Analysis Of Hip Hop: The Movement And The Social Challenge
Hip Hop: The Movement and the Social Challenge Hip hop is a musical culture that has undergone rapid development and transformation since its origins during the 1970s in New York City. (I would consider rewording first sentence. The last part of the sentence should maybe be shortened and put at the beginning) What started off first as a relatively underground culture, has rapidly led to a major entertainment industry that has become largely commercialized within mainstream popular culture. (A little confusing, maybe reword by making it tighter ad clearer) Because of the constant attention that hip hop has garnered over the years, its impact on society has progressively become more and more expansive. The true significance and primary purpose
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of hip hop has thus experienced an unfortunate shift. Along with becoming a scapegoat scapegoats for many of the social ill’s in America and abroad, so called hip hop participants a.k.a. entertainers have misled the consumers in America to believe that they are hip hop (.) and that hip hop is only a musical genre. (A confusing run n sentence, maybe make it tighter and reword or consider two sentences) This has resulted in a commercialized product that often times promotes misleading and detrimental substance of the hip hop movement. Consequently, hip hop has been regarded by many critics as an a burden that America just don’t doesn’t want. This absolutely is true to a large extent, given the numerous mainstream hip hop artists that present such negative and degrading content; but I have a question, who exactly is to blame for this type of detrimental music that is so pervasive in modern society? (Consider making two sentences and not leaving the last sentence as a question but more of a strong, clear, thesis statement)
Much scholarly research has been done in recent years in regards to the mainstream media playing an essential role in deeming hip hop music as a widespread social problem
Postell 2
(Weitzer & Kubrin, 2009; Schneider, 2011). With the ability to control the flow of information through various means of broadcast, Johnson and Rhodes state that this has “made the media an increasingly powerful and influential social institution” (Johnson & Rhodes, 2005, p. 70). It is because of this, that I argue and criticize the mass media for its intended censure of hip hop music. The negative lyrical content and thematic imagery that is largely broadcasted through mainstream media has produced and endorsed material that both degrades and condemns specific groups of people (Schneider, 2011). Because of this, I argue that the media is largely at fault for transforming hip hop into a genre of music (only) and that has created many negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and which have ultimately led to a vast array of significant social problems. (Run on, confusing sentence, I would consider making into two sentences or rewording)The self-awareness of this happening has been realized through my years in the ghettos that I resided in, and my following, love and appreciation of hip hop culture.
It is long-established that hip hop music first originated and became popular among African American youth living in the Bronx, New York. During a time and place where crime, violence, and poverty were so widespread, hip hop gave rise to an urban population that sought influence and solidarity in efforts to publicly expose the many social, economic and political injustices that were experienced and that are still being experienced to this day.(very long sentence, consider making into two sentences because it becomes confusing) The renowned pioneers of this “cultural movement” (such as Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa) made it a point to use this medium as a “conscious-raising, politically progressive, liberating form of popular culture” (Weitzer & Kubrin, 2009, p. 25). Such therapeutic and revolutional lyrical messaging was largely exposed in hopes that the revelation would produce some form of social, economic and political change within the ghettos of America. Consequently, one can argue that hip hop’s foundational purpose was largely conscious, healthy,
Postell 3
positive and well-intended. This however cannot be completely said of modern mainstream hip hop, and the extreme negative transformation it has undergone over the years.
Since the inception of hip hop during the 1970s, society has experienced dramatic developments in technological advances, and in ways information is broadcasted to various different audiences (Johnson & Rhodes, 2005; Schneider, 2011). Unlike the 1970s, hip hop culture today is everywhere; in television, radio, movies, magazines and the internet, etc. The rapid development in media has thus played an essential role in the expansion and transformation of hip hop music (Schneider, 2011). This in turn, has largely led many to perceive hip hop music as a negative, controversial, deviant, corrupting and degrading construct (Weitzer & Kubrin, 2009; Schneider, 2011).
I personally am an avid fan of hip hop culture;. I find hip hop to be largely therapeutic, educational, uplifting and relatable. However, I also believe that the relevancy of hip hop culture has grown dim due to the rapid selling out of hip hop artist (or should I say “non-hip hop artist”) that continuously appear in mainstream media outlets, and who produce material that is largely corrupting to its primary consumers.(confusing run- on sentence, consider rewording or making into two sentences) Before I begun began to write this assignment, I made it a point to watched a program on the MTV channel network that played the most recent top 10 hip hop/rap music videos. The imagery and lyrical content that I observed was extremely apparent and revealing. Eight out of the ten music videos contained thematic content consistent with degrading and discriminatory implications of specific social groups (such as women and people of color). What I observed in all eight music videos is also consistent with Schneider’s research study (2011) on the frequent transmission of “negative hip hop” through modern mainstream media. Schneider listed several objectionable themes, such as “excessive use of sexual imagery, misogyny, use of profanity, and glorification of violence and drug use” (Schneider, 2011, p. 51). Postell 4
This absolutely is a significant social problem, especially due to the fact that the primary consumers of this type of music are children and young adults. These consumers begin to idolize and imitate the music artists on television who are seen partaking in illegal activities, driving exotic cars, partying with half-naked women, and carrying large amounts of money and material goods. In other words, they begin to model the negative attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of these artists in hopes that they are able to live vicariously through them. The perceived success of these highly publicized mainstream hip hop artists also causes the consumer to view their negative content as socially normal, acceptable and appropriate. This in and of itself is a significant social problem; but this problem considerably increases its effect when such negative material is continuously being broadcasted through various media outlets.
The social work experience and knowledge that I have gained in working inside the prisons here in Oregon, as a Reentry Mentor has also led to my understanding of the significant effects that modern mainstream media has on today’s youth. Many of the men that I come in connection with are young adults, who for the most part are not bad individuals but are followers of a manipulative code that have them locked up for years of their lives. Part of my job duty as a Reentry Mentor is to facilitate various cognitive skill-building groups with the men who are incarcerated in prison. One specific skill-building group that I regularly facilitate is a self-reflection activity, where as a group we review and analyze lyrical content from various music artists. Many young men who have participated in this group have expressed interests in hip hop artists who produce material that endorses drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, profanity use, and other negative attitudes and behaviors. It is because of this that I (as a social service provider), find it relevant to treat this type of negative music as a potential risk factor when working with this population; especially due to the potential influence that the media has on the development of significant social problems, such as recidivism and deviant behavior. Postell 5
In conclusion, I believe that much can be learned from the expansive history of hip hop,. its Its primary core purpose when it first originated during the 1970s, that consisted of the core element behind the hip hop movement and the rapid evolution that it has experienced over the years. (Confusing sentence)The mainstream media has absolutely played an essential role in the controversy and critique of hip hop music. Nevertheless, music artists who produce negative content continue to be heavily showcased in various mainstream media outlets, and continue to be largely rewarded by the entertainment industry. This however is only the exterior. Many hip hop artists today who remain true to hip hop’s fundamentals have continued to use this “cultural movement” as a form of positive expression, consciousness, and individuality. Consequently, I strongly believe that the application of hip hop culture within social work practices could be largely successful and therapeutic when working with clients, especially in practices that service children and young adults. These applications being facilitated with the purpose and passion for social change in the most needed areas of our country and the world abroad can bring change. We see that if left to mainstream media for the uplifting, inspirational and revolutionary ideas that are at the core of the authentic hip hop movement, it will not be delivered to the masses, the continuance of the degradation of women, people of color and violent content will be.
References
McNown-Johnson M. & Rhodes, R. (2005). Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment: A New Synthesis. Boston, MA: Pearson, Allyn and Bacon Press.
Schneider, C. J. (2011). Culture, Rap Music, “Bitch,” and the Development of the Censorship Frame. American Behavioral Scientist. 55(1): 36-56. SAGE Publications.
Weitzer, R. & Kubrin, C. E. (2009). Misogyny in Rap Music: A Content Analysis of Prevalence And Meanings. Men and Masculinities. 2(1): 3-29. SAGE Publications.
Peer review
I believe the first paragraph has a pretty strong introduction of what hip hop represents.
You explain how hip hop first began and how it was used to express feelings, concerns and expression of the life of people growing up in the ghetto to becoming a commercialized product that has mislead society in thinking hip hop is negative. You did a good job in explaining you topic but I’m not very clear on what your thesis is in the first paragraph. Is it the last sentence when you ask about who is to blame for the detrimental music that is so persuasive in modern society? I think that, instead of ending the paragraph with a question you should end it with a strong thesis that has to do with, why society thinks hip hop has such a negative impact on society and children since that’s mainly what your essay is about. Yes it flows from how hip-hop began as a positive voice for people to express the true life realities to becoming a more negative message that glamourizes subjects about money, woman, violence and drugs. You also put in some reasoning of why you like hip hop and the impact it had on your life in the past and now as a mentor in prisons, then you conclude it with your thoughts of the positive and the negative aspects of hip hop culture movement. The flow is pretty good. I think you did a great job summarizing your conclusion. Your essays were very intriguing and I didn’t get to confused with it. I’m very impressed with your wording and how much you were able to write about hip. I might suggest using some of the lyrics or quotes from some strong positive hip hop artists like grandmaster flash and the furious 5 and then maybe some examples of some negative gangster rap that is considered hip hop and the type of impact they had. I know you mention how society thinks hip hop is all about music, so maybe you can give some examples or explanations on what else is considered hip hop…such as fashion, clothes, shoes, dancing, style, talk, walk, hair styles. I agree with
you that hip hop is more than just music, its style and way of life. I think most of your paragraphs are pretty clear. You did have a few run-ons, confusing sentences that maybe needed to be broken into two sentences or have commas. I also think your last sentence of first paragraph should not be a question but more of a strong thesis stating your claim. I do want to tell you that your paper is looking real good and great job, I can’t wait to read your finished product.
of hip hop has thus experienced an unfortunate shift. Along with becoming a scapegoat scapegoats for many of the social ill’s in America and abroad, so called hip hop participants a.k.a. entertainers have misled the consumers in America to believe that they are hip hop (.) and that hip hop is only a musical genre. (A confusing run n sentence, maybe make it tighter and reword or consider two sentences) This has resulted in a commercialized product that often times promotes misleading and detrimental substance of the hip hop movement. Consequently, hip hop has been regarded by many critics as an a burden that America just don’t doesn’t want. This absolutely is true to a large extent, given the numerous mainstream hip hop artists that present such negative and degrading content; but I have a question, who exactly is to blame for this type of detrimental music that is so pervasive in modern society? (Consider making two sentences and not leaving the last sentence as a question but more of a strong, clear, thesis statement)
Much scholarly research has been done in recent years in regards to the mainstream media playing an essential role in deeming hip hop music as a widespread social problem
Postell 2
(Weitzer & Kubrin, 2009; Schneider, 2011). With the ability to control the flow of information through various means of broadcast, Johnson and Rhodes state that this has “made the media an increasingly powerful and influential social institution” (Johnson & Rhodes, 2005, p. 70). It is because of this, that I argue and criticize the mass media for its intended censure of hip hop music. The negative lyrical content and thematic imagery that is largely broadcasted through mainstream media has produced and endorsed material that both degrades and condemns specific groups of people (Schneider, 2011). Because of this, I argue that the media is largely at fault for transforming hip hop into a genre of music (only) and that has created many negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and which have ultimately led to a vast array of significant social problems. (Run on, confusing sentence, I would consider making into two sentences or rewording)The self-awareness of this happening has been realized through my years in the ghettos that I resided in, and my following, love and appreciation of hip hop culture.
It is long-established that hip hop music first originated and became popular among African American youth living in the Bronx, New York. During a time and place where crime, violence, and poverty were so widespread, hip hop gave rise to an urban population that sought influence and solidarity in efforts to publicly expose the many social, economic and political injustices that were experienced and that are still being experienced to this day.(very long sentence, consider making into two sentences because it becomes confusing) The renowned pioneers of this “cultural movement” (such as Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa) made it a point to use this medium as a “conscious-raising, politically progressive, liberating form of popular culture” (Weitzer & Kubrin, 2009, p. 25). Such therapeutic and revolutional lyrical messaging was largely exposed in hopes that the revelation would produce some form of social, economic and political change within the ghettos of America. Consequently, one can argue that hip hop’s foundational purpose was largely conscious, healthy,
Postell 3
positive and well-intended. This however cannot be completely said of modern mainstream hip hop, and the extreme negative transformation it has undergone over the years.
Since the inception of hip hop during the 1970s, society has experienced dramatic developments in technological advances, and in ways information is broadcasted to various different audiences (Johnson & Rhodes, 2005; Schneider, 2011). Unlike the 1970s, hip hop culture today is everywhere; in television, radio, movies, magazines and the internet, etc. The rapid development in media has thus played an essential role in the expansion and transformation of hip hop music (Schneider, 2011). This in turn, has largely led many to perceive hip hop music as a negative, controversial, deviant, corrupting and degrading construct (Weitzer & Kubrin, 2009; Schneider, 2011).
I personally am an avid fan of hip hop culture;. I find hip hop to be largely therapeutic, educational, uplifting and relatable. However, I also believe that the relevancy of hip hop culture has grown dim due to the rapid selling out of hip hop artist (or should I say “non-hip hop artist”) that continuously appear in mainstream media outlets, and who produce material that is largely corrupting to its primary consumers.(confusing run- on sentence, consider rewording or making into two sentences) Before I begun began to write this assignment, I made it a point to watched a program on the MTV channel network that played the most recent top 10 hip hop/rap music videos. The imagery and lyrical content that I observed was extremely apparent and revealing. Eight out of the ten music videos contained thematic content consistent with degrading and discriminatory implications of specific social groups (such as women and people of color). What I observed in all eight music videos is also consistent with Schneider’s research study (2011) on the frequent transmission of “negative hip hop” through modern mainstream media. Schneider listed several objectionable themes, such as “excessive use of sexual imagery, misogyny, use of profanity, and glorification of violence and drug use” (Schneider, 2011, p. 51). Postell 4
This absolutely is a significant social problem, especially due to the fact that the primary consumers of this type of music are children and young adults. These consumers begin to idolize and imitate the music artists on television who are seen partaking in illegal activities, driving exotic cars, partying with half-naked women, and carrying large amounts of money and material goods. In other words, they begin to model the negative attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of these artists in hopes that they are able to live vicariously through them. The perceived success of these highly publicized mainstream hip hop artists also causes the consumer to view their negative content as socially normal, acceptable and appropriate. This in and of itself is a significant social problem; but this problem considerably increases its effect when such negative material is continuously being broadcasted through various media outlets.
The social work experience and knowledge that I have gained in working inside the prisons here in Oregon, as a Reentry Mentor has also led to my understanding of the significant effects that modern mainstream media has on today’s youth. Many of the men that I come in connection with are young adults, who for the most part are not bad individuals but are followers of a manipulative code that have them locked up for years of their lives. Part of my job duty as a Reentry Mentor is to facilitate various cognitive skill-building groups with the men who are incarcerated in prison. One specific skill-building group that I regularly facilitate is a self-reflection activity, where as a group we review and analyze lyrical content from various music artists. Many young men who have participated in this group have expressed interests in hip hop artists who produce material that endorses drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, profanity use, and other negative attitudes and behaviors. It is because of this that I (as a social service provider), find it relevant to treat this type of negative music as a potential risk factor when working with this population; especially due to the potential influence that the media has on the development of significant social problems, such as recidivism and deviant behavior. Postell 5
In conclusion, I believe that much can be learned from the expansive history of hip hop,. its Its primary core purpose when it first originated during the 1970s, that consisted of the core element behind the hip hop movement and the rapid evolution that it has experienced over the years. (Confusing sentence)The mainstream media has absolutely played an essential role in the controversy and critique of hip hop music. Nevertheless, music artists who produce negative content continue to be heavily showcased in various mainstream media outlets, and continue to be largely rewarded by the entertainment industry. This however is only the exterior. Many hip hop artists today who remain true to hip hop’s fundamentals have continued to use this “cultural movement” as a form of positive expression, consciousness, and individuality. Consequently, I strongly believe that the application of hip hop culture within social work practices could be largely successful and therapeutic when working with clients, especially in practices that service children and young adults. These applications being facilitated with the purpose and passion for social change in the most needed areas of our country and the world abroad can bring change. We see that if left to mainstream media for the uplifting, inspirational and revolutionary ideas that are at the core of the authentic hip hop movement, it will not be delivered to the masses, the continuance of the degradation of women, people of color and violent content will be.
References
McNown-Johnson M. & Rhodes, R. (2005). Human Behavior and the Larger Social Environment: A New Synthesis. Boston, MA: Pearson, Allyn and Bacon Press.
Schneider, C. J. (2011). Culture, Rap Music, “Bitch,” and the Development of the Censorship Frame. American Behavioral Scientist. 55(1): 36-56. SAGE Publications.
Weitzer, R. & Kubrin, C. E. (2009). Misogyny in Rap Music: A Content Analysis of Prevalence And Meanings. Men and Masculinities. 2(1): 3-29. SAGE Publications.
Peer review
I believe the first paragraph has a pretty strong introduction of what hip hop represents.
You explain how hip hop first began and how it was used to express feelings, concerns and expression of the life of people growing up in the ghetto to becoming a commercialized product that has mislead society in thinking hip hop is negative. You did a good job in explaining you topic but I’m not very clear on what your thesis is in the first paragraph. Is it the last sentence when you ask about who is to blame for the detrimental music that is so persuasive in modern society? I think that, instead of ending the paragraph with a question you should end it with a strong thesis that has to do with, why society thinks hip hop has such a negative impact on society and children since that’s mainly what your essay is about. Yes it flows from how hip-hop began as a positive voice for people to express the true life realities to becoming a more negative message that glamourizes subjects about money, woman, violence and drugs. You also put in some reasoning of why you like hip hop and the impact it had on your life in the past and now as a mentor in prisons, then you conclude it with your thoughts of the positive and the negative aspects of hip hop culture movement. The flow is pretty good. I think you did a great job summarizing your conclusion. Your essays were very intriguing and I didn’t get to confused with it. I’m very impressed with your wording and how much you were able to write about hip. I might suggest using some of the lyrics or quotes from some strong positive hip hop artists like grandmaster flash and the furious 5 and then maybe some examples of some negative gangster rap that is considered hip hop and the type of impact they had. I know you mention how society thinks hip hop is all about music, so maybe you can give some examples or explanations on what else is considered hip hop…such as fashion, clothes, shoes, dancing, style, talk, walk, hair styles. I agree with
you that hip hop is more than just music, its style and way of life. I think most of your paragraphs are pretty clear. You did have a few run-ons, confusing sentences that maybe needed to be broken into two sentences or have commas. I also think your last sentence of first paragraph should not be a question but more of a strong thesis stating your claim. I do want to tell you that your paper is looking real good and great job, I can’t wait to read your finished product.