...Rap/Hip-Hop: The Effects on Today’s Youth Brenda L. Williams-Capers Columbia Southern University English Composition II Professor Dana Taylor December 11, 2011 Abstract Rap/Hip-Hop first became popular among African American and Latinos among youth in the streets of New York during the 1970’s. It was their way of expressing themselves in a friendly manner in the form of speech, fashion, and personal style. Rap/Hip-Hop music was a way for them to get their message out, by telling stories of their lifestyles. However, over the years Rap/Hip-Hop music has become much more popular for its explicit lyrics, reference of drugs, alcohol and sexual explicit videos. Many may ask “Could Rap/Hip-Hop music have a negative influence on today’s youth, because of its unhealthy messages”? This research paper will examine the effects of rap/hip-hop music on today’s youth and whether or not it has a negative influence. Brenda L. Williams-Capers Professor Dana Taylor English Composition II December 11, 2011 Over the year’s many researchers have conducted studies on the effects of rap/hip-hop on today’s youth. The results have been mixed; however there are indications that some forms of Rap/Hip-Hop music could have negative influence on today’s youth. This is due to the fact that youth start to adapt the negative aspects of the gangster rap, by displaying aggressive behaviors and committing crimes of violence. Rap gets a bad rap because some songs contain explicit lyrics...
Words: 1569 - Pages: 7
...Essay basis for Test Though created in the United States by African Americans, hip hop culture and music is now global in scope. Youth culture and opinion is meted out in both Israeli hip hop and Palestinian hip hop, while Canada, France, Germany, the U.K., Poland, Brazil, Japan, Africa, Australia and the Caribbean have long-established hip hop followings. According to the U.S. Department of State, hip hop is "now the center of a mega music and fashion industry around the world," that crosses social barriers and cuts across racial lines. National Geographic recognizes hip hop as "the world's favorite youth culture" in which "just about every country on the planet seems to have developed its own local rap scene." Through its international travels, hip hop is now considered a “global musical epidemic,” and has diverged from its ethnic roots by way of globalization and localization. Although some non-American rappers may still relate with young black Americans, hip hop now transcends its original culture, and is appealing because it is “custommade to combat the anomie that preys on adolescents wherever nobody knows their name.” Hip hop is attractive in its ability to give a voice to disenfranchised youth in any country, and as music with a message it is a form available to all societies worldwide. From its early spread to Europe and Japan to an almost worldwide acceptance through Asia and South American countries such as Brazil, the musical influence has been global...
Words: 2693 - Pages: 11
...division of Germany into two separate nations, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany), and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). These two nations were the results of a fundamental difference in political ideals of two of the great nation at the time, the United States of American, and the Soviet Union. Throughout the life spans of these two nations one of the largest concern were the youth; as the future population of both nations, it would be on the shoulders of the youth that the countries ideal would be preserved or forgotten. During this time the influence of Western culture was permeating throughout most of the world, and both Germanies were not excluded. Throughout the examination of the youth, this paper will attempt to expose the way in which western culture, specifically the music from the west, affected the youth of both nations. One of the earliest accounts of western music impacting German youth comes from the musician Udo Lindenberg, who recounts the story of how Elvis changed his life in 1957. In his story he recounts how the music was entirely different from all the music he had herd before, “I wasn’t sure what it was about, but this hiccupy singing and electrifying music rocked right through me, and I ran into the kitchen, grabbed some pots and wooden spoons and drummed along.” Lindenberg continues to explain how Elvis gave his generation something of their own, everything else could be claimed by the older generations, but Elvis was a young man’s game...
Words: 2664 - Pages: 11
...hop music caused the dominant culture to depict the listeners of this music and its creators within negative depictions, when in reality the stories and experiences that are being expressed within this music are accurate portrayals of the current realities of these people that are being denied by the institutions who created and maintain this oppression. This music in both Tanzania and the states is used to empower those whose dignity and humanity has been stolen. Tanzania’s depicted “hooligans” of this music is the states’ “thugs,” which are both racialized stereotypes. As one anonymous writer describes the loss of jobs has led to increased drug dealing and crime in these Tanzania neighborhoods within Dar es Salaam,...
Words: 928 - Pages: 4
...Imagine living in a Puritan society 330 years ago. Religious zeal and devotion are the basis of the community. Ministers and pastors promote male supremacy and women are looked down upon. The fundamental rule in society is to follow God’s law and obey His commandments. Harsh, remorseless punishment is inflicted on those who stray from God’s laws. Now compare the Puritan society to today’s society. The American culture is ruled by momentary yet popular trends. Colored skinny jeans, snap-backs, unnecessary fashion glasses and neon clothing can be seen almost anywhere on the street (Lutz). Also modern culture has astronomically altered social norms. Women used to be the ideal caretaker of innocence and purity, but now women dress in revealing clothing and are preyed on by the indecent society. Proper mannerisms have vanished and young people have become straightforward and sometimes even rude. Respect for elders and wisdom has dwindled (The Revolution in Manners and Morals). What is the cause of this cultural shift? In Boston during 1684, a group of strict Puritan religious leaders wrote a letter to the community addressing the issue of dancing. Men could dance together and women could dance together, which was viewed as a natural expression of joy. Also children could dance with their parents’ permission. However if a male and female danced together it was seen as an inexcusable sin before God (An Arrow Against Profane and Promiscuous Dancing). Puritan religious leaders warned...
Words: 1795 - Pages: 8
...American culture is a topic that not many people talk about. American Culture is set upon beliefs and norms of daily life. Everyone wants justice, and everyone wants peace, but what people want the most is change. I live in a world where most Americans tend to judge a person because of his or her skin tone, personality, or intelligence. Growing up, I never knew that my culture was disrespected by a person with a different color of skin or even judged. Everyday, I have to worry about my goals, my background, and my future; I struggle to follow my dream every single day no matter how hard it may be. It is not that easy to be an American. In reference to Lupe in the story of "The Professor Is a Dropout". Her experience is somewhat similar...
Words: 1185 - Pages: 5
...These exist where cultural diversity is present. It was first applied during the 1950’s “referring to distinctive sets of values that set the delinquent apart from mainstream or dominate culture” (McLaughlin and Muncie, 2001, p.296). This idea of a subculture developed from the study of youths in urban settings. In society many music subcultures include, Goths, Punks and Hip Hop, plus many more. The question which has to be considered is whether subcultures are useful when trying to understand the link between youth, music and identity. Most commonly subcultural theories have been observed by two pieces of research, ‘The Chicago School of Sociology’ and ‘The Centre...
Words: 1770 - Pages: 8
...think it is safe to say that pretty much everyone listens to and enjoys music. Who would be able to resist being soothed into relaxation by a favorite song or even an entire album after a hard, long day of stress? I know I definitely would not be able to. It is no lie that music is a very big part of our lives today, especially for the youth. It is even used as a type of therapy to help the pathways of the brain heal from stress and traumas. However, not a lot of people realize how bad some of today's music is and the negative impacts it has on today's youth. It alters behaviors and neuronal pathways, holds no regard for who it offends, and promotes violence as it shapes today's culture. For some cities and ethnic groups, music pretty much...
Words: 1032 - Pages: 5
...Music in Different Cultures Popular Music and Contemporary U.S. Culture Popular Music in its Many Facets In its broadest sense, popular music is an umbrella term referring to a vast range of commercially mass-marketed musical genres contrasting with classical or art music and intended for mass consumption (e.g., rock, rock and roll, hip-hop, grunge, heavy metal, rhythm and blues, punk, soul, techno, funk, rap, house). This wide-ranging term encompasses a plethora of musical styles involving various rhythms, vocal styles, instruments, and technologies. Characteristically, popular music is a global cultural phenomenon and an accessible form of commercial music aimed at a worldwide audience. Traditionally, British and American forms of popular music have tended to dominate the industry. Corresponding to social, economic, and technological change, popular music is intimately linked to the identity of musicians, performers, or artists, as well as audiences and fans. Popular music is ubiquitous; from shopping malls and advertising to gymnasiums/fitness classes and political campaigns, popular music is a common feature of people's everyday lives and a significant aspect of consumer culture. For fans and enthusiasts, popular music can be a leisure-time pursuit occurring on evenings or weekends; alternatively, it can constitute a lifestyle, or way of life (e.g., Deadheads—a group of fans of the American band Grateful Dead who saw the band at...
Words: 3041 - Pages: 13
...For the past for decades rap music has put under the spotlight for potential effects of violent media on youth social behavior. Firstly from a historical perspective rap music is grounded in the African and African American culture. Rap is basically oral language mainly set against a musical background and this dates back to early African societies who used the tradition to entertain and educate audiences in tribal history and current events (Powell, 1991). In American societies rap music can be found in early versions of Jazz and R&B music and has been a traditional form of contest among inner city African American dwellers (Dyson, 1993; Herd, 1994). Modern rap music originated in the 1970’s in the lower class neighborhoods of New York City...
Words: 336 - Pages: 2
...tupac Hip-hop music is generally considered to have been pioneered in New York's South Bronx in 1973 by Jamaican-born Kool DJ Herc. At a Halloween dance party thrown by his younger sister, Herc used an innovative turntable technique to stretch a song's drum break by playing the break portion of two identical records consecutively. The popularity of the extended break lent its name to "breakdancing"--a style specific to hip-hop culture, which was facilitated by extended drumbreaks played by DJs at New York dance parties. By the mid-1970s, New York's hip-hop scene was dominated by seminal turntablists DJ Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and Herc. The rappers of Sugarhill Gang produced hip-hop's first commercially successful hit, "Rapper's Delight," in 1979'. The local popularity of the rhythmic music served by DJs at dance parties and clubs, combined with an increase in "b-boys"--breakdancers--and graffiti artists and the growing importance of MCs, created a distinctive culture known as hip-hop. For the most part, hip-hop culture was defined and embraced by young, urban, working-class African-Americans. Hip-hop music originated from a combination of traditionally African-American forms of music--including jazz, soul, gospel, and reggae. It was created by working-class African-Americans, who, like Herc, took advantage of available tools--vinyl records and turntables--to invent a new form of music that both expressed and shaped the culture of black New York City youth in the 1970s...
Words: 829 - Pages: 4
...Research Evaluation: The Behavior of African American People through Hip Hop Music Papi Jean Florida Memorial University Introduction The Growth of Hip Hop in America As hip hop continues to grow into a major aspect of the modern African American culture, the studies intend to distinguish the mass outlook of black people in America. It is incredible that this single genre of music has transformed into a vital communication mechanism for an entire race and may even become larger in future generations of African American people. The other races, in America, have gotten an idea of African Americans through the controversial rap music in which black people use to communicate with each other, and outsiders; the non-blacks. The study revolves mainly around the attitudes which have deemed as common in the black culture; rap music has always been open for interpretation which can lead to danger. The music has become so popular and influential to the youth that many crimes have been linked to the music which fuels an efficient form controversy in America. Do people receive the negative aspects of rap more than the positive aspects? If so, then why? Also, why are the positive approaches of hip hop not made commercial rather than the sex, drugs, and violence? There is belief that the music has a great influence on how the other races in America view the black culture. It is not certain whether rap music is more negative than positive, but it is obviously a notorious topic for many...
Words: 4412 - Pages: 18
...Elvis Presley: A Revolutionist Gage E. Trollinger Elvis Presley is the single most significant figure in rock and roll history. He completely changed music and he also changed entertainment through his influences. In the 1950’s Presley’s music broke past these racial barriers. He allowed Caucasian and African Americans listen to the same type of music. Elvis challenged the social and moral values because his music and his dance moves created a new generation. By 1955 Elvis had gone to a national sensation. People quickly fell in love with his style of music and dancing, Critics loved and hated him at the same time altho girls were in awe with him. The fact that Elvis shook his hips, thrust his pelvis, and danced passionately on stage, turned parents against his music. Elvis posed a threat to the values and morals of wight american cicity. Presly “set in motion a style of music that dominated the world for the rest of the century. It was the beginning of youth culture, the breakdown of sexual inhibition, and the end of racial segregation.”...
Words: 1119 - Pages: 5
...Michael Ta American Literature Period 2 May 13, 2014 The Jazz Age As the 19th century came to an end, the start of a meaningless war triggered an era known as The Great Jazz Age. The year was 1914, as the world came together and fought in a useless war. The naive Americans partied as news spread that the war had ended. By 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald coined the term, The Jazz age when he published his successful book, This side of Paradise. This era was sparked with ideas of jovial times and world peace. F. Scott Fitzgerald quoted, “Though the Jazz Age continued it became less and less an affair of youth. The sequel was like a children's party taken over by the elders.” The music was louder and the alcohol consumption was stronger. The correlation of people and alcohol consumption was increasing as the expansion of rebellious youths and usage of Jazz music increased. The effects of the war, triggered an unconditional response that changed American ideals. As hands shook, and papers were signed, Armistice Day marked the end of World War One and ignited a new beginning for America. Everyone celebrated the American victory of the biggest war of the time. In a way, the end of the war was a wake up call. The war helped open people’s eyes and made them realize that life was short and you should cherish every moment you have. Everything seemed to conveniently fall into place. Soldiers were reunited with their families, and the economy blossomed as more Americans carelessly...
Words: 1631 - Pages: 7
...with optimism among America’s youth that was unprecedented in history. Before too long headlines of civil rights, university reform, pacifist movement against the Vietnam War, women’s rights, and sexual liberation were made and the “Camelot” vision was quickly shattered. America’s youth began to revolt against the establishment and the foregone conclusion that they would adopt the lifestyle of their parents. In ten short years societal norms were turned completely around. Never before had change happened so quickly or been driven by the same group. This rapid change is breathtaking, considering most young people are generally naïve and disinterested in events outside their immediate scope. I have therefore decided to investigate what role the media played in the youth revolutions of the 1960s. This paper will identify media’s influence in driving change and analyze relationships between media, specific historical events, and the reaction of America’s youth. This will be achieved by looking at both primary and secondary sources to determine how much influence the media played in manipulating America’s youth via songs, marketing, and select writings. The media industry’s reaction to the social and technological upheavals of the twentieth century was to encapsulate the mantra “youth as fun” and sell it to America’s teens. . It was the social exposure that the media promoted that resulted in the heightening of knowledge among America’s youth, leading to their liberalized...
Words: 4521 - Pages: 19
