By Lily '20
The debate about rap music’s societal impact is at once complex and polarizing. Critics assume that hip-hop and rap music promotes gender bias, glorifies violence, and glamorizes criminality. The people who believe that rap music has a negative influence on kids support their belief with the fact that many hip-hop songs include messages that are hostile to healthy childhood development. On the other side, adherents believe that the music gives minorities a voice and a means of sharing their life experiences. They believe that this music can ultimately bring people together.
People may argue that rap music has a negative impact on listeners’ views of society and the government. Some artists broadcast anti-government messages, and the N.W.A song “F*** tha Police” is an oft-cited example. (The lyrics include, “They have the authority to kill a minority. F*** that s*** , ‘cause I ain’t the one for a punk motherfu***er with a badge and a gun.”)while this track was a response to unfair treatment at the hands of the authorities which was in fact pervasive, it did undeniably advocate violence.
Emory University did a study that showed the effects of rap music on young girls in Atlanta. The study took 522 girls and divided them into two groups; a group that listened to rap frequently and the group that didn’t. After a year of high exposure to rap music, the subjects were more likely to have an std, use drugs, be deferential with their boyfriends, more likely to hit a teacher, and to get arrested. Lyrics in some of the songs seem to advocate oppressive gender dynamics.
Words in some of the music also promote derogatory ethnic stereotypes, materialism, and violence. Tay-K’s song “The Race” is a salient example. The artist was charged for capital murder and the song glorified his time on the run from a murder charge.
However there are two sides to every coin and, this genre can be used as a way to unify people who feel disconnected from society. Furthermore the music connects different races. While most rappers are black, around 75% of listeners are non-black. This dynamic might serve to encourage equality or at least an understanding of the ethnic “other.” Rap music is also a platform for promoting social and political views, allowing minorities to speak freely, through music. While some rappers may sing about illicit activity, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are supporting the actions they describe. Although the narratives may be slightly nefarious, they can be seen as “real world” Horatio Alger tales from America’s ghettos, where opportunities for legitimate success are limited. In a lot of rap songs the singers are not afraid to say how they truly feel and express their real emotions and views on society. Some of the rappers aren’t only performers Jay-Z owns his own record label, and Kanye West owns a fashion company. A team at Cambridge University in the U.K., believes that rap music can help treat mental health issues. In the “rags to riches” message, they see positive imagery and can give people hope.
Although many people will have different opinions on rap music I believe that it can be beneficial to society. This genre has many facets, and while some songs are vulgar or send inappropriate messages to listeners, others sing about equality. But there is no denying that this music is very powerful, capable of imbuing listeners with positive energy. Someone can’t just define a whole genre based on their impression of a single sub-genre; it is not all “killas” and “hoes.” Rappers can make songs that create positive energy and powerful messages. All things considered perhaps the most reasonable stance on rap is ambivalent, but even that is more balanced than the prevailing perspective.
By Lily '20