Many public figures hold problematic views, but denying their ability to speak robs the intellectual community of access to opinions considered outside the mainstream and is detrimental to discourse. Though I may find Van Jones’ 9/11 “Truther” ties or Pat Buchannan’s past racially tinged comments offensive, I would wholeheartedly defend their presence on campus for an unpaid speech, panel discussion, or other event.
And I think that if Tyga had been invited to campus by a student group interested in his life story or to perform at a function for a club in which I was not a member, I would not have been concerned.
Unfortunately, the group that invited Tyga to perform, the College Events Board, is dedicated to serving the interests of the entire Harvard undergraduate community. Because I am thus a “constituent” of the CEB, it is within my rights to call for them to reconsider their decision.
Tyga’s lyrics are an insult to the dignity of humankind and cheapen the rich history of each of the cultures his background represents. An organization representing the entire body of students paying Tyga to perform at Yardfest implies an endorsement by the undergraduate community. This is an endorsement I reject.
Photo Credit: Harvard FAS