Prevalence Of Sexism, Violence, And Drugs

Hip-Hop is a genre, culture and movement that emerged in the 1970’s from South Bronx, New York. The South Bronx residents created this unique new form of representation in hopes to break from the poverty, drug, and crime epidemics engulfing their gang dominated neighborhoods. While the South Bronx was a war involving political, social, and economic upheaval in the years leading up to the inception of Hip-Hop, it developed into a global sensation. Further, this new form of lyrical self expression largely influenced the formation of youth culture around the world. Barbadian-American rapper, record producer, and beatboxer, also known as the Human Beat Box once said, “Hip-hop is supposed to uplift and create, to educate people on a larger level and to make a change. ” Since its inception, hip hop culture has had an overwhelming influence on American culture and society from behavioral changes, fashion, stereotypes and public opinion. Although the upbringing of Hip Hop was centered around talent, peace and unity, hip hop culture has shifted into a socially acceptable platform that exposes and glorifies sexism, drugs and violence. Prevalence Of Sexism, Violence, And Drugs

Sexism and misogyny
Hip Hop can be considered a vehicle for social commentary and influence of public opinion on different issues. Specifically, a common theme found in hip hop are stereotypical representations of women. Through degrading terminology and slang associated with negative labels, the portrayal of females in modern society continues to become objectified. According to Guillermo Rebollo‐Gil and Amanda Moras in their article, “Black Women and Black Men in Hip Hop Music: Misogyny, Violence and the Negotiation of (White‐Owned) Space” Rebollo‐Gil and Moras believe, “There is no doubt that Hip Hop sells. The genre, however, is in crisis”. When stating that hip hop is continuing making a profit, yet the genre itself is crumbling, Rebollo-Gil and Moras are suggesting modern artists value profit over their content. Moreover, artists and rappers often will disregard any offensive remarks as long as it sells. Unfortunately, this has been at women’s expense as they are constantly referred to as, “bitches” “whores” and other objectifying terms. While just hearing these terms in songs seems harsh enough, its nothing compared to how males push their limits in the real world. Most rappers and artists are ignorant to the fact their words are replayed over and over again around the world. The more these phrases and words are repeated, the more familiar and normalized they become. As a result, hip hop culture has reinforced some of the sexist culture that many have been striving to fix.