Over the course of the last three decades, the stratification of society has increased notably. In addition to segregating individuals by gender, age and race society has identified a number of new subcultures that are now an integral part of social discourse. While the development of subcultures is typically viewed as a positive process—as it enables individuals and society to better understand the objectives and needs of a particular group—the reality of labeling through subculture is that it can have a negative impact on how the subculture is viewed in society. To illustrate this point, one only needs to consider the stereotypes and labels that have been formulated as a result of public perception of hip-hop culture.Arguably, some the stereotyping that has occurred in the context of hip-hop culture comes from actual events that have taken place. However, it is the point of this research to demonstrate that the entire context of hip-hop culture is not as stereotypical as what is portrayed in the popular media. Through a careful consideration of what has been written about the development of hip-hop culture, it will be possible to demonstrate that this subculture has a positive side that needs to be separated from its stereotypical portrayal in the media
[...] Approximately 75% of the rap and hip hop audience is non-black” (From the fringe As the appeal and message of hip-hop culture begin to spread more disenfranchised youths will begin to understand the human problems that unite those that ascribe to this culture. In this context, hip-hop can provide society with the tools that it needs to effectively improve many of the social, political and economic tensions that pervade modern society. While the viewpoints and opinions of scholars on the subject of the positive impact of hip-hop culture are critical for understanding how scholars understand the development of this culture, any investigation of hip-hop culture should include a first hand account of how this music and culture shapes social attitudes. [...]
[...] In addition to the gang murders and the gun violence, researchers examining the context of hip-hop music have noted that many of the lyrics present images of violence and gang activity that includes acts such as robbery and murder. In addition, these authors note that the context of hip-hop music is often degrading to women. Specifically, O'Hanlon (2006) notes: “Turn on the radio to any hip-hop or rap station and you often hear lyrics full of misogyny--words laced over danceable beats that call women ‘bitches' and ‘hoes' and talk about dominating women and even hitting them” (p. [...]
[...] Other authors looking at the overall impact that hip-hop music has had on society argue that the media has become so focused on the negative image of the gangsta rapper that much of the positive impact of this genre is never reported by the media. In particular, Mitchell (2001) notes that in the wake of the school violence that has occurred in California in recent years, hip-hop artist OutKast has begun a partnership with the Nike Youth Action program to “assist kids in fostering positive change in their communities. [...]
[...] Roy (2002) notes that in addition to the fact that many of the hip-hop artists of the day focused on the violence of the inner city, the incidence of violence among hip-hop artists was sensationalized in the popular media. For instance, Tupac Shakur, who became a hip-hop icon in 1992, was gunned down on the Las Vegas strip in 1996. While many critics argued that Shakur's murder was a random act of violence, experts contend that it had the making of a gang hit. [...]
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