Like with most large-scale tragedies, national celebrities are reacting with televised charities, donating large amounts of money - or, in this case, sometimes sparking controversy. Hurricane Katrina's aftermath is no different.
Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Kanye West was thrust into the spotlight recently for comments made during a live telethon and concert, charging President Bush for denying equal treatment to disparate blacks in the hurricane-stricken South, saying "George Bush doesn't care about black people."
The comment, made Friday, has sparked some debate in classes across campus.
Political affairs director for the Black Student Alliance and advertising senior Crystal Eddins felt that what he said was something that needed to be said.
"Since Kanye had the opportunity, why not say it. Racism is still alive, and people need to know that," she said.
"The government had not always been anxious to help blacks," Eddins added.
She feels that people see West has been successful and do not realize that not everyone has those opportunities.
"The truth is that those people are stuck down there because they had no way to leave," Eddins said.
Political theory senior and MSU College Republicans Chairman Justine Ivanoff was not aware of the comment that West made.
"I did not know, but I totally disagree with the statement," Ivanoff said. She said the president would not be seen down there with the people in such devastating conditions if he did not care.
Ivanoff said the media is not showing the public the worst of what is going on in Louisiana.
"The media is downplaying it. They are just showing what people want to see," Ivanoff said.
She added that it was an economic problem that was inexcusable by the government.
"If you didn't have the funds, then you could not get out. We knew about the hurricane four days ahead of time and should have gotten those people out," she said.
MSU College Democrats president and international relations senior Stephen Purchase said, "If it is an issue than his comment has brought light to it."
