Hip hop is defined as a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated solely in African American communities. The hip hop era began in the 1970's in the Bronx New York.
The music style rap was formed from hip hop towards the 1980's. There were many artists that came out with rap song hits. such as; Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Doug E. Fresh, and many more. As the years progressed rap music became divided. By the 1990's there was now and east and west coast rival. The term gangsta rap was the most popular form. Gangsta rap does nothing but send out the wrong message to the youth. I feel that it is just another way to promote violence. The most influential people listening are children, so they are the target. The majority of songs consist of guns, alcohol, drugs, violence, and demeaning women. They also talk about the streets and projects that most have lived in. Some people refuse to believe that these artists and their lyrics do not have an effect on youth, but it does and the statistics prove it. 72% of school violence is attributed to gang activity. Between 1986 and 1992, the total number of children killed by firearms rose by 144%. From 1985 to 1993, murders committed by people over age 25 dropped 20% but increased 65% among 18 to 24 year olds. People ages 14 to 17 years it increased to 165%. The numbers do not lie. If there were more positive artists out, I believe the crime rate will decrease.
I feel that the African American culture limits themselves in some ways. There are so many other genres of music to listen to, and that will have a positive effect. The styles to choose from are endless, opera, jazz, r&b, country, rock, and many more. These styles not only are likely to be positive, but also culture our youth.
Does African American youth feel that they're subjected only to the hip hop culture? How are they being influenced by the messages? Are they afraid to venture into other genres in fear of not being able to relate or being judged? This is my unanswered question that I search to answer. This is why I am going to open a school for music. I want to educate youth, especially African American. I want to teach different styles and techniques of music. I want them to know that music has meaning no matter how it is displayed. I'm just trying to motivate these children to step out of the box and do something productive. Exploring different things teaches you to respect other cultures and struggles they may have been through. Hip hop is not the only type of music with a story and my job is to spread the word.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwqQQraQ4MI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RXRLQfda8k&NR=1
Word count: 511
I think you are on to something with this topic! You ask a ton of great questions. I worked with an inner-city elementary school (k-5th grade) and when asking them their favorite artists, the answers were amazing to hear (from Hannah Montana to Lil Wayne). I think these are important findings. You can look more into what influences youths' choice when picking a favorite style of music (environment, personal, peers) and what it says about the culture. Also, how can people be exposed to different types of music? How could you "spread the word"? I'm very confident that you could! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteA very interesting topic. It is always irritating when people try to suppose we live in a post-racial society. I think specifically exploring why African American youth are supposed to only or predominately enjoy and relate to hip-hop music is a great focus. It can certainly help to understand why certain culture is seen as "African American" as opposed to just "American"
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin this topic. I have dealt with this issue myself. I feel like black youth are deterred from liking anything beyond what's within their culture out of fear of being teased or because it's an act of racial betrayal. I've also seen these narrow minded views initiated by parents, who they themselves only know about rap or hip hop. I think newer generations are more open to listening to other things, but negative views still exist. I think good crossovers like Lil Wayne and his rock music can provide exposure spanning different genres to reach many ears. The more exposure to differences decreases ignorance. Good Luck! :)
ReplyDeleteYou pose an interesting theory that the rise of gun and youth violence is correlated to the increase of violent lyrics in popular music. I like that you have already incorporated statistics in your blog, definitely keep collecting quantitative data to support your theory. Try analyzing other possible relationships like unemployment rates, family structures, or immigration trends to make sure you are not making a spurious connection.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing to put into consideration is the increase of violent content in nearly all aspects of media: movies, video games, television etc. After you finished your research try suggest a certain methods Parents or society should follow to ensure healthy child development, and when to enforce/cease these methods on the child.