Hip Hop and Stereotypes?

Question

Before I start, I would like to say that I am black. I dont listen to hip hop nor do I feel it makes me less "black" because I dont. I think thats one of the problems when it comes to hip hop music. I mean, The hip hop thats on the tv now. I creates this stereotype about african americans that are not true. But the problem is even african americans (the majority of them) is starting to believe the lie and as a result the lie is becoming the truth. Thus now, this is how the world sees us. I believe that rap is a form of poetry but when taken to the media, it creates this false view of african americans. and the ones that follow the stereotype is doing more damage then actually helping. Lets define the culture,and not let the culture define us. Am i wrong on this view? what do you guys think?

Answer 1

I am also an african american turned completely off by stereotypical hiphop. I love my people and know much about our many positve attributes.

This is what I have to say to those who disagree with hiphop today.

Unfortunately, I have to say that the state Hip Hop has taken a strong spiraling turn downward. What's already a male dominated industry has become an arena for masculine fantasies of strippers, fast money, the glamorization of poverty germinated from lack of knowledge and consciousness. Currently, Hip Hop consists largely of self praising idealizations of poverty stricken dreams to live a so called luxurious but realistically a materialistic life.



What was once expressive, empowering, political and just fun has become degrading; yet still highly influential.

I can not write this commentary without giving credit to the few artists who still against the odds produce Hip Hop music for the positive minds seeking inspirational music.

However, its disheartening to know that even though Hip Hop music has proven to be greatly influential there are still low numbers in the amount of artists who receive widespread support to bestow the masses with inspirational, and creative forms of poetic expression.

The masses are being shortchanged. Our future aka our children are being brainwashed. Yes, their easily molded minds are tuning in too.

What have we gained? Lackluster idols that push stripper fantasies, crack selling gangsters, who sport sparkly adornments and sublimely want you to believe that this is what Generation X is all about. Isn't there more to our generation? Aren't there better things more worthy of acclaim?

How do we change this? Simple. First and foremost, understand the connection in all things on this earth. Do not support goods and services that do not support you, your loved ones, and your community. Listen to the lyrics of fun beats you tune in to. Question whether it agrees with what you want for yourself, your children, loved ones, and your community. Change your radio station when you hear the degrading lyrics. If that same station frequently broadcasted public announcements produced by the Klu Klux Klan would you still listen?

By not purchasing the music that hurts your community, by not attending the concerts, by not purchasing the goods produced from sponsors who chose to use poor idols as a representation of you (the consumer) we demand better.

We have subjected our children to songs that promote promiscuity, praise adultery, songs that teach callous attitudes towards women; the backbones of society. These songs openly market drugs and are too often produced by known drug lords, gangsters and pimps, or common folk who take no responsibility for their actions.

Only we (the consumer) can change what Hip Hop has become. The industry executives will continue to put out what they believe to be "money makers". Let's not forget money is the bottom line for many producers. Not all industry executives subject their children to the same music they produce and generate. However, we solidify their decisions with our own decisions to purchase or not to purchase. We can also walk away from events, stores, businesses that use negative forms of Hip Hop to further influence the masses.

Answer 2

When I go to work my appearance doesn't reflect Hip Hop stereotype. I usually get a shocked expression or look whenever I wear my Black Star shirt on casual fridays. Outside of work, my appearance will sometimes reflect it. Most of the time though, I usually get the "Virginia Tech shooter" stereotype. How fukced up is that?

Answer 3

ok let's just kick this off the right way, blk ppl are using the hand they are dealt. blk ppl don't make ish in this world go round.. we're just here for ride. the majority of what ur talking about has to do with ppl selling their balls for money.. that's common here in the USA. Nobody is proud to be what they are so they put that off and make themselves into what the next man is or what they wish or hope they could be knowing they aren't driven by their heart but by how much money is in the bank. And yes, most of us do have a hustlers ambition... which is why our music is lacking and our communities are plumeting.. who's to blame? I'd blame the person that gives the ok for the crap to go on tv... but i'd also blame the consumers.. who are only now complaining cause somebody else got a problem wit it... but why didn't we have problem with it? we just didn't.. we're complacent.

Answer 4

no your not wrong. its your opinion cant knock that.

differences tv hiphop and cultural hiphop.