On Wednesday, May 2, New York's popular Hot 97 radio host Ebro Darden of "Ebro in the Morning" asked whether black women would be willing to give Kanye West a hug. The question posed on Twitter received swift responses, with many folks immediately shutting that notion down.
It's no secret West has sparked outrage and widespread disappointment with his recent Twitter rants and comment that 400 years of slavery sounded like "a choice." So when Darden questioned whether there were any black women willing to hug West – adding that black women can save lives – many on Twitter had a lot of opinions, to say the least.
"Is there a Black Woman willing to give Kanye a hug?" the radio host wrote. "A hug from a Black Woman can save your life…."
Is there a Black Woman willing to give Kanye a hug? A hug from a Black Woman can save your life….
— OldMan Ebro (@oldmanebro) May 2, 2018
Many on Twitter argued that black women are often burdened to "save" lives – America as a whole included – with little support in return.
One Twitter user wrote, "And who saves black women while we’re out here saving everyone and providing free emotional labor. Who?"
And who saves black women while we’re out here saving everyone and providing free emotional labor. Who? pic.twitter.com/xeMk3GH2Km
— rosechocglam (@rosechocglam) May 2, 2018
Hell no. My cape is in the cleaners.
— Bon Bagay✨ ???????????????? (@Kamifaine) May 2, 2018
Lmao C’mon @oldmanebro
@kanyewest said he had to take “30 showers” after he dated @DaRealAmberRose before he got with @KimKardashian so why even ask this question?— Dawan (@Dawan051980) May 2, 2018
Black women are not your mules. We are not here for you to offer up for emotional work. This isnt cute.
— lfresh (@lfresh) May 2, 2018
Should have married one. https://t.co/lwXBYKGcZa
— Angela (@TheKitchenista) May 2, 2018
"Is there a black woman willing to give Kanye a hug?"
BW: pic.twitter.com/qjQubnIK5V— Angela (@TheKitchenista) May 2, 2018
Some on Twitter agreed with Ebro and thought the question was fair:
I second that and yess it is true. A big hug from a black women can damn near change your perspective on life my dude! Love! #DCFamily
@MGortat … U still in town?— Regal Tone T (@RegalTone) May 3, 2018
I can’t believe people are offended by this. Hugs saves lives, that’s a biological fact. A hug from a black women can be a whole therapy session with no words. I’ve been a witness, a giver and a receiver.
— Joyous (@joynpain829) May 2, 2018
But as one Twitter user noted, many responded that West's recent antics works against the support of black women:
A hug from a Black woman *can* save your life but only *if* you value Black women which Kanye does not so pic.twitter.com/HfKFqSKkm4
— Sofia Quintero (@sofiaquintero) May 2, 2018