Do you think hip hop and rap are actually HURTING the black community?

Question

I work in a predominately black middle school, with students that have  predominately lower-income families.  I am appalled by what these kids listen to, I am even appalled by BET and what I see on that channel, which my students regularly watch.
I DO think there is an institutionalized racism alive and kicking in the united states, unfortunately.  I look at my students,  all bright and wonderful in their own ways, and I feel they are being PULLED in a direction that is HARMING them by listening to music that promotes a 'thug' life, rampant sex (and really dirty sex, considering these are middle schoolers) and I get so angry about it! Either their parents listen to it as well and don't think it is harmful, or don't know their kids are being subjected to this crap.
Now, I don't think ALL hip hop or rap is bad, don't get me wrong.  But I think the artists that promote a criminal life should be ashamed of themselves and what they are doing to the black community.

I love dooneys · Accepted Answer

Yes it does have an influence on young kids they think it is so cool 2 do the things they see/hear. I would bet most parents don't know what their kids are listening 2, just really don't have time with working 2 make ends meet but u can best believe I do not listen 2 this type of music as well as my kids (2 and 4) and I will be a very nosy parent!

Anonymous · Answer

does it not appall you when them same students turn on the news and see a bomb getting dropped on other humans and soldiers marching through a country shooting other humans.

people try to fight hip/hop they should use there skills to change where the problem lies.

and which artists promote a criminal life?

for some artists that was there life they say how it was for them the world isnt all roses.

i remember a tupac statement - i dont say thug life as i am going to rob you or kill you 

"i say thug life because i came from the gutter and im still here"

does the news promote war?

that was a judgemental statement you made here.

Anonymous · Answer

If you got on a song and said you are a teacher and you sent students out the classic room today are you promoting the life of a teacher? How do you know these kids are from low income house holds?

Anonymous · Answer

i agree with your statement about artist that promote a criminal lifestyle.  there is a big difference between talking about that lifestyle and promoting it.  i dont believe in glorifying a lifestyle that is counter productive to society but i think it is necessary to talk about it in rhymes.  not glorify it.  but in the end it is just music and life should not reflect music, music should reflect life.  but in the end if you have a weak mind and are easily influenced by what you hear or see thats not just a problem that the music has caused.  its up to the parents to help their children to make smart decisions not the music industry.  although they need to think about what they promote.  so basically i dont think there is an easy answer to your question even though i dont think hiphop is effecting any community, white, black, brown or yellow.  at least not in a big way.  theres always going to be people acting a fool no matter what there listening to.

Anonymous · Answer

remember rap is just music..........im white and i rap all the time with friends and what not so its a thing all races do......the only problem is the whole gangsta **** people be croppin up outa nowhere but thats just music....just like NWA said "EXPRESS YOURSELF"

OPTICS · Answer

No, guns are

Trending News

Do you think hip hop and rap are actually HURTING the black community?

6 Answers