Hip Hop

There is something fundamentally wrong when young women are exploited sexually. Is it a culture or is it the young women's inability to speak up?

What irritates me is the violence in the Hip Hop music scene. Often, I see videos of young women move their bodies in very sexually suggestive ways- OK, I'll say it, trashy, vulgar and cheap. They are getting paid but must they demean themselves so much? The lyrics or words are so harsh that they are even worst than the videos.

Some of the Hip Hop performers have come to the defense of their work and those of others like themselves. In the USA, achievement is a way of life. Many immigrants have and continue come to this country because dreams are achievable. In a way, it is commendable when someone makes it against all odds. Nonetheless, I just can't reconcile with the violence associated with Hip Hop.

In life, there are certain positions that some people reach, they are obligated to do good deeds, to set examples-good examples for those, who will no doubt, follow them. Many Hip Hop artists capitalize on the vulnerability of their supporters by helping them to destroy themselves. I think it is time for the Hip Hop artists to take a stand and make right what they have miserably failed to do.

Those who denigrate women, encourage violence, encourage youngsters to stay out of school, encourage teenagers to have children that they cannot take care of should be ashamed of themselves. When black children see examples that they do not need to be in school and that prison is a way of life, communities must stand up and reverse that attitude.

It is a shame. Many black kids are being forced to think to be normal is to "act white". So in order for them to be black they can't be normal and as such, they don't take school seriously, they become criminals, they embrace prison life, young man act vicious to young women and they babies that they have no ability to provide for, all for the sake of not "acting White". Since "acting white" is to betray the black race, many black children give up their future. It's a shame.

There are millions of black children in several countries who would love the privilege, the rights and the opportunities that people have in the USA.

By:Marie Gachelin