Violence in Language: Is Rap Music Causing Violence in America?

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112 Dr. Amal Saleeby Malek the violent language, but to try to explain the reasons behind it so as to show the youngsters a clearer, more realistic picture of the world they live in. It should be the parents’ responsibility to guide their children and monitor what they watch and/or listen to. On the other hand, teenagers should realize that we live in an imperfect world; hiding the truth from them does not help them. Teens must realize that there is injustice and imbalance in the world, which some rap music deals with. Issues such as police brutality and racial discrimination are depicted in rap music. What society must do is try to improve everyday realities in order to create a better world for the future generations. On the positive side, it is worth mentioning that rappers are often young men mostly raised in humble homes, who have tremendous talent and who through hard work have made a place for themselves in the society. Their creativity and talent, in addition to their hard work and dedication are part of the American dream. All rap music is not about violence and foul language. Some rappers sing about love, like NB Rudaz, and others (Appendix 6). It is unfortunate that the death of Tupac Shakur is blamed on rap violence. Tupac lived in the slums, where he developed a “negative outlook on life”, but he also had many positive views. In his own words, Tupac wanted to “heal” people and admitted his troubles but never asked anyone to follow his bad example. Like many other rappers he admits to making mistakes but tells his public to pay attention and learn from their mistakes. (Should Gangsta Rap Take the Blame for Violence in America?). It should also be remembered that rappers, although they may become role models to teenagers, are first and foremost entertainment artists, not moralists. Their job is to entertain, not to teach. Many rappers are perceived negatively and people tend to forget that they are playing a role. Misconceptions against rappers abound, and opponents of rap music should concentrate on positive personal statements instead of violent lyrics in songs. Rappers, after all, are “a product of a society” that, according to Tupac Shakur, often tells them that their life is worthless. (Should Gangsta Rap Take the Blame for Violence in America?) As Tupac Shakur, says, “In any other country with any other skin color, I would have been a great lawyer, like Tom Cruise in The Firm”. (Should Gangsta Rap Take the Blame for Violence in America?). Tupac blames America for depicting him as a black cop-killer. His music is his way of reacting against the system. As mentioned earlier, rappers often have positive messages. “Keep Ya Head Up” is a song for black women asking men to respect them. Another example is “One Nation” which was Tupac’s way of asking his fellow rappers
Violence - Realities and Concerns to unite and show the world a better black community. (Should Gangsta Rap Take the Blame for Violence in America?) According to John Leland of Newsweek, the negative connotation that rappers acquire, cannot be avoided. However, urban violence, he warns, should not be blamed on rap. The problem is that many rappers come from poor, low-income communities. This is the issue that must be addressed. Moreover, it is presumed that “violence is provoked by social shame”. According to a 1995 issue of Journal of Black Studies, people who are considered inferior to others are more likely to become violent. (Should Gangsta Rap Take the Blame for Violence in America.) That is why violence is high among poor blacks. Rap artists are mostly young, black and poor, which accounts for the high incidence of violence in their songs. Some use it to make their audience “feel the pain”, and others use fantasy instead. And, certainly, expressing themselves in music is more desirable than taking it out on the streets. IV- Conclusion The link between rap lyrics and violence seems overrated. The claim that violent language causes violent behavior “is neither convincing nor conclusive (United States Senate)”. Hip hop and rap are distinct forms of art like other types of music. The violent lyrics in the songs reflect the violence found in many American cities, rather than create it. It is not only unfair but also naive to blame rap music for social violence (Violence in rap music). When Stevie Wonder was asked about his thoughts on rap, he said:” I learn from rap…Listen hard, and you’ll hear the pain. Without feeling the pain yourself, you’ll never understand. And what we don’t understand, we can’t change, can’t heal. I hate it when the very folks who should be listening to rap are attacking it so hard they miss the point. The point is that children and the neighborhoods-the whole country… is drowning in violence” (Smitherman, 1997, in Carter, 2002). So, hip-hop and rap music are rooted in violent, sexist and raunchy, profane themes; however, they should not be the only genres to be criticized or condemned. Violent movies and violence in the media have to be addressed as well. Since art mirrors life, whatever movie we watch or music we listen to is only depicting this reality, it is not creating it. Although teens may be negatively affected by violence, violence exists everywhere, even in their homes, schools or work places. Rap music is not the only detrimental feature in their dysfunctional or imperfect world, and, should not be singled out as the only or the worst existing nightmare. Movies are often much more effective in depicting violence, 113
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