Why are some people so strongly opposed to the content of rap and hip hop music?

Question

I am speaking about the slang terms like ***** and h0e.
I am speaking about the drug references.
I am speaking about the references to gang-type violence.

The last time I checked, rap and hip hop were styles of music, meaning a form of entertainment -not a source of education.

Why must music artists (mainly blacks in this case) produce music in a manner to represent ethinic or racial groups in a positive sense? Why are they given this responsibility? Music is supposed to be about entertainment -not about being role models and setting examples for children.

People say what they want in their music because it is an artistic expression of life. It is not meant to be a learning tool for kids. Nor is it meant to act as a representative of a certain racial or ethnic group of people.

In a country where people are free to say what they want, people are also free to not hear what they do not want. This means don't listen if you do not like it.

Why the urge to censor art?

Answer 1

I think its funny how people blame music that talks about problems that were around long before the music was.

If anything, and for lack of any other way to put this any clearer without putting it on television where it might actually sink in:

RAP MUSIC THAT TALKS ABOUT VIOLENCE AND DRUG USE AND GANGS IS A RESULT OF VIOLENCE, DRUG USE, AND GANGS.

The chicken came first in this case... not the egg.


edit: Mona Lisa wasn't born AFTER the painting was painted, was she?

edit #2: perhaps people don't understand the concept of art being a mirror to society-

BAD THINGS = PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT BAD THINGS

not vice versa...

any more dummies on the thumbs button?... anyone?

Answer 2

Rap to me takes skill. Very few artists right now have the skill to rap. Hip Hop right now to me is like pop music. Its just some simple rapping over a good beat and a catchy chorus. I totally understand why you would separate the two.

Answer 3

It is all over the media and TV, and kids of all ages are buying it. It sends out a message that those things are ok and underage prostitution, drug dealing and gang violence are on the rise. It doesn't send out postitive messages.

Also many women dislike the decrease of respect with men because they hear music like Can you control ya h0e by Snoop Dogg and think that is an acceptable way to act.

Answer 4

I agree that hip hop artists should be free to say whatever they want. They should not have to be role models. However, I think people, especially intelligent inner city black people, should be discouraging their children from listening to it. They may not want to admit it, but the lifestyle promoted by hip hop music has become the number one problem for inner city black people.

Answer 5

I personally don't care for rap music but don't have a problem with it either.

My girlfriend, on the other hand, won't stop ranting about how it's "objectifying" and "degrading to women." That's probably why a lot of women dislike usage of such words.

Answer 6

There's this sticker on a CD that says EXPLICIT LYRICS.....if you don't want to hear it - don't but it - don't allow your kids to buy it. Simple as that. I hate when people say - "It's ruining the kids" NO IT'S NOT. If your child cannot comprehend the difference between reality and what a famous rapper says.......he/she needs to stop watching tv. It's not fair that rappers and celebrities are automatically branded role models. They are trying to get paid - just like you and me.

Answer 7

It is no longer art. Blues reflected a culture, often flawed. Rap and hip-hop went from reflecting a culture to perpetually create a culture of misogyny, racism, dehumanization, lawlessness, materialism, hatred, separateness, amorality and, in general, thugdom.

Answer 8

Yeah, I know it's entertainment, but I just don't find it entertaining to celebrate such stupid things like drug use, misogyny and gang violence.

Answer 9

Because it's a modern-day minstrel show that would make Sambo blush. Plus it ain't got no soul.

Answer 10

I totally agree with you. I love hip-hop and rap and I believe music is just about entertainment: parents and school should provide kids with educations and examples, NOT music.