” yes, he’s a jerk, but he’s the best damn jerk he can be. I’m impressed at his dedication to jerk-craft. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/153 "2009-09-15T00:19:53Z")
Are you kidding? Seeing him say, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” and watching Mike Myers’ sphincter spasm on live TeeVee was fucking hilarious. Hell, Katrina was almost worth for that golden moment of television alone. ---
**Author:** ![Dante](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dante/32/9673_2.png) [@Dante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/154 "2009-09-15T01:40:56Z")
> [@Enderw24](#): > > Be glad to. There’s a thread a little ways down the pit titled [Who heckled Obama during his address to Congress?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=531367) where we discuss Joe Wilson’s outburst last week during President Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress. > I was taking **Stephe96** ’s words and subbing in applicable words for the situation at the VMAs. Thank you for the clarification. Intimation of trollery withdrawn. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/155 "2009-09-15T01:47:19Z")
ABC’s Terry Moran reports that Obama has called Kanye a “jackass.” > **[Obama calls Kanye 'jackass' - PATRICK GAVIN | POLITICO CLICK](https://www.politico.com/click/stories/0909/did_obama_call_kanye_a_jackass.html)** > > ABC's Terry Moran set the Twitter-sphere all aflutter when he wrote: ... ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/156 "2009-09-15T01:52:33Z")
> [@Stephe96](#): > > ABC’s Terry Moran reports that Obama has called Kanye a “jackass.” > > [http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0909/did\_obama\_call\_kanye\_a\_jackass.html](http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0909/did_obama_call_kanye_a_jackass.html) Great. Apparently that was from an “off-the-record” part of the interview and some moron in the studio tweeted it. I predict that this will now get dragged into the healthcare debate. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/157 "2009-09-15T01:53:46Z")
> [@appleciders](#): > > Great. Apparently that was from an “off-the-record” part of the interview and some moron in the studio tweeted it. I predict that this will now get dragged into the healthcare debate. How so? Obama is simply expressing what every sane American thinks about Kanye West right now. ---
**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/158 "2009-09-15T02:04:27Z")
[tinfoilhat]So Jay Leno’s first musical guest on his first show (which is predicted to tank) is Kanye “toochehole\*” West? This CAN’T be a coincidence, right? Did Jay pay Kanye to be an asshole to build publicity for Leno’s show? [/tinfoilhat] I loved what Kelly Clarkson said about the incident (from [tmz.com](http://tmz.com)): Dear Kayne, What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like sh\*t. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really?? I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her … so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an asshole … I just pity you because you’re a sad human being. On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!! Taylor Swift, you outsell him …that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl! KC \*combination of tool/douche/asshole alternate spelling: touchehole ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/159 "2009-09-15T02:10:04Z")
Wow. I have a whole 'nother level of respect for Kelly Clarkson. I was going to pit her for having a song entitled “My Life Would Suck Without You” (up there with “E-mail My Heart” for worst title ever). But that letter is made of awesome. She even worked in a Texas shoutout! And I will call him “Kayne” from now on. (Please, **Nutty Bunny** , don’t tell me that it’s a typo!) 🙂 BTW, I’d like to go with “douchehole” for new coinage. The other term is trying to accomplish too much. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991/160 "2009-09-15T02:12:02Z")
> [@Stephe96](#): > > How so? Obama is simply expressing what every sane American thinks about Kanye West right now. I’m just frustrated that we’ll be (in my prediction) subjected to a storm of media bullshit about how Obama’s once again making hasty comments. I _agree_ with Obama, I’m angry about the leak. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-kanye-west-continue-to-try-and-test-the-boundaries-of-assholish-behavior-vma-spoiler/509991.md?page=9)