Kanye & The Grand Teton National Park

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    This past summer I went to the Grand Teton National Park and was able to capture this incredible picture of the mountains. Standing here, looking at the scenery, I was reminded of something oddly familiar: Kanye West's 2018 album, Ye. This album cover was created from a picture taken at the Grand Teton National Park. It got me thinking of the idea of commercializing nature and the connections our current society has with it. 

    I think to myself, what does Kanye's album have to do with my experience at the Grand Tetons? Well, Kanye's album is centered on mental health awareness, and one of the greatest benefits I receive, personally, from being outside in nature is the improvement on my mental health. It helps me unwind and truly relax, separating me from the busy and chaotic life I always end back in. This is where I believe the link lies. Kanye took a place that helps his mental health the most and used it as a cover for the album he created that does the same. It is not about the content that correlates the two, but rather the impact it has on society. 

    Now understanding the link between Kanye's album and the national park, I begin to ask myself, is this commercialization of nature more acceptable than the commercialization issues commented on in class? I think yes, and quite frankly, I don't see an issue with it. Expanding amenities at national parks to commercialize nature is something I find morally wrong--i.e. expanding parking lots, building resorts, etc.--because it damages the environment itself. Kanye using the Grand Tetons National Park on an album cover has little to no effect on the preservation of the national park. However, a friend of mine, who is much more in touch with nature than I am, argues that it is irresponsible for Kanye to capitalize on the Grand Tetons National Park because he is unable to capture their beauty in one picture, especially in the picture he chose. I remain unphased in my thoughts about the issue, but I continue to have an open mind and listen to what he has to say.

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