Through The Telescope: Current Trends and Ignorant Minds Part 1

As someone who considers himself “overly observant“, I’ve always been quick to notice the rising Hip-Hop trends… and the fading ones. Now, I COULD write about several other music-related “social trends”, but It seems like Hip-Hop trends generally come off more ignorant. At least “Scene” and even the now-dying “Emo” cultures revolved around some logic to make their trends somewhat appealing. And while I do consider other “social-trends” to give negative impressions, seems like Hip Hop’s not only the target for this but an actual contributor. Before you get your pitchfork ready and say how what I’m speaking is “blasphemy”, please read the next few paragraphs.

Now lets look at the “Ignorant” aspect. Hip Hop has always been a “product of it’s environment”; working from it’s roots as an “urban culture” and further reflecting anything from social woes to crime and poverty. Now, somewhere down the line listeners became effected to the point that they’ve imitated the music. I can’t say that I haven’t adopted a swagger or mindset while listening, because I have. However, there is a point where it becomes too much.

So what do I mean by “too much”? There are many listeners out there, who somehow feel because they enjoy the music they ARE the music. Now, there is nothing wrong with showing pride for something you enjoy, but if crossing the line means becoming ignorant and being something you’re not, It’s wrong is it not? Such as those who speak like they’ve done “crimes” and have had to “hustle” to keep their family alive, when in reality it’s clear that’s only a mask of who they truly are; Even in some cases, starting problems with others as if they’re actually from the “streets”. The worst of it all, is these “kids” (and I stress this word) that I’ve seen live with better financial backgrounds then I do.

For those who have been following closely thus far, you’re probably posing the question to yourself: “So he’s saying that Hip Hop is a cause for teenage problems?”. Well, Yes and No. Hip Hop is a wonderful culture with many positive aspects — despite this though, “Mainstream Rap” has molded some of my generation into the examples listed above. It is unfair however to say that it was all Mainstream Rap’s doing for the “fake gangsters” and the “wannabe hustlers”, because it isn’t. Of course the person themselves play part in why they act this way, but with contribution from some sectors of Mainstream Rap and the ever-changing peer pressures we’re all growing up with, it can equate to these “fakes”.

So what are the components that lead a person to such a path?: Confidence, Media and Peer-Pressure. Generally the person is unstable with their understanding of self and can be easily peer-pressured, that is the “confidence” aspect; add in the Media, and it’s glamorization of Hip Hop’s “thugging” and “doing crimes” appeal coupled with feeling peer-pressure from having friends who are into this style of music; you get someone who “masks” their true selves. The reason this has become so apparent in recent years, and in areas where finances range from ‘decent’ to ‘plentiful’, is because these teens who “mask” their true feelings are lacking in confidence and when they see these huge figures talking about their “villainous” ways, it gives this person some sort of “output” for their own helplessness.

Now this isn’t just the case for people who live in higher-class situations, because I assure you there are poverty stricken areas that have not only spawned this, but they are the ones most heavily effected by it. If you grow up in an area where money isn’t as common as it should be and you’re seeing these “Rap Idols” demonstrating HOW they got their money - which generally consists of robberies, hustling, stealing, etc. - and you know they’re getting paid It’s like you’ve found your holy grail, and rest assured that confidence plays just as big of a role here as it does for those who are more financially set.

Please understand, I am not prosecuting Hip Hop for societal problems, I am prosecuting some of the aspects of “Mainstream Rap” as a contributor. Also understand that I am aware that there are proper gangster rappers, however Mainstream Rap doesn’t portray this and the media would rather glorify the aspects of it then portray what is really happening. So here’s a comparison I love to use in relation to how Mainstream Rap and the media backing it is working: “Minstrel Shows”.

Check back later this week to read Part Two! In the meantime comment and discuss.

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Posted by LostMoniker on October 8th, 2008 :: Filed under Through The Telescope: Hip Hop and Society
Tags :: confidence, hip hop, minstrel show, social, trends
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