The overall message of HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes takes a look at the
representations of manhood, sexism, and homophobia in the hip-hop culture and
describes the cultural and political environment in which the music is created,
consumed, and commercialized. The
issues of women and violence in rap music, representations of manhood in
hip-hop culture, what today’s rap lyrics reveal to their listeners and
homoeroticism in hip-hop reveal the complex intersection of culture, gender,
and business. This video allowed for
much class discussion around gender, race, and the community as it relates to
hip-hop and stirred strong emotions amongst our group.
The video addresses the need for improved media
literacy. Literacy no longer is
exclusively necessary in written material.
As a result of technology and increased media, there are a variety of
avenues for entertainment and education, many of which do not include reading,
but instead involve viewing and listening through various media outlets. Parents, educators, and other professionals
should use this film and other similar resources to engage in the process of
improved media literacy. This idea is
supported through the Watts article which speaks to an intervention designed to
help young boys use critical thinking in examining the lyrics of hip hop. Expanded
media literacy can also be used to discuss the additional area of concern
related to African American girls’ sexual health. Tools such as the video HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes and the intervention
discussed in the Watts article are what have been missing in this hotly debated
topic. With resources such as these,
viewers (youth and adult) can better listen, understand, and respond.
I think it’s a great idea to use the video as an educational tool for young adults. The discussion we had in class was a great way to address the issues and its effectson our day to day life. I think as long as people are making large sum of money from doing these kinds of videos it will be out there but if children at a young age learn right from wrong it can make a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteGood job Julie. I liked the fact that you focused your blog on intervention methods. You are certainly right. Now that we know the problems our job is to educate others as well as make others be aware of the issues because others simply can't recognize these issues due to lack of education. I think this video as well as intervention programs mentioned in the articles should be incorporated in the process of educating others. Check out these two videos and tell me what you think. Both are very interesting.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPiTGyLrko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boloHgCmVNQ
Edden,
DeleteThanks for sharing these two videos. You are very right, they are both very interesting. I must admit that the interaction between the two gentlemen in the first video made me somewhat uncomfortable. They were coming from completely different perspectives, but with the same end result in mind...the good of others.
Julie I love the fact that you brought up intervention in programs including this video, as well as discussion surrounding this video. This would be a great and feasible way for parents to communicate the issues in hip hop music and to create literacy on this with their children. This was a very interesting read. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThis video is a shocker and an eyeopener and I love how you brought the intervention programs into, especially the critical thinking parts to break down the lyrics. I think its very important to figure out the deeper, hidden meaning.
ReplyDelete