Hip-hop's negative effect on radial stereotypes is most unfortunate, particularly when the potential exists to help with this situation. The gangsta image, and the abuse of women are the honey that draws the bees, and the reinforcement of these very images perpetuate the racial stereotype.

This vicious circle will be difficult to break, because the popularity of hip-hop largely lies within the community being damaged. Hence, the negative image is reinforced with each new hip-hop song released. The problem is made worse by the new music videos which gain in popularity as they visually stretch the limits of violence, and risque female behavior.

As a social commentary, the music is significant. The anger and attitude of the hip-hop community is real, and should not be minimized. Many of the lyrics are extremely poetic, a display of a new art form from this ghetto-based generation. There is no question that greed for increased sales, and notoriety drives most of hip-hop, and most of the artists should feel shame at exploiting their own racial heritage as a result of their greed.

A potential change may be on the horizon, an unexpected result of the Don Imus remarks that caused his firing from his radio and television show. Several hip-hop artists have actually begun to try to do some damage control regarding threats to the content of their own music. They are actively promoting change in the messages contained within hip-hop music. Beyond discussing the problem with negative aspects lyrically within the music, they are holding seminars with college students discussing the impact of these messages.

Being a person who believes in freedom of expression, and one who enjoys all forms of music, I hope that they have success with their efforts. Within the world of hip-hop, there must be leaders who can lead this popular music form down a reasonable path without promoting negative stereotypes from within their own communities. I have faith, rock and roll didn't ruin the youth of my generation, and hip-hop need not be ruined by failing to change it's message to more positive values.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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