Running head: INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Influential People
Everybody wants to be somebody. Being a somebody carries different meanings based
on a variety of aspirations and self perceptions. For example, when I think of a somebody, I
imagine a fast lifestyle, a collection of the finest clothes, and a voice that carries weight. Clearly
then, Donald Trump and Kanye West have each made themselves into a somebody. Both men
share characteristics like their captivating appearances, their risky tendencies, their high self
esteems, and their broad talents; all of which influence my choices to mimic their paths.
Celebrities are known for an elite style of clothing that separate them from the average
man, which creates a positive boundary between classes to create an aspiration for the normal
people. Fashion is brought to the general population by only a small number of tastemakers who
have a significant following willing to let the minority make their decision (Weimann, p 142). A
member of the general population doesnt often make a bold move in fashion. However, it could
be that the single individuals willing to be different have accessed a shortcut to fame.
To be the next Kanye, I am aware that I need to be the next creator, and therefore should
dress to my individual taste. Being the one that people mimic is a sign of social prowess and
separation from the common people (Weimann, p 140). A captivating appearance, therefore, is a
way of communicating to others as well as isolating yourself. Your individual fashion sense
speaks to others for you in a way that forces them to choose whether or not to adopt your style
(Weimann, 143). Its important to note that there will be many who do not adopt your style.
Kanye West knows that he fights a plethora of adversity every time he goes out (Newsweek), but
adversity grabs attention in an even broader range of people.
Donald Trump has been given adversity in the fashion realm as well following his release
of the underwhelming Donald J. Trump Signature Collection line. Macys partnered with Trump

Running head: INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

in 2005 to sell the brand. Trump is recognized for his clean, executive style, but his line was
called a value brand, not quality or luxury by Tom Julian in a discussion with CNN. Even with
that being said, the brand is still being sold, and the general population is at least aware of its
existence. This seemingly failed venture in the fashion industry still produced attention, proving
that a somebody must at least take risks.
West and Trump are legendary risk-takers, which inspires me to pursue my passions and
speak my mind. Kanye West spoke at NBC News event following Hurricane Katrina and spoke
his mind, saying George Bush doesnt care about black people (Rock Brands, 196). West uses
his prowess as a means of speaking to social inequalities that others may not have the courage to
address. Not only does this habit promote his image as someone to follow, but it expands his
reach to different social classes and minority groups alike. Kanye found another platform at a
music awards show when a close friend, Beyonc, was defeated by Taylor Swift. His outburst,
which proclaimed Beyonc to be the true winner, attracted attention for the following weeks by
several news outlets and other celebrities (Rock Brands, 226). The interruption of Swifts speech
was extremely disrespectful, but again, West received national attention by critics and fans.
Trumps risks have even less repercussions, making him likely to repeat his stunts.
Trumps first divorce made a small tear in his image, but because he came back from it, he
proceeded to marry and divorce yet again (Biography). The attention received for his negative
actions can be turned into encouragement for their continuation. Now, as he runs a presidential
campaign, he speaks insensitively to minorities, women, and lower classes (Biography). It should
follow that Donald Trump would fade out of the race, exiled for his offensive language.
However, polling information provided by RealClear Politics shows Trump leading the

Running head: INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

republican nominees. My strategy to becoming like West and Trump, then, is to act on my
thoughts and to speak my mind.
Self-esteem is part of the path to being somebody, so I take lessons from Kanye Wests
and Donald Trumps apparent confidence. When Kanye took the risks at the award show and
Katrina event, he used his confidence as motivation, believing that his views were correct, to
assert his ideas. That behavior was predicted in Last Call, a song from his 2004 album titled The
College Dropout. Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem, or use my arrogance
as the steam to power my dreams are his foreshadowing lines that indicate his tendencies to
introduce his beliefs as means of fame. The self-produced beat fades out only for these two lines
before returning to full volume, outlining the importance of speech to Kanyes persona. He
shows that confidence can propel your image, even if your confidence is viewed negatively,
shown by the use of the word arrogance.
Donald Trump uses his confidence impressively. While Kanye speaks to expose injustice,
Trump tends to offend his audience. Even on his pursuit of the GOP nomination, he spoke out
against a fellow republican, saying he was not a war hero despite his service and capture during
World War II (biography). He never apologized for the incident, and explained that he may one
day apologize if he is ever wrong (National Review). The attitude comes from a place of
entitlement and high self-esteem. People seem to like the strategy, as it makes you seem strongwilled, bold, and perhaps thoughtful. West and Trump both show that how I perceive myself is an
indicator of how I will speak, so I should speak boldly.
Kanye Wests broad reach gives him an advantage in several outlets that allow him to
influence a diverse group of people. He has hands in music, producing, film, fashion, politics,
philanthropy, television, and books. This impressive rsum influences me to diversify my

Running head: INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

talents. He may very well be the best in hip-hop and producing, but he is only one of many in his
other portfolios. However, even being a part of different things is a strategy to become more
creative by experiencing more cite zig zag. Cole says it best in his chapter on Kanye West when
he says that West can relate to many people on many levels. This is why he has become such a
symbol of the American dream for much of the public. I want to reach as many people as
possible by being able to relate to their passions.
Donald Trumps passions are just as impressive as Wests, and they present him as a
powerful, influential man. Trump is well known for his involvement in real-estate, investing,
television, fashion, business, and politics. Again, his diverse portfolio spreads him to many
different people groups. His words carry weight because he knows a lot about a lot. Media is the
best way to reach people (Cole, 202). Trump appears in various facets of the media due to his
involvements, so most households are aware of him. This makes me want to be heard via video,
recordings, or pictures. His use of broad mixtures of media has me on social media trying to best
display who I am.

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References
Biography.com Editors. (n.d.). Donald Trump: Business Leader, Reality Television Star.
Retrieved October 1, 2015.
This source is a short biography from a reputable website concerning Trumps rise to
influence. It covers how he got attention, how he made money, and his presidential campaign.
This is a recent, relevant, objective source by credible authors who supply all the information
necessary for citing and finding this page.
Cole, H. (2011). Kanye West: A Critical Analysis of Mass Media's Representation of a Culture
Icon's Rhetoric and Celebrity. In E. Christian (Ed.), Rock brands: Selling sound in
a
media saturated culture (pp. 139-158). Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.
This source is from a book, and features a chapter on Kanye Wests powerful influence,
beginning with his criticism of Bush after Hurricane Katrina. This is written in a way that might
seem to be in defense of Kanye, but is actually just shedding light on who he really is. Its
publishing company is reputable, and the content is very relevant to my topic.
KANYE WEST. (2009). Newsweek, 153(22), 63.
This is a short interview transcript done by the well known company, Newsweek, that gives
Kanye a chance to speak on why he speaks so boldly. It is fairly recent and relevant. Any bias
would be because Kanye is talking about himself.
Richardson, C. (2011). Can't Tell Me Nothing: Symbolic Violence, Education, and Kanye
West. Popular Music and Society, 34(1), 97-112.
doi:10.1080/03007766.2011.539831
These pages come from a journal which is recent in relation to Kanyes rise in popularity. It is
objective, the journal is reputable, and is certainly relevant.
Weimann, G. (1994). The Influentials : People Who Influence People. Albany: State University
of New York Press.139-158.
This book is a relevant addition to my sources. The chosen pages explain how high fashion,
something Kanye and Trump both have, influences people. Its from a university and is written
objectively. The topic of the chapter does not need to be recent, but is still fairly new, because it
discusses even ancient fashion influences.