Kaizen Asiedu: From Gaming to Politics

Kaizen Asiedu’s resume is, well, unique. A graduate of Harvard in Philosophy, he boasts an Emmy Award-winning career at Riot Games—a company publicly endorsed by Elon Musk as a “clear thinker.” After making waves in the e-Sports scene, particularly as an architect for League of Legends, he shifted gears to life coaching.

Interestingly, Asiedu entered the political arena after commenting on the almost assassination of President Trump on July 13, 2024. Historically, Asiedu has leaned toward centrism, either voting for liberal candidates or avoiding politics altogether. However, he described witnessing Trump narrowly escape death as a “spiritual experience” during an interview with Nicole Shanahan.

He remarked, “When I saw him shot and then getting up, raising his fist—it felt like my chest just opened up.” He added, “If we reach a point where violence is the way of politics, regardless of who’s at fault, then, well, we’ve crossed a line.”

In reaction to this wave of violence, he produced a video sharing what he refers to as a “basic human message.” It was somewhat scattered, as he delved into the political sphere and gained notoriety for his nonpartisan method of educating others on how to tackle political and social matters—hoping to bridge the gaps between opposing ideologies.

In a recent episode of “Back to the People,” Asiedu offered insights into his philosophy. “There’s a lot of media manipulation causing confusion and division. Some people are even celebrating violence,” he told Nicole.

He expressed concern that many had opted out of politics, feeling there was no humanity left in it: “It feels like just a mix of political schemes and names. It’s offensive because politics should be a tool for civilization, not a consuming force.”

What Asiedu wants—essentially—is for there to be genuine truth and respectful dialogue, even among those with differing opinions. “People often underestimate their desire for this,” he noted. “It’s just buried under shouting and chaos.”

He expressed a yearning for authenticity, welcoming people to voice their beliefs openly—even if they clash with his own. He believes open debates in public spaces can yield beneficial solutions. “Treating the truth as an intrinsic value is crucial,” he advised.

Asiedu voiced a concern that acknowledging truth can make us judgmental: “Look, it’s like denying the humanity of those struggling on the streets. That’s not compassion.”

He pointed out that despite censorship on social media during the pandemic, there persists a cultural tendency to avoid discussing narratives that contradict the notion that America is fundamentally flawed. A notable area he’s tackled recently is the history of slavery. In his videos, he argues that slavery isn’t a concept unique to any one race but a “collective evil shared by humanity.”

“A recurring theme in history isn’t just the enslavement of Black people, but rather those in power abusing the powerless,” he explains. He believes that while many commend him for bravely addressing misconceptions about slavery, pointing out historical facts shouldn’t take courage in an ideal society.

However, in today’s environment—where even established truths can be seen as inflammatory—speaking out does require a certain level of bravery. He mentioned the backlash he faces, being labeled as a “race traitor” or worse, for expressing his views.

According to him, various “cultural software” affects perception: there’s American cultural software, Black cultural software, and White cultural software that complicates individual recognition. “When you’re enmeshed in any of this, seeing people as mere individuals becomes a challenge,” he argues.

He notes the long-standing narrative that posits Black individuals as intellectually inferior has now shifted, targeting White individuals instead—especially men. This cycle, he believes, is not just racist but could entrench societal stagnation. “You can either perpetuate the past or focus on a more positive future,” Asiedu states.

Obsessing over historical grievances only fosters a culture of animosity. He warns, “Hate breeds more hate. If any form of hatred is involved, it ultimately rebounds on you.” He elaborated on how resentment from historical injustices can ripple through generations, driving divisions deeper.

His proposed solution to unite? Identify a common adversary: “We must target hatred and division itself,” he concluded.

For a deeper dive into Asiedu’s profound insights, check out the full interview.