The Definition of Charity”

In Lyneka Little’s article, “Jay-Z Declares His Presence as Charity”, she provides the debate between Harry Belafonte and Jay-Z on their opinions of the definition of charity. Belafonte articulates that’s Jay-Z does not use his celebrity status to get involved in political and social issues. However, Jay-Z disagrees with Belafonte and argues that he consistently uses his presence as a symbol of his social responsibility, thus justifying his definition of charity. Jay-Z’s opinion is rational. By using rap music and methods of technology, Jay-Z contributes to the society in customs that some women and men cannot appreciate.
Jay-Z proves that Harry Belafonte’s criticism does not apply to him. In the course of the rally for Trayvon Martin’s justice, Jay-Z and Beyoncé make their appearance. However, at the function Jay-Z pronounces, “I’m not here to do interviews, thank you”. Strictly about his business, and the seriousness of the gathering, Jay-Z presents himself only to pay homage to the slain teen and not to epitomize himself for the paparazzi. President Barack Obama’s second inauguration is another period when Jay-Z shows social responsibility. Broadcasted on television is Jay-Z and Beyoncé sitting at the inauguration. However, the seats that the power couple is sitting in are not just any seats, they are front row seats. Yet again, Jay-Z is physically shown representing himself for the black community; but he portrays charity in other customs as well.
Music can also be used as a form of social responsibility. Jay-Z does not have to be physically present in order to celebrate, grieve or appreciate a certain scenario. To address the topic even in a song lyric offers support and reassurance. In the song “Forever Young”, Jay-Z recites “Fear not die, I’ll be alive for a million years”. Jay-Z’s song is dedicated to Trayvon Martin, and that specific lyric clarifies that Trayvon is making such a controversial impact that he will go down in history, and should not be afraid of death because he is infamous.
Since technology has changed the way women and men communicate with each other, Jay-Z’s idea of charity is exploiting the Internet and social networking sites as a voice. Technology has replaced Jay-Z’s vocals with emails, tweets, blogs, and pictures. Belafonte, a Civil Rights leader, did not have all of these advantages of technology to demonstrate social responsibility during the Civil Rights Movement. During the Civil Rights Movement, activist established social responsibility with nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. Jay-Z, a younger man benefits from technology to connect women and men in a more modernized approach.
As Jay-Z states, presence can be charity. What is most important is how to portray charity in ways that women and men will listen to and acknowledge. Jay-Z uses social media and rap music to show his social responsibility because that is what majority of women and men turn towards today. Living in the era of technology, it is substantial to

know how to grab society’s attention using machinery. Disagreeing with Harry Belafonte, Jay-Z goes up and beyond to uphold his definition of charity.