Kanye West lyrics offensive to people with Parkinsons'

Parkinson’s New Zealand is joining other Parkinson’s organisations around the world voicing their concern about the lyrics of Kanye West’s latest song Yeezus. The lyrics feature the line “get this bitch shaking like Parkinson’s” in reference to one of the more common symptoms of Parkinson’s which is a tremor.

“While raising awareness of Parkinson’s and its symptoms is usually a positive thing, we are concerned by the lack of empathy shown in these lyrics” said Parkinson’s New Zealand Chief Executive Deirdre O’Sullivan.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is caused by a breakdown of dopamine – a chemical in the brain. Dopamine enables quick, well-coordinated movement. When dopamine levels fall, movements become slow and awkward. Approximately 70% of people with Parkinsons’ experience a tremor. There is no cure for Parkinson’s.

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