Black Voices

Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: National Geographic

It is important to know where we are as a people before we can address where we are headed.

A new year always initiates change. But a change from what? Is it something that even needs to be changed?

Through the years, African American culture has become synonymous with "hip-hop."

Many black women say that hip-hop music is degrading and that 'dudes' in the club are disrespectful, but often times they are the first ones to drop it like it's hot with that same dude when "Back that A** Up" or "Superman that ho" resonates from the speakers.

Do we really know the meaning behind these songs and what the explicit versions are truly saying? Do we care either way? Take some time to really listen and understand the lyrics to particular songs then ask: is this something I should be listening and dancing to?

If you approve of songs like "superman that hoe" and "get low," can you blame the man who grabs the barely-dressed woman dancing to such degrading songs?

To him, she's asking for it-by her style of dress and eagerness to 'work it' on the dance floor to some song that disrespects her gender.

In regards to American society as a whole, slavery may have ended five generations ago but, mentally, blacks are still enslaved. Many allow the media to influence them on what's beautiful, what's fashionable and that those are the most important things in life.

It is sad that no one actively contests the overplayed thug stereotype for black men or the highly sexualized images of black women.

We accept what is portrayed on TV, in movies and even video games as 'just the way it is'. But it doesn't have to be that way.
It is time for black people to change how they think.

In this new year, it is time to not just think but act. Acting starts with you first. If you are really about the progression of black people, please, really be about it.

You can't say you are against degrading music then go to a club or a party and dance to those very songs. When that song plays, have a seat and tell all of your friends to do the same.

Tell the DJ you won't get up until a more tasteful song is played. DJ's will start to notice a trend and no longer play those types of songs, artists will discover that their singles aren't getting as much air time which should influence them to produce music that does not degrade women.

Black women, if you find yourselves disrespected at Leonardo's or any other school party or club, analyze the way you dress and how you acted in those settings. Stop blaming others for your misfortunes.

At the same time, black men, you must respect women, for it is through them that life is created.

Granted, black people still need to advance within the economic, health care, education and judicial systems but before we go protesting the injustices of society let's first unify our community. We will only be taken seriously when we are united.

Today, the main thing that unifies us is hip-hop-the very thing that seems to be bringing us down, how ironic! This is where we stand and if our goal is to become a more advanced, more powerful community, we as individuals must be the primary agents of change.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools