Professor Wanda's Posse

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cyber-Essay 2 Post: Themes of Sexism, Violence, Misogyny, and Hyper-Masculinity in Hip Hop Culture

Post your essay and the planning sheet, along with the outline, here. Include peer reviewer comments summarized. Use the preview key before posting to make sure the formatting is not lost.

The essay is due today; however, I gave students an extension yesterday. If you need it. You can turn the paper in by Monday, Sept. 29, 11 AM. The essay assignment is listed below.

What I am looking for in this essay is the student's ability to incorporate citations into their writing, use of signal phrases will be noted. I will also look to see if a student can paraphrase, use in-text citations and know how to cite block quotes.

21 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Violence
http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/8710.html
http://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1685525.html

Khalid arghandiwal
Eng 1A
sabir

Initial planning sheet:

1. violence
2. to explain
3. for all audiences
4. why is there so many violence in hip hop music
5. description

hip hop violence has in a more

cruel and negative way in the past

10 years. rap and hip hop music

videos show a great amount of

violence and sexual toward each

other espically when it comes to

race and sex. hip hop has changed

from bad to good. gun violence is

part of the ghetto. nowdays too

many black and brown men show there

sense of strength and machismo and

manhood through the use of a gun.

lots of the hardcore rappers

description of gun violence plays a

large part in the community. hip

hop has become more widely know for

it's indescent and powerful that

explain more of violence, sex, and

drug theme. hip hop artist's give

violent messages to each other for

example we hear songs that use the

word F**K. hip hop has been a

dominant force in the music

industry and more of the lyrics

contain violence such as rape,

murder, drugs and gun usage. most

of the violent lyrics have boosted

the teenagers and they record and

and use the violent lyrics in their

albums.in the early 90's hip hop

hit mainstream with gangsta rap.

the gun is the most lethal weapon

in the urban setting for young

black and brown men. the gun has

become and outlet and the

aggression and that young black and

brown men feel. america's culture

has a obession with gun, for

example in a hollywood movie you

see the use of a gun, for example

the hero is shooting all these bad

guys. violent masculinty is also

part of the american identity. hip

hop has also helped the gang

violence. gangsta rap is also a

form of popular music that is said

to increase violence in the inner

cities and to violence against

women, espically in the black

community where gangsta rap thives.

people complain against the violent

messages in rap lyrics is an issue

that has been raised in politcal

spectrum. defenders of rap music

point out that rap music does not

cause violence, but reflects the

violenc in the community. rap songs

have a theme of violence and people

fear the songs will rally young

people to be violent. the media

view that gangsta rap creates

violence. many of the lyrics in the

song talk about killing people

while gunshots are fired in the

background.many boys between the

ages of 12 and 15 watch at least 2

hours of violent music videos on

mtv. only fifteen percent of the

boys watch these kind of violent

videos. violence is also linked to

manhood, like playing football,

hockey and boxing, for example in

football you see guys knocking out

other guys out. hip hop artists

talk about the use of a gun like A'

11's and other weapons. in america

the gun is the signal of freedom

and causes death and destruction

for example people can get hold of

the gun so easily. other citzens

believe their to own a gun is the

signal of freedom. black males are

tied to violent masculinty in

american culture, it's the ability

to defend american property from

illegimate stockholders and native

american. the link between rap

lyrics and violence is overvalued.

the claim that violent lyrics cause

violent behavior is neither

convincing nor conclusive. hip hop

is distinct form of art and

expression, just as any other type

of music. the violent lyrics made

by rappers are a reflection of the

viiolence that takes place in many

urban american cities. it is simply

unjust to blame rap music lyrics

for social violence. a form of

music that mimicked the gangs and

violence on the streets was bound

to rise. the real problems are

outside the music, not within. the

problem of urban violenc is much

bigger than rap. rappers such as

tupac, snoop dogg, and dr. dre, who

have been publicly criticized for

their lyrics, grew up in the

ghetto, and their words reflect

what they have lived through. it is

what often referred to as the

"realness. violence in video games

was never a hot topic until april

1999. after the columbine high

school shooting rocked the nation

with it's unbelievable random

brutality, a shocked nation

searched for answers. there must

have been some reason why the two

columbine students rampage.

particulary distessing in today's

society is the level of

dysfunctional realtionships .

especially troubling are the

violent misosgynous messages

infused in hard-core rock and rap

music and their negative effects on

the youth. video games are actully

interactive, forcing kids to the

killing, punching and kicking or

whatever violence brings. rap is

the only way to express the way

someone feels, not to cause

violence. poeple belive that the

music is why people espically the

youth resort to violent crimes.

Outline:

thesis: rap music causes violence on the streets in the community.

Major point 1: the description of gun violence plays a large part in the community.

Major point 2: hip hip has changed from bad to good.; 5:03 PM
ester said...: Initial Planning
1. Topic-Violence and Machismo
2. Audience-I am writing for the young men who are going through phases of trying to be manly and using weapons because that is not what life is about.
3. Purpose-I will inform the readers of what is happening with a lot of young men.
4. What question do you want to answer-Is being better than everyone else the answer? Is violence and being masculine the only way?
5.Writing strategies-I plan to use Know What I Mean, a film, and a song to emphasize what I am trying to prove, which is that there are a lot more safe ways to over power others.

Outline
Thesis-Machismo and Violence are two ways men try to express who they are
First Major Point-Violence is everywhere and going on at anytime
Evidence 1-Quote from Know What I mean-Dyson
Evidence 2-Quote from film(Hip Hop: Beyond beats & rhymes)-Byron Hurt
Second Major Point-Masculinity is important to all men because they do not like to show any weaknesses or vulnerability
Evidence 1-Quote from film(Hip Hop: Beyond beats & rhymes)-Byron Hurt
Evidence 2-Nas-Rule(2nd verse)
Concluding Sentence-Although violence and a man’s machismo have two separate meanings, both usually come to an end and relate to each other where one would not mean the same without the other.

Machismo and violence are two ways men try to express who they are. Men have so much pride that they feel the need to be always on top and be better than everyone else, especially in the society of Hip-Hop, there are so much competition indoors and even out on the streets. There is so much going on in the Hip-Hop society that everyone is competing against each other probably every single day and for everything that they want. The fact that machismo of men can get in the way, sometimes it can lead to violence to over power other men and maybe even women. It is usually depending on which neighborhoods the men and young boys are raise at.
Violence is everywhere and can be happening at anytime. The use of guns have become extremely popular nowadays because men believe that owning a gun is a sign of having power and basically being able to hurt others. When living in certain neighborhoods with people already fighting for power, men would automatically feel forced to do the same. As Michael Eric Dyson said in Know What I Mean, “The gun is at once the merchandise of manhood and the means of its destruction…” Having a gun or any other weapons makes the owner of the weapons appear very powerful. In the film, “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes,” Byron Hurt says, “If men do not have actual power, they can make themselves look like they do by improving their body size and it shows that they are “worthy of respect.” Byron Hurt also mentions that having financial power is similar to having physical power. Owning a gun is not the only way to have power because looking powerful may intimidate others, therefore nobody will think that person is easy to mess with. Basically, men can use power in many different ways.
Masculinity is important to men because they do not like to show any weaknesses or vulnerability. There are so many connections between violence and masculinity, it can range from sports to games. Dyson explains how the use of guns is the symbol of real manhood. Men have a lot to do to keep up with everything like their reputation as a man and to receive respect from others. Dyson says “You have to be tough, you have to have a lot of girls, you have to be a player or a pimp…” People say these type of people are better than others but is just called “stereotypical masculinity.” Supposedly, in order to be a real man, they have to be one or more of these stereotypical men if not, they can be labeled as something bad like “chump or a faggot.” Men do not want to be called “soft” or “weak” so they try to be “hard.” In the song “Rule” by Nas, the lyrics are about young men growing up in the “ghettos.” In the second verse, “Yo, there's brothers on the block, posted up like they own it. That's they corner, from New York to California. Got blocks locked down.” The song Rule, has a lot of meaning to it especially that Nas is explaining how there are young men growing up and trying to act like they own the “block.” Being masculine is important because showing weakness can bring the men down to a low level where they do not receive any respect from other men.
If men’s lives revolves around violence and machismo, there is a big chance that it can ruin their lives. Violence is the main issue because there are weapons involved and anyone can get shot without expecting it. It is the neighborhoods where the young men grow up and they get pulled into that world of getting as much power as they can by fighting with other men. In Tupac’s song, “Until the end of time”, his lyrics are about what happens in those certain neighborhoods where there are competition. “Perhaps I was addicted to the dark side. Somewhere inside my childhood I missed my heart die” (line 1-2), these two lines really capture how Tupac and maybe some other men feel after realizing what has happened to them. While growing up, boys were blinded by all the violence and having authority that they did not know that they should be trying to leave all of that behind and do something that is better and helpful to their lives.
Although violence and a man’s machismo have two separate meanings, both usually come to an end and relate to each other where one would not mean the same without the other. Men have so much going on in their lives, especially if they are living in an environment where they are surrounded by people who are violent and trying to be very masculine. Life is not always about using violence to over power others just to get some respect. There are a lot of ways to earn respect by being kind to one another and actually helping them instead of abusing.; 6:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Initial Planning Sheet

1. Subject of Paper? The degeneration of Hip-Hop through its acts of misogyny, sexism, and homophobia.

2. I will basically explain some points on where hip-hop has went wrong and give some examples leading up to today. Previous rappers have paved the way for this cruelty.

3. I am writing for a broad audience to show how hip-hop has taken once a spoken form of art and turned it into a sexist, homophobic. misogynistic synopsis.

4. I want my paper to answer the question of how we can turn the mess that these narrowminded rappers have turned hip-hop into by growing up and taking responsibility for their lyrics.

5. I plan to describe some of the problems with these subjects at hand and hopefully provide a solution and make people think about what is really going wrong in todays music.

Outline:
Intro: Hip-Hop has degenerated into violence, sexism, misogyny, and homophobic music that lacks any real political force and message.
*What hip-hop use to represent.

Body: What rappers of this day and age are rapping about.
*Hip-Hop and Violence
*Hip-Hop and Misogyny
*Hip-Hop and Homophobia

Conclusion: Hip-Hop has taken a turn from positive to negative through its lyrics and it's rappers narrow mindedness.
*Need to lift each other up and stop putting each other down through their lyrics.
*Start to unite as one and stop being so divided. Use words to encourage and not kill ones character.

Caprice Eddington
English 1A

Hip hop used to be a force to be reckoned with. Hip hop used to also be an expression of one’s feelings about what was going on at that particular time. Rappers use to use hip-hop as a way to reach out to the people and get their views of what was going on at that time heard. Now hip-hop has degenerated into violence, sexism, misogyny, and homophobic music that lack any political force. I am here to address how they have taken hip hop and distorted it into a negative racial force against all genders. When rappers use to spit rhymes there use to be a message behind the lyrics, now all it is is total disrespect against one another.
Hip-Hop and Violence
When you hear the rappers of this millenniums lyrics all they rap about is who they have shot or who they are going to shoot, and how many times they have been shot. The lyrics are basically a threat against each other. Some are bold enough to call each other out and then some are putting it out there in an enigma. Their manhood is in question as to who has the most street credibility. If you haven’t been to jail or killed anyone then you are not considered a “hard nigga” or a “goon”. Most rappers talk about selling dope and robbing people like that is something to be proud of. There are many rappers that glorify violence in their music such as 50 cent and Lil Wayne. Many of the young and upcoming artists of today seem to idolize these rappers who just talk about total violence and drugs. No one is rapping on a positive level any more. It’s all about what you can take from somebody and how many tear drops you can get tattooed on you. Society is teaching the up and coming children that it is o.k. to carry a gun and be hard because that is the only way that you are going to survive in the ghetto.
Men and boys use hyper masculinity and violence as a means to earn their identities on the streets. As Nas once put it he use to “worship a certain Queens murderer” until he picked up a book and started to educate himself on other ways than through violence as a means to becoming a man. If you don’t wake up these streets will eat you alive.

Hip- Hop and Misogyny
Let me first off define the word misogyny-It is the hatred of women. It does not say what color woman but of all women. Byron Hurt wants to point out that it is directed towards women of color. I feel that this is not true all women are being disrespected in hip-hop. Latino women, white women, and also black women are all in these videos half naked and shaking their butts for the almighty dollar. The men in these videos just see women as a piece of meat, some eye candy because if it wasn’t for the half naked women shaking their asses and spreading their legs open and “dropping it like its hot” then no one would be interested in the video itself.
I am not judging these women for what they do but some of them are doing this just to get some recognition or to get some money to pay for whatever it is that they have to pay for. But the men have boldly stated that they have no respect for these women as Snoop Dogg puts it “Bitches aint shit but hoes and tricks”. It is up to these women to correct the misrepresentations of themselves in these videos. Some have taken the roles on as being video vixens. They take pride in being used in different videos for sexual pleasure or just being plain disrespected. So I’m asking is misogyny a hatred towards women or is it that women hate themselves so much that they would degrade themselves in front of millions of people. They are only doing what they are told to do. For instance in the movie “The players club one girl states hey you got to use what you got to get what you want. The rapper Game talks about Melissa Ford and how she is in all these videos and all she drives is a Honda Accord. Women is that all you feel like you are worth for what they are asking you to do. Hip-hop and misogyny goes hand in hand, the women are allowing themselves to be treated this way. I guess it makes the man’s ego rise when they can degrade women like they do. Remember men your mother is a women as well!

Hip-Hop and Homophobia
Are rappers over reacting in these videos just to portray their masculinity and not seem like they are soft? Rappers have to be secure within themselves in order to overcome homophobia. They cannot discriminate against the homosexuals because most of those homosexuals are buying your records and also listening to your lyrics. So if you sit there and be biased against them then that is money that you are taking from your record sales. They are people to. Don’t discriminate because their money is just as good as an heterosexual.
Can one call you homosexual when you hang with yo boys all day on the block? Can one call you a homosexual when you perform on stage gyrating in your videos and grabbing your crotches? There are a lot of rappers that are on the down low but are scared to come out of the closest about their sexuality because they do not want to be ostracized out of the so called rap game. In Byron Hurts video he puts the spotlight on three transgenders and they have stated that a lot of rappers have asked them to come up to their hotel rooms but keep it on the down low.

Michael Eric Dyson states that men go to church and stand up and praise Jesus is a form of homoeroticism because Jesus is a man. That to me is straight blasphemy, but it was a great metaphor to use. When you like the music of some of these hip hop artist is that making you a homosexual because you like LL Cool J’s body or 50 cent body because you wish that you were in the shape that they are in. Men sit up all the time and say to themselves “man I wish my I had a six pack like that.” Does that make you an homosexual?
I want to reiterate that one has to be secure within themselves when they are up there performing in front of a crowd of women, men and homosexuals. Those women, men and homosexuals are paying your bills because they are buying your music and supporting you.
In conclusion, Hip-Hop has taken from once a political force for people to unite and get their views and opinions across to a negative portrayal of women, men and homosexuals. We must all take a stand and turn hip-hop back into something that can be proud of. As Nas stated “We are not alone” The only way to survive is to Harmonize”.
We need to start lifting our black and brown women up into the light and out of the darkness because these are the future mothers of some of these so called rappers children.
Homosexuals are not bad people; remember they are supporting your music why can’t you support their choices?
In the end violence begets violence that is not what we want as a people. We want hip-hop to be used to express ourselves in a positive way and not offend anyone. It is not about killing one another, it is about uniting with one another.

Works Cited:
Dyson, Michael Eric Know What I Mean? Basic Civitas Books, 2007
Hurt, Byron. 2/20/07.
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hiphop; 6:44 PM
Anonymous said...: 1) What is the subject of your paper? Violence
2) Is your purpose primarily to inform, explain, explore, evaluate, describe a problem and propose a solution, or argue a point?
It is to explain and to describe a problem
3) What audience will you write for?
COA students in English 1a class
4) What question do you want your research paper to answer?
I want to answer how violence occurred in hip hop music
5) What is the main strategy you think you will use?

Violence is subject that has occurred for many years in the United States. Violence can be physically and emotionally. We will see violence in movies, books, video games, and sports. I don’t really know where or how violence all started, but it is spreading really quick around this country because violence is what everybody see when they turn on the television or play video games etc. people from all ages are learning it without even noticing.
Violence are seen in movies, books, video games, and sports etc. little kids are watching or playing these all the time, so most of them may be influenced by the violence of this movies or video games. People always try to copy what ever they think is cool in movies or sports etc, but they might not realized that violence are what they are learning. People watch it and they might be doing the same thing because they are influenced by it.
“Hip hop is suffused with violence” Byron Hurt, in a lot of music today their main idea of the song would be violence and sex. On music video showing guns and women dressed in bikini is another form of way or violence and sex. A lot of movies are showing people handling with guns and showing women who are dressed in a bikini which contains violence in it. People don’t realize that showing this might be a danger for the society because everyone learning from what they see. In media today, violence is show everywhere, especially on television. Kids watch people hurting one another, they will go outside to hurt others because they think its okay.
In hip hop today, rappers contain violence more than ever. I guess in hip hop world violence is another way of expressing themselves to be cool with the others. In hip hop, people would be physical and emotional with violence. Violence happen everyday, but with the media showing even more then violence will only increase. With media showing violence all the time, the risk of people learning to hurt another is at a higher rate.

http://www.now.org/issues/violence/stopviol.html#PROGRESS; 9:25 PM
Anonymous said...: A – Initial Plan:
I – Subject: Sexism in hip hop.

II – Purpose: I will describe how women work and are treated in hip hop culture.

III – Audience: I’m writing for the people who are women and men in hip hop culture.

IV – Questions to answer:
1. How women are treated in hip hop culture?
2. How they react toward sexism?
3. How do men think about women in hip hop?
4. What are needed to be done in order to change it?

V – Main writing strategy: I plan to describe how women work and are treated in hip hop culture.

VI – Thesis: Sexism, especially in hip hop, must be abandoned in order to have a healthy culture.

B – Outline:

I – Introduction:
1. Topic sentence: Sexism, the discrimination based on gender is extremely strong toward women.

2. Body:

• Most of the women had not been able to achieve a well education before the rights of women started.
• Do housework and cook for men.
• They complain but nobody listens to them.
• In the book entitled “Know what I mean?” by Michael Eric Dyson, he has described a reality that: “You’re a woman; you stay home and clean the house and have babies. You’re a man; you go out and a job and support your family.” (p.105) – men, take control; women, being controlled.
• Artists use sex as a theme for their songs.
• Some songs that have inappropriate lyrics about women.

3. Conclusion: Sexism, especially in hip hop, must be abandoned in order to have a healthy society.

II – Body Paragraph 1:
1. Topic sentence: Women have been treated inappropriately.

2. Body: There are songs in hip hop that rappers use sex as their theme.

• To them, manhood means having money, power, girls.
• In the movie entitled “Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes”, a movie about hip hop culture, and the book of Dyson, there is a song named “Tip Drill” performed by Nelly, a famous rapper. In the song, everyone could see Nelly swipes his credit card through a woman’s gluteus. His action has result in the opposing his coming to the Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia of the sisters on campus.
• In the movie, Hurt has also shown an example of South Bronx men abusing women; they slap women’s bodies, calling them “b” word. – absolutely annoying.
• They abuse women for fun, touch women’s bodies without their permissions, video tape women.
• They think that women are for them to do that and they have the right to do it to women, especially African American women.
• Most women look at such actions as abusing as in the movie, the women have fought back when men touch their bodies.
• In his book, Dyson has mentioned the case Hill vs. Thomas in which Anita Hill claims that Clarence Thomas, an American jurist, had sexually harassed her years before when she worked for him. Its result is that she is claimed to be self-serving and she is bringing a black man down and disloyal to the race.
• Because men always take advantage from women’s beauty, the more beautiful they look, the more they have to protect themselves.

3. Conclusion: Women must know who they are and what they should do in order to protect themselves and prevent sexism.

III – Body Paragraph 2:
1. Topic sentence: In hip hop culture, women are abused not only by their images but also by the songs lyrics.

2. Body: A man looks at a woman as his slave so that he could entertain to make his life look more like a man.

• Shake that – Eminem:
- He says that he likes women shaking their bodies.
- Women do not reject.
- He’s looking for a girl that do whatever he tells her to do as a slave.
- He also use the “b” word to call women.
- He likes to see women naked.
- He never leaves without a girl.
- He trades women with his friends like trading slaves.
- He likes to be an owner and women are slaves.

• Ass like that – Eminem:
- He always look at women who likes to shake their bodies.
- He always looks at the female celebrities such as Hilary Duff, Gwen Stefani and make his comments about how they look and how their bodies shaped.
- Women give men chances to abuse them.

• Fack – Eminem:
- Describes women as innocent – don’t know what abortion is.
- Uses women as toys to get what he wants.
- A woman is not a toy. She grows up and deserves to have an equal life as a man. She deserves to be educated and to protect herself. They have to speak up for themselves

3. Conclusion: Women cannot let themselves abused and entertained by men.

IV – Ending:
As same as other cultures, hip hop is a culture that has its own unique style; people in hip hop culture have their own way of living. In addition, hip hop is also a society like any other societies, there are lots of kind of people who really love, understand hip hop and hope it to get on a much high level like Byron Hurt. However, there are also people who misunderstand hip hop; their actions make people from the outside world look at hip hop with a wrong perspective. Women or men are human being; they deserve the same rights. Sexism or sexual abusing must be abandoned so that everybody could enjoy their life and has a true kind of music that is accepted more. For women, they have to think about themselves to protect themselves and be respected by other people.

C – Essay:

Sexism, the discrimination based on gender is extremely strong toward women. Most of the women had not been able to achieve a well education before the rights of women started. They had to stay at home, do housework, and cook for men. Nowadays, it seems to be tradition for men to see women as their house keepers. Women have complained about their lives but nobody has ever tried to listen to whatever they have to say. In the book entitled “Know what I mean?” by Michael Eric Dyson, he has described a reality that: “You’re a woman; you stay home and clean the house and have babies. You’re a man; you go out and a job and support your family.” (p.105). That tradition shows that men are the ones who have control and women are the ones who are being controlled. In hip hop, most of the male rappers use sex as a theme for their songs to express their manhood. More over, they also have songs that have inappropriate lyrics about women. Sexism, especially in hip hop, must be abandoned in order to have a healthy society.

Women have been treated inappropriately. There are songs in hip hop that rappers use sex as their themes. To them, manhood means that they have to have a lot of money, they have to have power and they have to have a lot of women around them. It seems like they have to be the center of the earth so that everything would come to them. In the movie entitled “Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes”, a movie about hip hop culture, and the book of Dyson, there is a song named “Tip Drill” performed by Nelly, a famous rapper. In the song, everyone could see Nelly swipes his credit card through a woman’s gluteus. His action has result in the opposing his coming to the Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia of the sisters on campus. Instead of having an explanation about the video clip, he and his manager have turned away. It shows that he himself does not want to listen to what women have to say. He wants to help but he does not want to listen to other people’s opinions. Other than that, in the movie, Byron Hurt has also shown men abusing women right on the streets. He gives an example of the men in South Bronx; they slap women’s bodies, calling women “b” word and video taping women without any permission. It is so annoying to women. The men do it just for fun and they consider that they have to the right to do it to women, especially African American women. Most women feel annoying but they give men the chance to abuse them. They wear the types of cloth that make men draw attention to them. They fight back when men touch their bodies but they do not respect themselves so it is hard for men to resist whatever calling them. In his book, Dyson has mentioned the case Hill vs. Thomas in which Anita Hill claims that Clarence Thomas, an American jurist, had sexually harassed her years before when she worked for him. Its result is that she is claimed to be self-serving and she is bringing a black man down and disloyal to the race. Through the case, people could see that a woman does not have the power to protect herself against the harassment from men. Men are highly protected by other men, especially when they are considered to belong to a higher class. Because men always take advantage from women’s beauty, the more beautiful they look, the more they have to protect themselves. Women must know who they are and what they should do in order to protect themselves and prevent sexism.

In hip hop culture, women are abused not only by their images but also by the songs lyrics. A man looks at a woman as his slave so that he could entertain to make his life look more like a man. One of the famous non-African American rappers is Eminem. He has a myriad of songs about women and men. He has a song named “Shake that” which is about he himself, as a man, likes woman shaking their bodies. The woman in his song seems to be a good girl for him because she would do whatever he tells her to do without rejection. He likes a girl who is a really good slave because she would not say anything about his word toward her. He could use the “b” world to call her; he could trade her to his friends and see her naked in front of his eyes. He likes to be an owner of a good slave. He admits that when he comes to a place to seek for girls, he would never leave without a girl. He has another song named “Ass like that” that has the similar content. In the song, he always says that he likes looking at women shaking their bodies. He even compares the female celebrities such as Hilary Duff and Gwen Stefani about how they look and how their bodies shaped. “Fack”, another song that is also performed by Eminem has a part that describes women as innocent because they do not know what abortion is. In those songs, he describes women as toys. He treats them as slaves but they seem not to care. In the movie “Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes”, the data shows that sixty one percents of female victims of the sexual harassment are under eighteen, the age at which they should be at school for education. Because they do not give themselves a chance to learn and to be better, they always get themselves abused. Women always give men ways to harass them. The way they act, the way they talk, the way they dress show other people what they are. Therefore, if they make people think about them in a negative way, they would themselves in trouble. Also in the movie, when Hurt interviews some women about being called with the “b” word, they say that they do not care because if men do not talk directly to them, men are not talking about them. Those women need a better education to make their lives better and to protect themselves. A woman is not a toy. She grows up and deserves to have an equal life as a man. She deserves to be educated and to protect herself. They have to speak up for themselves. Women cannot let themselves abused and entertained by men.

As same as other cultures, hip hop is a culture that has its own unique style; people in hip hop culture have their own way of living. In addition, hip hop is also a society like any other societies, there are lots of kind of people who really love, understand hip hop and hope it to get on a much high level like Byron Hurt. However, there are also people who misunderstand hip hop; their actions make people from the outside world look at hip hop with a wrong perspective. Women or men are human being; they deserve the same rights. Sexism or sexual abusing must be abandoned so that everybody could enjoy their life and has a true kind of music that is accepted more. For women, they have to think about themselves to protect themselves and be respected by other people.

D – Bibliography:

Dyson, Michael E. Know what I mean?. Basics Civitas Books 2007

Hurt, Byron Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes Independent Lens 2007
Eminem – Shake That Lyrics. Lyricsmania: http://lyricsmania.com/lyrics/eminem_lyrics_107/curtain_call_-_the_hits_lyrics_16924/shake_that_lyrics_195653.html

Eminem – Ass Like That. Lyrics http://www.lyrics.com/index.php/artists/lyric/eminem-lyrics-ass-like-that

Eminem – Fack. Lyricsmania: http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/eminem_lyrics_107/curtain_call_-_the_hits_lyrics_16924/fack_lyrics_195648.html; 10:42 PM
Derek Goldstone said...: Initial Planning Sheet:

1. What is the subject of your paper?
-Machismo, sexims and homophobia are misconceptions about one group of people being inferior or superior to another based on gender (sexism), aggressive hyper-masculinity (machismo) or sexual orientation (homophobia).

2. Why do you want to write about this subject?
-To prove that these themes are prevalent in rap music today and is compromising the integrity of the genre.

3. What audience will you write for?
-Those uninformed about misogyny/ignorance in hip-hop.

4. What question do you want the paper to answer?
-How do these themes relate to the current state of hip-hop and Dyson's essay.

5. What is the main writing strategy you think you'll use?
-Casual analysis, description and arguement.

Dyson & The Current State of Hip-Hop
Machismo, violence, sexism and homophobia are terms commonly used today in various contexts. Machismo, sexism and homophobia are misconceptions about one group of people being inferior or superior to another group of people based on gender (sexism), aggressive hyper-masculinity (machismo) or sexual orientation (homophobia). In some cases these discriminatory mind sets can lead to violence when an individual or group of people refuses to coexist with others who differ from their own morals, values & cultural norms or cannot understand human nature that is contrary to their own. Nowhere is this more ubiquitous than in the realm of hip-hop and the culture which it has inspired.
Machismo in hip-hop culture is prevalent and at times compromises the legitimacy of the entire genre. From lyrics to song titles, to actual rapper personas, machismo has become a nearly unquestioned staple of hip-hop. Perhaps Dyson put it best;
It is a very limiting perspective to see manhood as the ability to impose harm or do violence against another human being, even in retribution against some perceived or real offense. That view of masculinity is truncated and I would argue, inauthentic. Authentic masculinity is about wisely defining strength and accepting vulnerability. (Dyson 96)
He succinctly continues by stating;
Moreover, American conceptions of masculinity typically fail to acknowledge the virtue in consensus, cooperation, negotiation and compromise-except in negative enterprises and problematic functions like corporate malfeasance…Seeking compromise, looking for consensus, building a healthy coalition-this is not the natural inclination of hyper aggressive males. (Dyson 96-97)
Rappers value strength, promiscuity, respect, ruthless retribution, reputation and overt masculinity but discourage compromise, any signs of femininity, frailty, humility, moderation, modesty, pacifism, weakness and open-mindedness. Any behavior that isn’t “thug” or macho is considered taboo or some “bitch shit”. The logic they are applying to the world around them is; if behaviors aren’t masculine then they are feminine and women in the rap world are viewed as objects, therefore, such behavior is typical of a feminine male (bitch). In the song “Hit Em Up” by Tupac, he angrily expresses his loathing for Notorious BIG and everyone associated with him through Bad Boy records (Puff Daddy, Mase, Lil Kim, etc…). Towards the end of his first verse he exclaims; “Fuck with me and get your cap spilled!” The hook consists of Tupac reciting over and over again;
Grab your glocks when you see Tupac, call the cops when you see Tupac! ‘Who shot me?’ But your punks didn’t finish, now you’re ‘bout to feel the wrath of a menace, nigga I hit ‘em up!
Tupac attacks BIG’s masculinity by claiming he’s had sexual relations with his wife (Faith Evans), he has more money and overall success than him, the west side (California rap scene) is superior to the east side (New York rap scene), insinuating that Notorious BIG is copying his swagger and rapping style and due to his adversaries (Bad Boy Records) expressing their opinions over Tupac’s hatred of Notorious BIG they will suffer consequences at his hands because an enemy speaking on his affairs is unacceptable. Tupac goes on to address every single member of Bad Boy records individually, calling females bitches and hoes and essentially castrating the credibility of their male members by deeming them feminine and “bitch-made” while making violent threats both left and right. Although Tupac’s intention was to assert himself as an alpha-male, willing to shed blood over his convictions and reputation, in reality he comes off as a bit insecure. He demands unconditional respect from his enemies because if they choose not to comply his; “Fo-fo (.44 caliber pistol) will make sure all yo kids don’t grow!”
Most people understand homophobia in terms of hatred towards homosexuals. The meaning of the term however goes much further than just mere hatred. Homophobia is the fear and hatred of homosexuals and homosexuality. The genre of rap uses homosexuality as a tool to question the masculinity of those whom you have a disliking for. In this culture by deeming a man as feminine you have committed the ultimate act of contempt and disrespect. Dyson aptly illustrates my point;
The greatest insult from one man to another in hip-hop (and beyond) is to imply that he’s less than a man by calling him a derogatory term usually reserved for women or gay men: “bitch”, “ho”, “punk”, “fag”. (Dyson 114)
Rap society views weakness and femininity as unacceptable behavior for a man, therefore if you exhibit these characteristics as a man, you must be a fag (homosexual). They have stretched the meaning of the term homosexual to include any feminine male attributes regardless of their actual sexual orientation. By taking a man’s sexual orientation into question, you attack his ego and in rap that is all most people have to lose, face. The song “Stupid Doo-Doo Dumb” by Mac Dre begins with a tribute to those who are; “Happy as a faggot in a tree full of dicks.” Mac Dre is perpetuating the negative stereotype in hip-hop that if a man (homosexual or not) is pleased by an abundance of penises, then something must be wrong with him and he is a fag. I believe there is no greater example of the homophobia that exists in hip-hop than the song “No Vaseline” by Ice Cube. Although Ice Cube has reformed since the early days of NWA, this song is filled with pure homophobic disgust for his ex-comrades. It would prove to be far too difficult to pin point specific quotes, but Ice Cube is essentially claiming that all his ex-band mates engage in homosexual activity with one another, enjoy it and as a result is probably why Eazy-E contracted HIV. He is attempting to discredit his old group of NWA by associating them with homosexual tendencies which can all be attributed to a falling out that took place within the band. This fear also takes place within what most people would consider to be “intellectual hip-hop”. In the collaboration album Black Star by Mos Def and Talib Kweli they have a track entitled “RE:Definition”. On this track Mos Def proclaims; “Cats who claimin’ they hard be mad fag.”
Although this is blatantly homophobic, the lyrics do hold some validity. Perhaps the reason so many urban individuals resort to homophobia as a defense mechanism is because they are afraid of whatever “feminine-side” they possess. Their hyper-masculinity may just be a front so that their femininity isn’t exposed, exploited and attacked by their peers.
Sexism and misogyny may be by far the most prevalent theme in rap music today. Violence towards, disrespect and objectification of women is not only perfectly acceptable in the rap community, it is encouraged and reinforced at a young age. Music videos are by far the most flagrant perpetrators of sexism and misogyny in the mainstream media. Butts shaking, breasts bouncing, promiscuity and bitches getting slapped are the most common visuals in rap music videos currently. Dyson states;
I mean, if all you’re thinking about as a hormonally driven young male for twenty-four hours a day is the bouncing bosoms and belligerent behinds you see paraded endlessly on music videos, and you’re almost exclusively focused on how women can serve your libido, you’re not going to have a healthy understanding of women or yourself. (Dyson 104-105)
Usually they say actions speak louder than words, but in this case lyrics can be just as harmful as visual reinforcement/stimulation. “Gangsters and Strippers” by Too Short illustrates my point perfectly. He repeats his plea over and over throughout the entire song; “I just gotta find a bitch and get my dick sucked.” He speaks of searching from the “weed house” all the way to the strip club and all he needs is a “bitch” to get his dick sucked. This has become the entire mindset of the rap community. Any woman that is willing to sleep with you is a bitch. Bitches need not be respected and therefore should only be used as sex objects, in this case, for receiving fellatio with no strings attached. The song “Rape” by Pharoahe Monch serves as a startling metaphor for the hatred that exists between men and women. At one point during the misogynistic driven track he arrogantly scoffs; “She had the nerve to take the case to court knowing I rape for sport.” Although, I enjoy Pharoahe’s music vehemently, even I am taken back by his willingness to use rape as a vehicle to express his anger and frustration towards females. Misogyny has become so commonplace that even an entire song dedicated to rape is now dually acceptable and conceivable. Another classic example of sexism in the world of hip-hop is the Dr. Dre classic, “Bitches Aint Shit” from the “Chronic” album of 1992. The hook of the song repeatedly states;
Bitches aint shit but hoes and tricks. Lick on these nuts and suck the dick. Get the fuck out after you’re done…
This once again is reinforcing the urban stereotypes that women are sex objects and need not be associated with for anything besides degrading sexual favors. What most rappers fail to comprehend is they are an extension of the old Judeo-Christian doctrine which justifies the alienation of women (and people of color) in any prolific, significant, non-child rearing role in society.
Hip-hop has made a curious transition from its humble roots to what it has become today. Themes of community, cooperation, respect are but a mere afterthought in the violent, hyper-masculine turmoil that has followed its mainstream acceptance. By far the most widespread themes in the genre are homophobia, machismo, sexism and violence. These are all terms which basically represent some form of fear, hate and ignorance. If hip-hop has come to encompass these obviously negative undertones how can we expect anything positive, whatsoever, to come from the culture? This fear, hate and ignorance has translated into misguided frustration, subconsciously pitting the African-American community (specifically the black man) against an abundance of adversaries whom may or may not have a legitimate vendetta against them. The rhetoric of hip-hop has become black men demeaning women (in general), while deeming other, less masculine males fags or bitches in order to elevate their self-esteem due to the repression from the white-elite which has placed them in the deprecating predicament in the first place. Until these misconceptions are shattered and a drastic change is made to revert hip-hop back to its roots of brotherhood, community and enlightenment through music, we will continue to see these contradictory principles permeate the inner city and slowly but surely corrupt and undermine any hopes the progressive thinkers of the 1960’s had about racial/social equality and a revolution against the prison industrial complex, cooperate greed and the military industrial complex which has disenfranchised and gentrified people of color in this country decades after the Equal Rights amendment was drafted into our constitution.

Works Cited
Black Star. RE:Definition. Rec. 25 Aug. 1998. MP3. Hi-Tek, 1998.
Dr. Dre. Bitches Aint Shit. Rec. 15 Dec. 1992. MP3. Dr. Dre, 1992.
Dyson, Michael Eric. Know What I Mean? : Reflections on Hip Hop. New York: Basic Civitas Books, 2007.
Ice Cube. No Vaseline. Rec. 6 Nov. 1991. MP3. Ice Cube, 1991.
Mac Dre. Stupid Doo Doo Dumb. Rec. 28 Apr. 1998. MP3. Funk Daddy, 1998.
Pharoahe Monch. Rape. Rec. 19 Oct. 1999. MP3. Pharoahe Monch, 1999.
Too Short. Gangsters and Strippers. Rec. 25 Apr. 2006. MP3. Vex, 2006.
Tupac Shakur. Hit 'Em Up. Rec. 4 June 1996. MP3. Johnny "J", 1996.; 1:53 AM
Anonymous said...: Kylah Quintal

Initial Planning Sheet:

1-Subject: Machismo in hip hop.
2-Purpose: To inform those that machismo is occurring in hip hop.
3-Audience: Anyone who continues to listen to hip hop.
4-Questions I want to answer:
-Where this idea of machismo came from.
-What machismo is.
5-Main Strategy: Discuss the perhaps one of the most problematic themes occurring in hip hop today.

Outline:

Intro: Machismo can tie its roots back to the prison system and its inmates.

Body: Where the concept of machismo originated from and how it is being portrayed in hip hop as of today.

Conclusion: How machismo got introduced to hip hop and destroyed it.

Machismo Essay:

One of the most problematic themes occurring in hip hop today is this idea of machismo. Machismo can quite easily tie its roots back to the prison system and its inmates. “Sagging”, was a trend that started in prisons by those who were out and open about their homosexuality. Some people outside of the prison system imitated this sagging as a sign of being hard and macho, since after all it’s being done in prisons. Now today, almost every male in hip hop sags their pants adding fuel to this fire of machismo. Machismo: arrogant, often very insecure men, who have this concept of being a thug, gangster or a pimp, are the ideal masculinity. Young African-American males today have all these influences telling them what a real man should be; instead of encouraging them to show emotion and find themselves. These young men desperately need a positive image to steer them away from hip hop’s derived definition of machismo.
Track 4 “Cover Your Eyes as I Describe a Scene so Violent”, of Dr. Michael Eric Dyson’s book Know What I mean?, breaks down machismo and tells why so many have this mindset of what masculinity among males should be. A lot of African-American males grew up in post-industrial urban settings, where they were forced to become tough or hardened by the environment. There was a lot of “competition and violence circulating black and brown men living in such small living quarters, that the gun became a staple” (track 4) or a basic necessity to survive. Apparently the men felt untouchable, a sense of security or perhaps stronger than the next with a gun in their hands. Because of the poor living conditions referred to as the “slumps”, many of these African-American males felt that becoming tough would prevent them from being considered weak or a likely target to being pushed around or bullied. A gun in their eyes was the key to prevent this from happening or occurring.
Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, a documentary video by Byron Hurt, discusses a lot of the terminology in hip hop and gets to the root of where young men get this machismo sense from. In the streets a man who is not hard, tough or violent is called a “pussy”. A pussy is defined in hip hop, as a man who is considered weak. Weak is the last thing any man in hip hop wants to be called. To avoid being called a pussy or weak, men will downsize other men to boost themselves up and appear hard. Another notion that young men in hip hop have is if you’re a player or a pimp, then you have everything. All throughout hip hop- in music videos, movies, magazines, etc. men are constantly portrayed having several women or are giving across the message that a real man should be pimping and tricking out numerous women at once or else he is a pussy. And another notion young men in hip hop have is bling and money. If you don’t have the flashiest gold chain or watch, then you’re nothing. If you’re not flashing or throwing a bunch of money in the camera, then you’re missing something. All of these ridiculous concepts and notions are what young men in hip hop today believe masculinity is.
Of all the songs in hip hop, the one I found to sum up machismo is Lil Wayne’s “Nigga Wit Money” song. This song is the absolute epitome of how ignorant young males are in hip hop. This song has every theme in machismo: violence- ln. “I can get you whacked”- saying he can have a man killed: toughness- ln. “I’m like a corleone meet the fucking mob”- saying he’s dangerous like a notorious mob; money- ln. “I blow ring money” and “I’ma cash money stunna…”- saying money in nothing to him, he has an enormous amount of it to spend on whatever he pleases; and lastly lack of respect towards women- ln. “…I don’t love dat bitch, I tell her bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch make me rich” and “,dick a bitch down n take errythang from er”- saying this woman has no value in his eyes, he only wants money from her, and using force if necessary is okay to get money out of her. It’s absolutely appalling to hear lyrics like these actually make it to the airwaves for many to hear, and subconsciously think is okay.
Many are unsure of where hip hop’s turn form rapping about struggles to this idea of machismo came from, but know that it is a pollutant deteriorating the young minds of men and women who listen to hip hop. It’s truly sad that the ideal man in hip hop must be: tough, show no emotions, downsize other men, flash money and jewelry, and degrade women. This whole concept of machismo is pure ignorance, which needs to be eliminated. Hip hop should stop portraying machismo in their videos, music, and magazines; but instead embrace the culture for how it came about, and promote change for the better amongst the many that listen to it.

Dyson, Michael E. Know what I mean?. Basics Civitas Books 2007

Hurt, Byron Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes Independent Lens 2007

http://www.requestlyrics.com/read.php?1,742552; 9:39 AM
Anonymous said...: Curtis
Sexism
In the 1920’s women finally acquired the right to vote, many people credit that event as the end of sexism in America. How realistic is that though? Women still make less money that men do for the same job, and women are still widely viewed only as sexual objects by the opposite sex, this is especially seen in today’s hip hop culture. Although women might want that to change, and to be given equal rights in hip hop, a female MC doesn’t really sell unless she is shaking her booty. Women campaign against sexism in hip hop, but there only way to gain fame in hip hop is sex.
A great question was asked by Byron Hurt in his interview with Dr. Dyson “why aren’t more men confronting the sexism in hip hop”? I began to myself about that and came up this; men can’t confront that issue because it would take away from their persona of being a so called “thug” or “gangsta”, and a lot of rappers careers are built that image, so they can’t afford to treat women as peers because it would take away from their image. I think a lot of male hip hop artists are hesitant to take a stand for females rights in the business because they think as soon as they start to stand up for women then they would be ganged up on and called a “pussy” or a “bitch N-word” and that could possibly lead to the end of their career in loss of album sales and pretty much, no more fan base.
Is sex ingrained in a women’s mind, it is said that Prostitution is the oldest profession in the history of the world and it will always be a source of income. Is it that women don’t know how to become famous, and instead of trying to reach their goals and aspirations, they automatically turn to sex because it is the easy way to get what they want? For example a woman is trying to break into the hip hop business but is finding it really hard, but instead of keeping at it she decides to do this video that was offered to her where she had to dance around in a very skimpy bathing suit. She say’s “it is only this one time and it will help me get recognized”, the thing she doesn’t realize is that it won’t get you recognized for your singing, but instead your body. Then once you know it being a video girl is now your career and your dream of being a famous singer has been put away. Women have the choice of sexploitation in hip hop but they must want to strive for more than being a video girl.
Growing up in Oakland, I experienced firsthand at what Bay Area rap was all about. A true legend of Bay Area rap is Too Short, he just so happens to be one of the dirtiest rappers of all time. With songs entitled “Blow Job Betty” and “Gangsters and Strippers” and lyrics like “got to get a bitch and get my dick sucked … from the weed house straight to the strip club, got to get a bitch and get my dick sucked… I pull heat from the hip man, now I got her going dumb on the dick man” one grows accustomed to such derogatory speech. This is the type of music young kids listen to, but I’m going to focus on the young women. Lyrics like these and countless others basically tell young women, that they are only here to cater to men’s sexual needs, in turn they grow up thinking nothing of themselves and become just a face in the crowd of women trying to gain fame in hip hop through sex.
There are women in hip hop who are successful without the help of their bosom or behind. Women such as Mc Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt n Pepa, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliot are just a few who come to mind. When people said to them they can’t make in a male dominated industry without showing some skin, they took it as a personal challenge and worked to gain respect from their peers by being a great MC. With perseverance they didn’t only become great female MC’s but they became great MC’s no matter what sex.
We can see some events that give us hope that sexism is on the downfall. Take the Nelly and Spellman incident, where Nelly had recently came out with his new music video “Tip Drill”,
Where women in the video are in a thong, and had no tops on as well. The video was by far the most degrading video I had ever seen, and I couldn’t believe someone agreed to do it. So when it came time for Nelly to hold a bone marrow drive at Spellman College, the women at Spellman wanted to ask Nelly a few questions about his demeaning and controversial video. Nelly didn’t show up, and when asked about his video and the controversy he said “It’s just me in the video. I’m just having fun. I’m just blowing off steam. I’m just doing what all guy’s do”. But what gives me hope is that finally the answer that Nelly gave wasn’t good enough and wasn’t accepted by the women at Spellman and hopefully by women everywhere, because to end this epidemic everyone must stand against sexism in hip hop.
A lot of people put the blame for sexism in hip hop squarely on men’s shoulders, which is unfair. I’m not saying that men aren’t somewhat at fault, because they are. Men need to stop seeing women only as sexual objects, and seeing them as equals, not only in hip hop but in life as well. But this is a two way street, women need to stop letting men view them only as sexual objects , women need to stand up for their rights and not accept that they can only be video girls, because you can do anything. I think when women and men start realizing this, sexism will be a thing of the past but until then I guess the old adage is correct “SEX SELLS”.

Initial Planning Sheet
What is the subject of your paper? Sexism in Hip Hop
What is the purpose of your paper? To describe sexism in hip hop and propose a solution
What is your audience? Women trying to break into the hip hop business
What question do you want to answer? Why is hip hop so sexist?
What is your writing strategy? Problem/Solution

Works Cited:
Dyson, Michael Eric Know What I Mean? Basic Civitas Books, 2007
Hurt, Byron. 2/20/07.
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hiphop
Short, Too. "Gangsters and Strippers." 2007.; 10:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Amani Ali
September 23, 2008
English 1A

Initial Planning Sheet

1. Topic: Sexism and Violence
2. Audience: The Hip Hop generation or just anyone who wants to debate on this topic
3. Purpose: to inform the Hip Hop culture that changed is needed.
4. Question: Why does the society make it seem as if Hip Hop is the cause of ALL violence in the communities?
5. I plan to use the article track 4 by Eric Dyson and Bryon Hurt.

Outline

Thesis: In the hip hop culture, violence and sexism are two of the main topics expressed in the lyrics today.
First major point: Violence is in the black community’s real tough as rap is, but is rap the answer of the violence?
Evidence 1: Statistics from blackcoalition.com
Evidence 2: quotes from Track 4

Second major point: Sexism builds the man domination of Hip Hop.
Evidence 1: quotes from Eric Dyson
Evidence 2: quotes from Bryon Hurt

Is Violence the Answer?

Thesis: In the rap culture, violence and sexism is the main topic expressed in the lyrics today. Hip hop is a culture, generation or better yet a family. It is taken over mainly by the African American youth and adults. The definition of violence is an unjust or unwarranted exertion of force or power, as against rights or laws. Sexism is defined as attitudes or behavior based on traditional stereotypes of sexual roles. These two definitions are broken down specifically and show how this relates to hip hop.
While African Americans comprise 12% of the US population, 45% of all murder victims in 2002 were African American, and 91% of whom were killed by African Americans. Nationally, homicide is the leading cause of death for African American men ages 15-24, and the second leading cause of death for African American women of the same age group.” Hip hop is filled with violence”, states Byron Hurt, in the track 4 article (pg 91), that was Hurt’s first sentence of the article. Violence shows a mans’ strength and machismo through the rips and rhythms in hip hop and the people in the streets. Are people influenced by the lyrics, or is it just their lifestyle? Eric Dyson states that violent masculinity is at the heart of the American identity. Violence is verbal and physical. It isn’t always the answer, but in some cases it is the cure. It is a negative expression, but who can stop the rage of the black man today. If there is no violence, there is no man. As Dyson explained, “The gun is at once the merchandise of manhood and the means of its destruction”. This means a man can go out and purchase their manhood. Even though there is a lot of violence expressed in hip hop, it shouldn’t be blamed on hip hop, in fact, take a look at video games, movies, and the society itself. Hip hop is not the only reason of crime.
Sexism is another main topic in the Hip Hop culture. Does hip hop demean women, empathize with them, or empower them? Females are seen in packs hovering around male rap stars, playing the part of enthusiastic cheerleader or die-hard groupie. Rap music videos sell not only hip-hop culture, but also the very image of its women. In track 4, it is said, “What such brothers fail to understand is how they and their women are victims of white male supremacy. Instead of thinking through the complex dynamics of our vulnerable situation, we become outraged at the women whose love has helped sustain us as men, as a family, and as a race. Hip Hop has a dominant masculine voice. There are not many songs that express the respect for women or the perspective of the strong black woman. These are categorized either by a “sister” or a “hoe”. Dyson expresses this topic and explains the difference between them, “A good sister is someone who stays way from “bad boys” who doesn’t give sex easily, who keeps herself clear of the troubled circles that men in Hip Hop frequent. A “ho” is a loose woman who gives sex easily, who drinks and smokes and is found in the company of males in Hip Hop (112).” Not everyone agrees with the comparison between a “sister” and “ho”, but most black men think this way.
Drugs, violence, sexism and the criminal element were around long before hip-hop existed, so why does Hip Hop blamed for it? Hip Hop can be harsh and upsetting with the lyrics and so forth, but sexism and violence shouldn’t be the answer. The machismo of the society today is high meaning a lot of men are to “macho” for their own good and nobody cannot tell them anything, not another man nor no woman an that is where the sexism comes from. The Hip Hop culture just needs a change and it will not hurt to do so.; 11:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Ms. Sabir I haven't came up on Hacker yet, so I'll see you in your office so you can give me some insight on how to cite and block quote. I think I have an idea but i'm not for sure. Anyway see you then.; 2:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Chesi Brown
English 1A
Ms. Sabir: 11-12pm
Essay:

Misogyny

A wise woman once told me that, “your first impression is your last.” As her lips moved; her advice became clear to me. If a woman chose not to respect her self, then who will? I recently watch a Byron Hurt documentary on Misogyny. I couldn’t help but notice the way the women dressed and acted at the Daytona Spring Bling Festival. There were two African American women walking through a crowd of men acting very flirtatious. They had on panties that were so small that they could have fitted an eight year-old girl, a 32A cup bra, with breast the size of two soccer balls put together, and high heel on in 108 degrees’. The thing that interested me the most about these types of women is, what is the purpose of these revealing clothing or are these women simply hustling. Could it be that women in today’s society are competing with each other, or are they simply trying to please men? Women today appear to be so insecure that they are thinking with their bodies more then their minds. Most women believe that they have to have a man and if they don’t, then they feel they’re not complete.

I have lived around women similar to the women at the Daytona Spring Bling festival for year. One happens to be a good friend of mine her name is Kim. She is a beautiful black sister, very intelligent, and a wonderful mother who is in the escorting business. I ask her all the time, “Kim you are so pretty why you do this.” She tells me that she has to feed her children and it’s much too late to be changing because her children have to eat. She has built her whole life around fast money, and now she has no patience of seeing how her inappropriate life will affect her children in the future. I think about Kim’s situation all the time, and I wonder what can I do to motivate her to change because nothing I say seems to say work; however, I love her for just being Lisa and I hate when the men in our neighborhood call her names. Everywhere we go men disrespect her; they throw money at her and say, “hey Kim come over and s--- my d---, I got a few dollars for you.” It makes me so mad because I am so embarrasses for my self and Lisa, but she can care less. It doesn’t bother her one bit; she has no emotion at all. It’s a very sad situation and Kim has her reason for what she does, but I don’t agree with them. If you decided to live this life of style being respected is no where in the picture.

When I read Byron hurt interview with Dyson I was so impressed with the women at Spelmen College for take a stand against sexism in life for women all around the world. I was so motivated by their courage. For instance, here you have a well known rapper by the name of Nelly who has sold millions of record, and trying to get his foundation represented by honorable women, and was unsuccessful due to his “sexist video” exploiting women. The women at Spelmen College were the perfect example of New Leaders. These women unlike many others are trying to use their brain not their bodies to help make the world a better place. They are focusing on how to lead the country into excellence, by making sure their college is represented appropriately. Showing people around the world, that you may, not don’t have to respect us, but you will know we respect our selves. In Track 4. Dyson stated:

Nelly’s “Tip Drill” visually conjured all the ugly signifiers of black sexism that can be
Traced back to slavery’s crude conception of the black female body. “Tip Drill’ created a
Powerful groundswell of critique and debate. In fact the Spelmen sisters’ intervention
Should be applauded and repeated. I don’t find them hypocrites at all. I think they acted On what they believed in a given period of time in response to a specific event that inspired their protest. (Track 4. 101

My daughter is a cheerleader for the Alameda Pirates. I recently attended one of her games and I couldn’t help but notice the parents and how they were dressed. They looked like they were going to a cocktail party. The clothes were tight, short, and revealing. This type of function is for the children not the adults. We have young boys six through twelve, who are at a stage in life where they’re very curious and they don’t need to be enticed. We have little girls who are looking and thinking, “Being sexy is cool” at the age of ten. We as responsible adults need to look at our selves, women and men as a whole so we can set high standard for our children. Misogyny is not just hatred towards women; it is also hatred to us. Generations are watching us and they are becoming too exposed, to fast past living, material objects, over rated behavior, which can lead to insecurity as a human being.; 4:23 PM
Future Dr. Rayne said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; 2:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Ashley Dorsett
ENG 1A
9/27/2008
VIOLENCE IN HIP HOP:
Young African American men who witness violence are more likely to participate in it, to have a sense of belonging.
Hip Hop has taken its toll on many in different communities around the Country but it hasn’t always been such a positive outlook. Rappers make the world out to be a dog-eat-dog world where you do what you have to for survival. Artist shows killing and drugs as a necessity.
Most lyrics come from frustration over poverty, drugs, violence, poor schools, family breakdowns, and racial tension. Violence is used as an alternative language understood only by those within the cultural network. In Hip Hop they suggest violence is an expected reaction to urban culture, the gun carrying, drug dealing “gangster” became the common image for Black Men.
When we watched Hip Hop beyond Beats & Rhymes by Byron Hurt said “Manhood is about violence, Black Males are 14 times likely to get killed than any other race.” I think this is something that should be looked at deeply this could be because of one or two reason 1) because Black men deny who they really are, everyone wants respect. 2) Hyper-Masculinity comes in at some point. Another point that Hurt makes is that 45% gun violence revolves around Black Men ages 16-25.
From what we see above not only could it be from the Rappers bad influences but there are no male figures such as Fathers to look up to and if it is they could be portraying the same images as the Rappers. I found some lyrics that should be looked at because there is a difference between rap from the 1980s and 90’s to the rap that we listen to today. Here are to artist most people are familiar with the 1st one Grandmaster Flash and the 2nd is Tupac.
“You grow in the ghetto, living second rate
and your eyes will sing a song of deep hate.
The places you play and where you stay
Looks like one great big alley way.
You’ll admire all the number book takers,
Thugs, pimps and pushers, and the big money makers ”.By GrandMaster Flash”
VS.
Strugglin, jugglin, got it to the black man
Eatin the scams like I was motherfuckin Pac Man
Cops step off, you know the flavor
They fear the ruffneck niggaz with the lunatic behavior
And now we gotta eat, gotta make ends meet
Stabbin for a fee, it gets hard on the fuckin streets
It's like a madness, fuck making gravy
I rhyme and do crimes, cuz either way pays me
A little rough with a hardcore... theme
Couldn't rough something rougher in your... dreams
Mad rugged so you know we're gonna... rip
With that roughneck nigga named 2Pacalypse
Representing YG'z yo
Flip Stretch Homicide and my nigga Gambino
Seek and Po can't forget Money Bags
Stickin up spots and jumpin in Jags
Gotta get ahead and always stay bumblin
And always keep a hand on the gat
Cuz a niggaz straight strugglin
Hip Hop artist mainly talk about their personal situation that come from their life experiences. Some just express it in ways that are not appropriate. The choruses that I picked are perfect examples Grandmaster Flash talks about all the things that cause violence, but he says it in a way that is not negative it’s more of a wakeup call. To where Tupac says get it the best ways you know how and are influencing Violence to all viewers, but young viewers are more likely to pick up on it because they are persuaded easily.
Reading track 4 Dyson says “Violent masculinity is central to notions of American democracy and cultural self-expression” (p.91) he also say that “The gun becomes the outlet for the aggression and the rage that young black and brown men feel” (p.92) I can agree with both quotes some feel like shooting at someone or killing them will make the situation better but then they forget about the consequences or grievance it will bring to the family.
Hip-Hop poses a danger to the minds of those who embrace it and cater to it. I think we should look at how powerful media and entertainment has proven to be. For example the Movie Menace to Society which takes place In South Central LA. By Allen and Albert Hughes who have done many movies and documentaries American Pimp was my favorite all of these that African Americans can relate to. The violence used in Menace to Society is also very graphic. There are brutal beatings as well as bloody shootings.
Rap is about self expression which tends to make others stereo-type all African Americans the same way, because of the vulgar lyrics it makes life even harder for young African Americans who are really living the “gritty” life a potential threat. Many who constantly rewind a song and memorize the lyrics, are equally influenced just as if they were placed directly in front of the violence and sex and observed them.
As I watched my little cousin this weekend who is only 7 we were outside washing my car and Chris Brown an R&B singer came on the radio his song Take You Down came on. My little cousin got over whelmed he likes Chris Brown but to get to the point I saw him doing the dance Chris does in his video I was taken away at how he could memorize this but doesn’t like to read or do any homework. For those who have seen the video I don’t think that a 7 year should be imitating a dance like that.
Hip-hop is like a strong tornado that constantly sweeps us up and spits us back out. But whom it's sweeping up are the ones who cannot handle the fall once they are thrown back out. Violence is glorified and Black Entertainers should be more responsible in what they present to young people.; 8:03 PM
Anonymous said...: ASHLEY DORSETT
PLANNING SHEET:
1)Violence in Hip Hop.
2)To inform people that violence plays a major roll in urban communnities,and that Hip Hop artist are not being good "role-models".
3)Im writting to young high school and college students, ages 16-25. The ones who are impacted most.
4)Who is violence effecting, why it is glorified. Do artist realize the impact they have on their audience.
5)For my writting strategy i will compare and contrast, state a few arguments with my supporting evidence.; 8:15 PM
Future Dr. Rayne said...: Elesha Martin
English 1A

Misogyny & Sexism

Sexism is said to be derived from the lack of positive parental influence in which many young men never receive. In the absence of a father or solid male figure, a lasting negative portrayal of women is embedded into their youthful minds. Their lives are subsequently placed into the hands of our unaccredited society to then teach them to become men.

Particularly in the hip-hop community, there is a dissipation of positive messages
being conveyed. From the grossly derogatory content displayed in the music and the exploitation of scantly clad women in the music videos, to the false notion that success is measured not by the attainment of a higher level of education, but merely based on the
number of units that misogynistic driven music has the ability to sell. These gestures alone mark a sequential obstruction of accountability for the lack of respect and self-worth within our community.

There is simply no rationale behind the vast hatred, superfluous violence, and immersion of degradation that young men inflict upon women. In conjunction with the ignorance on the male end, the emphatic acceptance of such behavior by women is proof of our failed society. The cycle must stop. World renowned writer and motivational speaker Michael Eric Dyson supports this theory in his discourse from the book “Know
What I Mean” he contends “You'd think black folk would appreciate the fact that since black bodies were once sold on the auction block, you don't want to perpetuate the sort of visual injustice against women...”. Rapper Queen Latifah concurs with Dyson’s ideology in her song “U.N.I.T.Y.” as she takes flight in addressing these issues in the candor of her lyrics:

“I bring wrath to those who disrespect me like a dame
That's why I'm talking, one day I was walking down the block
I had my cutoff shorts on right cause it was crazy hot
I walked past these dudes when they passed me
One of 'em felt my booty, he was nasty
I turned around red, somebody was catching the wrath
Then the little one said (Yeah me bitch) and laughed
Since he was with his boys he tried to break fly
Huh, I punched him dead in his eye and said “Who you calling a bitch?”
Her obvious heightened aggravation with the young man’s lack of respect for her, as he fondled her body and called her out of her name, led to her rebellion when she finally conjured up the strength to fight back and “punch him in his eye”. Without addressing the detriment of the tangible issues at hand, the perpetuation of unjust sexism will undeniably continue.

The riveting Byron Hurt film “Beyond Beats and Rhymes” gives us a more in-depth examination of the multitude of issues faced within the hip-hop community. In an interview between Hurt and rapper Jada Kiss, the artist had the audacity to imply that “It’s all Entertainment” when referencing the content of his music. Kiss' diversion of the
question asked in regards to the evident problems perpetuated in his genre of music is more evidence of the ignorance that is prevalent within the African-American community. In addition to the jargon that rappers such as Jada Kiss candidly insinuates,
all too often, African-Americans tend to use the “white man” as a scapegoat when it is suggested that the manifestation of the issues within our community stems from the inability of the white race to desegregate our society. And, while it is factual that a lot of our slave mentality does indeed derive from the lingering effects of our slavery days, at the same time, it is an outright cop-out when in the process we (African-Americans) conform to the epithets bestowed upon us by the white community. In actuality, we
imprison ourselves when we assimilate those beliefs into our own subconscious actions.

The core of the issue must be identified, confirmed, and then examined in order to reach some sort of resolve. We (hip-hop/African-American society) must take an assertive stand to deviate away from what is considered “the norm” within our society. Not so shockingly, it is considered quite normal that women are viewed as objects/toys, and only valuable for nothing more than the sexual pleasure of men. You can only
question if it is an issue of fighting against the white man, or fighting amongst our own culture? Seemingly, the viable alternative is that we are in fact battling in a one man war with ourselves. You can no longer blame it on the absentee fathers, the poor rearing of mothers, or even on the “White Man”. The affirmation in the lack of morale amongst
young black men suggests that black men emphatically show an internalized hatred for self, which in-turn causes them to derail their self-destruction by having an eminent disregard for women.

Dyson's rebuttal to the blunt evasiveness as it pertains to hyper-sexism and degradation in hip-hop is that “Society is teaching many young men and women to believe that the only way to be an authentic man is to dominate a woman. To make matter's worse, many young men see women almost exclusively in sexual terms. Violence is all so highly glossed and eroticized in hip-hop videos and rap lyrics where the appeal of aggression is intensified by the promise of sexualized release.” In layman’s terms, he is implying that the hip-hop society is somehow subliminally relaying the
message to young Black men that in order to gain clout, they must dominate young women by any means necessary. With that message in mind, coupled with the heightened
violence and sexual content in the music, the only way these young men deem satisfactory is to dominate young women using violence and the infatuation of sex for which most of these young ladies willingly conform to.

We must collectively, as the Hip-Hop society, diverge our previous notions of the remedial disposition of hierarchy within our community. In order to eradicate the devastation behind the multitude of unmerited behaviors, it is essential that we stand up and reach a consensus in which we progressively bring about a positive change.; 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Chesi is it? I thought your essay was good. you made a very good point at the end about the influence were having on our future generation. It is important that we stay woke and aware of these things, I agree. Not many women care to acknowledge these facts. With that said, if we reach one we could teach one. Keep up the Good Work!Peace.; 12:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Chesi Brown
Professor Sabir:
English 1A (11-12pm)

Initial Planning Sheet:

1.What is the subject of your paper? My subject is addressing Misogyny and Evolution.

2.Why do you want to write about this subject? I chose this subject because it is of sentiment and healing for me. I also hope that my words and story can be of an inspiration in the lives of others.

3. What audience will you write for? The audience I am targeting consists of everyone. Women, Men, family, and etc…

4. What question do you want your research paper to answer? Why is it so hard to see we have choices, and I’m delivering a message and personal statement?

5.What is the main writing strategy you think you will use? My personal experience, to share a concise and descriptive story that can be felt.

Chesi Brown
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-12pm

OUTLINE: Misogyny

Intro/topic sentence: Women today appear to be so insecure that they tend to use their body more then the brains to get ahead.

• Money/fear
• Insecurities
• Thesis

Body: I have lived around fast past women for years.

• Friendship
• Inappropriate behaviors
• the course experience

Women are standing up for what they believe in, and respecting their selves.

• Sexism
• Being responsible adults
• Change

Conclusion: Children in today’s society are becoming over highly exposed to, material object and over rated behavior that we lead our children to be insecure human beings.
• enticing with sexual clothing
• exposing adult behavior
• not being exclusive

Chesi Brown
English 1A
Ms. Sabir: 11-12pm
Essay:

Revised Essay:
Misogyny
A wise woman once told me that, “your first impression is your last.” As her lips moved; her advice became clear to me. If a woman chose not to respect her self, then who will? I recently watch a Byron Hurt documentary on Misogyny. I couldn’t help but notice the way the women dressed and acted at the Daytona Spring Bling Festival. There were two African American women walking through a crowd of men acting very flirtatious. They had on panties that were so small that they could have fitted an eight year-old girl, a 32A cup bra, with breast the size of two soccer balls put together, and high heel on in 108 degrees’. What interested me the most about these types of women is, what is the purpose of these revealing clothing, are these women hustling. Could it be that women in today’s society are competing with each other, or are they simply trying to please men? Women today appear to be so insecure that they are thinking with their bodies more then their minds to get ahead. Most women believe that they have to have a man and if they don’t, then they feel they’re not complete.

I have lived around women similar to the women at the Daytona Spring Bling festival for years. One happens to be a good friend of mine by the name Kim. She is beautiful black women, very intelligent, and a wonderful mother who is in the escorting business. I ask her all the time, “Kim you are so pretty why you do this.” She tells me that she has to feed her children and it’s much too late to be changing because her children have to eat. She has built her whole life around fast money, and now she has no patience to see how her inappropriate life will affect her children in the future. I think about Kim’s situation all the time, and I wonder what can I do to motivate her to change because nothing I say seems to work; however, I love her for just being Kim. I hate when the men in our neighborhood call her names. Everywhere we go men disrespect her; they throw money at her and say, “hey Kim come over and s--- my d---, I got a few dollars for you.” It makes me so mad because I am so embarrasses for my self and her, but she can care less. It doesn’t bother her one bit; she has no emotion at all. It’s a very sad situation and she has her reason for what she does, but I don’t agree with them. When you decided to live this type of lifestyle, being disrespected comes with it.

When I read Byron hurt interview with Dyson I was so impressed with the women at Spelmen College for take a stand against sexism for all women around the world. I was so motivated by their courage. For instance, here you have a well known rapper by the name of Nelly who has sold millions of records, and is trying to get his foundation represented by honorable women, and was unsuccessful due to his “sexist video” exploiting women. The women at Spelmen College were the perfect example of New Leaders. These women unlike many others are trying to use their brain not their bodies to help make the world a better place. They are focusing on how to lead the country into excellence, by making sure their college is represented appropriately. Focusing, on showing people around the world that you may not respect us, but you will know we respect our selves. In Track 4. Dyson stated:
Nelly’s “Tip Drill” visually conjured all the ugly signifiers of black sexism that can be
traced back to slavery’s crude conception of the black female body. “Tip Drill’ created a
Powerful groundswell of critique and debate. In fact the Spelmen sisters’ intervention
Should be applauded and repeated. I don’t find them hypocrites at all. I think they acted On what they believed in a given period of time in response to a specific event that Inspired their protest. (Track 4. 101)

My daughter is a cheerleader for the Alameda Pirates. I recently attended one of her games and I couldn’t help but notice the parents and how they were dressed. They looked like they were going to a cocktail party. The clothes were tight, short, and revealing. These types of function are for the children not the adults. We have young boys six through twelve, who are at a stage in life where they’re very curious and they don’t need to be enticed. We have little girls who are looking and thinking, “Being sexy is cool” at the age of ten. We as responsible adults need to look at our selves, women and men as a whole so we can set high standard for our children.

Misogyny is not just hatred towards women; it is also hatred is selves. The new generations are watching and they are becoming too exposed, to fast past living, material objects, over rated behavior, which can lead them into becoming insecurity as a human being.; 2:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Ammnah Babikir
Eng1A

Initial planning sheet:

1. Topic sentence: Sexism and violence
2. Audience: the hip hop generation and anyone who will listen
3. Purpose: To inform the hip hop culture that we are in dire need of a more positive outlook to give way to the change we need
4. Question: Why does society blame hip hop for all of the violence in the communities?
5. I plan to use the article Track 4, by Eric Dyson and Byron Hurt.

Outline:

Thesis in the hip hop culture violence and sexism are two main topics expressed/ broadcasted in rap music and in today's media.
First major point: Violence in the black community’s are devastating, but should rap take the blame for the violence?
Evidence 1: Statistics from the film of Byron Hurt that we watched in class
Evidence 2: Quotes from Track 4

Second major point: Sexism brings out the male dominated side of hip hop
Evidence 1: Quotes from Eric Dyson
Evidence 2: Quotes from Byron Hurt

Is Sexism and Violence the Answer?

Thesis: In the hip hop culture sexism and violence are two main topics expressed in music and media today. Over the decades hip hop has been heavily incorporated in the African American culture as well as in the households. It is taken over mainly by the youth and adults. The definition of violence is an unjust and unwarranted exertion of force and power, as against rights or laws. Sexism is defined as attitudes or certain behaviors based on traditional stereotypes or sexual roles. These definitions are broken down specifically and show how this relates to hip hop. While 12% of African Americans make up the U.S. population, the death rate in 2002 for African Americans made up 45%, and 91% of who were killing their own race. Nationally, homicide is the leading cause of death for African American men from ages 15- 24, and the second leading cause for African American women of the same age group. “Hip hop is filled with violence”, says Byron hurt, in the first sentence of the track 4 article (pg. 91). Violence uncovers a man’s machismo and strength through the rhythms in hip hop. Violence is both verbal and physical. It isn’t always the answer, but in some cases it is the cure.; 10:40 AM
Future Dr. Rayne said...: OUTLINE

Intro - Thesis: Sexism is said to be derived from the lack of positive parental influence in which many young men never receive.

Body - 1st Major Point: Particularly in the hip-hop community, there is a dissipation of positive messages
being conveyed.
Derogatory videos and music
The ideology that success is equivalent to the number of albums sold vs the pursuit of higher education
2nd Major Point:There is simply no rationale behind the vast hatred, superfluous violence, and immersion of degradation that young men inflict upon women.
The acceptance of such vile behaviors by young women
The lack of responsibility from the producers/artists/perpetuators of the music
Conclusion - We must collectively, as the Hip-Hop society, diverge our previous notions of the remedial disposition of hierarchy within our community. In order to eradicate the devastation behind the multitude of unmerited behaviors, it is essential that we stand up and reach a consensus in which we progressively bring about a positive change.; 9:48 AM
Future Dr. Rayne said...: Initial Planning Sheet

1.What is the subject of your paper? The subject of my paper is sexism and misogyny and it’s infiltration within the hip-hop community.

2.Why do you want to write about this subject? I made the decision to address these issues because as a product of this community, I intend to advocate to our youth with the intent of promoting a positive change

3. What audience will you write for? The audience I wish to address is our youth who are a part of the hip-hop community, in addition to the creators behind the massive degradation

4. What question do you want your research paper to answer? The question I am hoping to answer is: Why is the evident ignorance surrounding the acceptance of subservience, degradation, and self-hatred within the community so prominent?

5.What is the main writing strategy you think you will use? The main writing strategy I am using will address the cause and effect of such negative behaviors; 9:57 AM
Future Dr. Rayne said...: Works Cited:

Beyond Beats and Rhymes. Dir. Byron Hurt. Sundance Film Festival, 1996.

Dyson, Michael Eric. Know What I Mean?. NewYork: Basic Civitas Books, 2007.

Queen Latifah. "U.N.I.T.Y." Black Reign. Motown, 1993.; 3:56 PM

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Thursday, September 25, 2008

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