Sone of the people in today's society have a problem with rap music and the message that it sends to people. The majority of raps are about people's struggles, sufferings, and "street" experiences. Rap music is also notoriously known for using profanity as a part of the lyrics. The critics of rap today are mostly from the older generations. Today's youth has embraced rap music, and really helped rap become one of the most popular genres.Moreover, the critics of rap music today focus more on what the music portrays to people. Many say that by rapping about violence, sex, drugs, ect. rappers are promoting this type of bad behavior. People are worried that children will get the wrong idea and start commiting violent crimes, or engaging in inappropriate behaviors. People are also concerned with the way that rap music portrays women. Many say that rap music portrays women as bitches and hoes, but what about Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," and many of Taylor Swift's hits? All of these songs degrade men, so why isn't anyone complaining about this?
Unsupervised children that are being exposed to rap music and rap videos are the main concern for critics. People are concerned that these rappers are promoting gangs, violence, drugs and sex. They say that rappers are not good role models for children and that the rap culture convinces kids to stay out of school and try to make it big in the rap industry. However, many rappers today like Jay-Z, Diddy, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, are not failures that just dropped out of school to rap. These rappers and many others have become very successful business men by creating clothing lines, headphones, drinks, and even starting their own record company.
Rappers can serve as a sense of hope for the poor child in a dysfunctional family. Most of the rappers today have been able to escape the harsh atmosphere of the ghetto, and live productive lives. Yes, some of the songs are very explicit, but the majoity of this music is not promoting bad behavior, it is explaining real life experiences and hardships.
I feel as though people are too concerned with the "pointing fingers" aspect of this argument. They're quick to jump on an easy target, rather than addressing the issue that's in front of them. If children are acting out in socially disturbing ways, they should help the kids, not attack artists or other social icons.
ReplyDeleteThe Metal music scene, in addition to the Rap music scene, receives a lot of flack for "corrupting children" as well. This is an interview with Marilyn Manson from the movie "Bowling for Columbine"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYApo2d8o_A
While I'm not personally a fan of Manson's music, he makes a very good point when asked what he would've told the two boys who committed the massacre. He says, "I wouldn't have told them anything. I would have listened."
And that's what should be at the top of all of these critic's agenda, not blindly making accusations. Any musical artist has the right to free expression, and if it is controversial, their work is clearly labeled for parents to be warned.
Dudley, I completely agree with you. I think that people are looking too deeply into the issue and putting blame on music which is ludacris. The video gave a great example when it talked about America bombing, and how this could have caused the violence that occured in columbine. They say how it might not of been music, but the president, who ordered the bombing, that caused this act of violence. This example kind of proves that there is no clear cut indication of what causes these negative behaviors in children.
ReplyDeleteFinally someone that thinks Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood’s songs are degrading to men. Some rap may portray women in a bad light, but so do these country singers making men out as dumb cheaters. The only ones that get the bad reputation are the rappers. Why can’t someone put some blame on the women singers bad mouthing men once in a while? They can be just as influential to kids as rappers.
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