DON'T JUDGE HIP-HOP BY ITS MISTAKES

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Finding Paragraphs

FINDING PARAGRAPH # 1:  

   Hip-hop has influenced many elements in our society, and faced many controversies; however, one of the most asked question is how does Hip-hop influence teens both negatively and positively? Since Hip-hop has a very intricate meaning to the youth that listens to it, it carries many responsibilities as well. With the rising of our society, violence and drug usage have also increased. Even though Hip-hop is not the only cause, it does not help. Through television, music videos, and other forms of media, artists are portraying negative stereotypes and acting in a manner that promotes depravity into today’s youth. Lyrics are also part of Hip-hop’s negative portrayal. Many songs send messages about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs instead of providing accurate portrayals of the consequences of drug consumption(Hip-Hop: Negative Effects on Today’s Youth). Hip-hop may generate negative imprints in the minds of teenagers, but it also provides positive effects to its listeners. Hip-hop music that sends violent or misogynistic messages through song lyrics, promotes its listeners with critical think. It gives an opportunity for the listener to examine what he feels is objectionable. There are also artists who serve as role models to youth from diverse array of backgrounds. Many Hip-hop artists did not come from privileged backgrounds but they still encourage teens to achieve their goals( Frances Hall). Hip-hop contributes to the lives of teenagers and their educational performances; in fact, it is displayed in their way of life. According to Mark Naison, many students would be excited by the challenge of linking the gathering of historical information to creating a work of art that speaks to their deepest anxieties, fears and longings, and draw upon talents in poetry, beat making, or performance art that are rarely recognized in a school settings. If educators give the students the tools, such as Hip-hop music, support and the opportunity, they may not only improve engagement and academic performance, they will transform schools into true centers of community life(Mark Naison). Throughout urban America, Hip-hop has become the standard that many teenagers live by. It is displayed by their manner of speaking, their way of dressing, their music preferences, and the cars they drive. Teens also reflect their standards by the following : flamboyant, aggressive, frequently rude, and inconsiderate attitudes( Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). Hip-hop is part of the lives of teenagers, but above all the voice of many teens.  


FINDING PARAGRAPH #2: 

   Why has Hip-hop had such a great impact on teenagers? This question has more than just one short answer. It has been asked by many but it has no direct answer. Hip-hop has become the most visible youth trend around the world. Besides being an astounding source of youth expression, it has become the voice of choice for young people who find themselves at the edge of sadness and disappointment; therefore, it matters because it has become the voice of the streets, and it has connected to the powerless in a way that no one could have imagined or, now, can control(S. Craig Watkins). Hip-hop culture does not accept truths that are claimed to be true or just the way they are set to be. The mirroring of adult culture by youth culture is sometimes relentless, raw reflection of things adults would prefer not to admit, but for the youth this is, real. Hip-hop culture represents some horrid truths of what our society is and what is not. The words of songs created by young people make millions of dollars annually, and this because they are saying something about the reality of their world. For young listeners it is a reality nonetheless(Mark Naison). Emerging from Rap music, Hip-hop became a lifestyle to many teens around the world(Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). Most successful rap artists come from broken and unfortunate backgrounds and use their music in way to cope with and express their struggle, often telling unpleasant stories that listeners don’t hear from other forms of media, but is real life for many Americans. Studies have shown that rap music doesn’t encourage young listeners to act out instead it helps them cope with issues in life that relate to the music’s content(Liz Emery). Hip-hop has faced criticism throughout its growing years, but should people or listeners reconsider the impact Hip-hop has brought? Although it can’t be denied that violence in rap music has increased in the past few years, its purpose is to respond to the violence in social conditions(Liz Emery). Teens have seem to lose hope since Hip-hop seems to be the only speaker who tells the truth like it really is( Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). If the adult culture does not admit to what our society really is then who else will? Hip-hop has this uniqueness which expresses the feelings of teens(S. Craig Watkins). It doesn't just express violence it expresses what teens actually feel inside. It can also bring many benefits to areas such as schools. Involving students or the youth to become involved with works of art, such as Hip-hop, will give interest in their historical backgrounds and an increase in their academic performances(Mark Naison). There are more values to Hip-hop that some people refuse to realize.  


FINDING PARAGRAPH #3:  


      Hip-hop has made a significant impact on our society. In fact, it has become a lifestyle to many around the world, especially teens. However, what if Hip-hop never existed? How would it’s influence on teens change? Hip-hop has continued to give voice to marginalized people and has now become a global culture force. It connects with people around the world, and it also empowers them(Hip hop playing role in global political dissent). People would no longer have a culture that gives voice to them; in addition, the culture that connects and empowers them would never be in the future of modern society. The standards for most teenagers would also change if Hip-hop did not exist. Hip-hop has become the standard that many young people live by; therefore, it is reflected by their manner of speaking, their way of dressing, the types of music they listen to, and what they drive(Carl Taylor and Virgil Taylor). These actions would not be part of teen’s life just because Hip-hop is not around to influence them. As stated in the article Hip Hop Is Now: An Evolving Youth Culture, this evolving youth movement is embraced by millions of young people who are struggling to find meaning in communities that often lack hope and a purpose. Who knows if teens would ever have been able to see our society for what it is and what it has become without Hip-hop. Hip-hop expresses the ugly truths of our society in a way that only seems real to teens(Mark Naison). It has been proven that rap music does not encourage its listeners to act out, instead it helps them cope with issues in life(Liz Emery). Life for young Hip-hop listeners would change without the encouragement of a culture that helps them cope with their problems in life.In conclusion, some of the youth culture would not be what it is today without Hip-hop.

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