Rap Music & Video Games?

Question

Does anyone else share my belief that the violent and aggressive lyrics in certain rap songs send subliminal messages to certain people and they act on them, particularly children and teenagers? The same with some of the really vicious computer games that are available, in the mid 90's when mortal kombat came out, this was thought to be a step too far, but 10 years on some of the games available are so violent and vicious, they make mortal kombat look like Noddy in toytown. I also think because things like rap music and computer games are such big business and generate billions in revenue that nothing is done to try and tone things down or ban certain things. What do you all think?

I wouldn't suggest for a moment that this is the be all and end all for all that ails the youth of today, but I believe it is a contributory factor, of course a stable model and type of upbringing ultimately determines a persons mannerisms and behaviour.

Answer 1

I agree with you. I have been a very diligent parent and have a great open relationship with my kids. my 14 year old son listens to rap and even though he is an intelligent kid who seems to think things though, I wish that I had never been so open about having that music in my home. we have discussed this issue extensively and he is yet to convince me that the way Eminem "disses" his ex wife is somehow explainable. I fear that some teens hear things like that and don't learn respect for people.
Just like my boy wanted to be a power ranger when he was 4 years old, I think he somehow thinks that "gangsta" is cool. fortunately he has toned it down a bit , but when he has a teen hussy fit ,he goes to put on the heavier stuff again. he is using it to express his own anger or frustration.
so I allowed it into my home , thinking that if I didn't he would hear it elsewhere anyway, which would also help teach him to be deceitful. now I get to tell him what I think of it and hopefully what momma says ,still rules.

Answer 2

As a teenager, I don't feel as though these things make a noticeable difference to way I do things or to the way I behave. I know how to respect others and what is and isn't acceptable, even though I've experienced these games and listened to music with inappropriate language. It's not actually the video game or the song that violence or swearing is acceptable, though it can influence the child, but at the end of the day I think it's the person them self who chooses whether this sort of thing should be acted. Parenting is a major factor in this topic. If a child has been brought up knowing what's right and wrong, then they will be able to enjoy these things without doing harming anyone.

Answer 3

Nope.

Subliminal messages dont work for starters.

Expanding it further, nor do I believe violent media/entertainment leads to violence. I know there are some studies out there showing correlations between video games (etc) and aggression (side note: many others have also come up inconclusive or have pointed out major flaws of those studies), but as correlations do not show causation, what I think is more likely is that violent people use violent entertainment.

People are looking for an easy fix to the problem because they are not interested in putting resources (time or money or whatever) into fixing the real problem which is our society, the way we raise and look after our children.

//Edit:

Ok, you say it might be a contributory factor, even when models and environment factors are taken into account (which ARE the major factors of violence).

A lot of murders etc cite the Bible (and it is pretty graphic). Should we be banning that?

Answer 4

Yes I agree. Although it might seem like harmless fun, the youth of today look at it in a different way and it doesn't help that the violent lifestyles in rap music is being glamourised and portrayed as a suitable way of living. Most of the time its fiction but the younger fans don't know this. I remember when you needed a code to access blood features in mortal kombat, these days its just the norm to have blood and gore as a main feature in these violent games. Then theres the ruthlessness in Grand theft Auto, attacking random people in the street and being careless, its not a good message. Theres not much you can do, the more you complain the more popular it becomes. people like controversy, so if its wrong, they'll want it that much more

Answer 5

I think that children are designed to absorb information. If the information they are absorbing is how to shoot, maim, rape and otherwise destroy then those actions will be learned forever. The whole 'oh but it's just pretend' argument doesn't work when talking about young children (under 8) as it's been proven that the part of the brain that helps adults to know what's real and what's not has not been fully developed yet.
I don't believe any music can subliminally influence children - liminally, yes, but it's an obvious influence and not a hidden one.

Answer 6

I agree that with the rise of video games and the internet, that we have more of a problem with violent people. I dont belive it to be the lyrics that are sending subliminal messages, i think its the visual imagey of violence that can be found in Games, music videos and on the internet.
some else i'd like to add is that isnt just rap songs. There are heavy rock songs that are just as bad

Answer 7

I agree. Everyday i see the impact these forms of "entertainment" have on young adults. I have to be honest and admit the impact it has had on me maybe not always in the influence of behavior but certainly reinforcing negative behavior, with the notion that these things are not only acceptable but are valuable.
As far as subliminal messeages these messages are overt, Smoke screw and fight,forget school treat women like crap and so on on... These things are merely a confirmation that society is in decline these isssues have crossed racial and economic boundaries and has reached the societal level. I beleive a certain amout of home training a supervision can assist but that is just the point as our valu system has declined so have the family roles even parent who are attempting to fulfill there obligations may have to work many hours to provide primary needs,
And this crap we all are taking in is Toxic pure and simple.

Answer 8

If you want to know a very good vocal coach try to visit https://tr.im/THdLg an online vocal coaching tutorial. Everything, ranging from breathing fundamentals, vocalizing exercises, techniques on singing high and low notes, how to not go off-key/out of tune/off-sync, musicianship and music theory, proper diction and articulation, and a lot more are covered, all in our native language. It can be quite technical in nature, but it really helps since it covers the musical aspect of singing deeply and not just concentrates on how to impress people with your vocal range, riffs and runs and other cliches that do not necessarily make one a complete vocalist.

Answer 9

well people do what they want regardless, music doesn't have anything to do with it. I see your point, but I think the killing in video game [Grand Theft Auto San Andreas] is a horrible message with or without the music.

Answer 10

1