PhonZhi
Veteran
I don't know how old you are or if you really interact with the youth like that but I think you should really hear people out who say this. As a fairly young person and one who works with young people I can attest that rap music is very influential. Rap isn't the cause of all the drama but it sure isn't helping. From my experience many of these kids take much of the music seriously, being a thug/gangsta is seen as cool and the ultimate form of masculinity, especially for black men; it even affects young girls. I've seen this even in my generation. So don't be so quick to dismiss it. I'm often think of that 2pac song shorty wanna be a thug and feel that really applies today.
Today is a new day and new era and what may have not affected you in the past isn't the same for youth today. I think many people shun the idea because they base it off of themselves, like, "I grew up on hiphop and I'm fine". We are not growing up in the rap that is out there today, nor is the music the same. This music not only influences them but serves as their live's soundtrack.
Yep, my entire mindset about rap changed after working in a youth detention center for 2 years. Very influential and you hit the nail with how it makes criminal/destructive activities seem "cool". Its obviously not the cause but its not helping a damn thing
And the worse part is that hip-hop has the potential to be a weapon FOR us to inspire, educate, motivate and uplift an entire generation. Instead that weapon has been turned around and is being used against us


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