I was just watching this video earlier on today. It really hit me just how toxic our pop culture can get on our mentality towards the people within our society. In the past,I’ve seemingly ranted about in terms of the media having such a control over society, and I think this video supports that opinion. That said, however, this video also informs us about how big business controls what pop culture icons are selling in the interest of generating more short term revenues (or “quick bucks”, as they used to say). In the video somewhere, somebody comments about rappers being less interested in making a career or being a cultural voice, but instead these days are currently in it to generate money. Seeing how sex sells so well these days, it’s no wonder why big business chooses the sex/bling-bling avenue to make a quick buck, as opposed to pressuring artists to make songs about social issues. I think businesses really just want to tap into what they perceive as public demand and then they run with it. Although that might paint a gruesome picture about the state of society today, I’m not sure that’s the case either, because it’s the corporations that help perpetuate certain aspects of culture as well and keep the cycle going. In any case, have a look at this video and see what you think. Quick note: This is not purely an attack on hip hop music specifically but rather the things that help to perpetuate a culture that is conducive to sexual assault.
May 31, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Hey, interesting video. I think a couple years back there were huge debates about the fact that the media we see encourages negative attitudes and behaviour to women. There are many rap/hip hop songs out there regarding how gangster life is very prosperous and how one of the main prizes is women. Unfortunately, people are strongly influenced by the media and live out these songs, which often leads to abuse on women. The worse part I think is that for numerous reason, women are often afraid to report the fact that they have been abused or assaulted, which leads the perpetrator getting away with it. To reduce sexual assault towards women, I think the government should control the type of media that gets publish, which sadly conflicts with the rights to free speech.
June 4, 2009 at 12:55 PM
I disagree with sunnyhoshingchan’s last comment on government and freedom of speech. I don’t think Government has any significant role to play in this situation. Consumers are the ones who have continuously bought into the image and lifestyle presented by these artists. I don’t think the message delivered through most of the songs these artists interpret contributes at all to so called cultural enrichment.
After what else does art have to offer to society?
Unfortunately, however these videos reflect this generation’s (Generation X) indifference and pessimism towards issues as serious as abuse in general. Perhaps its true that record companies deserve to carry some of the blame. But consumers undoubtedly take the lion’s share.
The artists themselves have to take responsability rather than trying to point the finger at THE MAN. With the amount of effort and hard work that goes into creating these videos and albums (yeah right) surely some of that “intellectual” power could go to redirecting the focus these works.
If unions can take some of the largest corporations hostages with their so called wage negotiations I’m sure these talented artists could do the same in terms of dictating the issues illustrated in their music.
And if record companies don’t budge, well then most of these “artists” have made enough money to have their own recording studios. Besides don’t they already have fans who would support them?
The fact of the matter is that the artists are drawing from their life experiences to make their music. If they are so much against the themes shown on their music videos why do they keep making them? Why not stop after their contracts expire (haven’t they made enough money by then anyways).
I think they just don’t see it from the same point of view most people do. This is how they live, these are the things they want or aspire to have.
As far as government goes, maybe they should seek to provide more funding to public televisions featuring informative and inpiring programming. This way atleast there more to choose from in terms of entertainment. Improving the educational system in such a way that encourages students to persue their interests and curiousity. Im sure you can come up with many more and better options. The fact is censorship is not likely to be necessary.