Censorship in Rap Music "again"
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Censorship in Rap Music "again"
So Rap Music is once again being "censored" Thanks to the whole Don Imus B.S. and now one of the Hip Hop Pioneers Rusell Simmons is saying that he will censor "certain" words from all Hip Hop music etc.....
This issue of censorship seems to happen every 5-10yrs w/ music...
Why is that???.....
This issue of censorship seems to happen every 5-10yrs w/ music...
Why is that???.....
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does he really mean to censor all rap music, or just more censorship for radio edit songs to keep out newly declared bad words "nappy", "hoes", "headed" and so on. i can't see them editing all their artists over a stupid thing like that.
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Hip Hop culture was created out of the necessity to break away from oppressive societal norms of the time. It wouldn't be hip-hop if all of a sudden, rap music and other aspects of the hip-hop culture bowed to the will of The Establishment. It's not entirely about being anti-establishment, but anti-oppression. However, somewhere along the way, I'd say the mid to late 90's, corporate influence transcended the original freedom & empowerment-influence of the hiphop culture.
Changing the language used in rap music won't help anyone, or help people treat each other better. M-1 of Dead Prez gave a great interview on Fox News about this topic:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uFBb2x4ZOs4
The only reason this is an issue and the word "hypocrisy" gets thrown around, is because certain people want to use these "hurtful" words to actually hurt people directly... and others are including these words to finish rhyme schemes and to add color to stories they're telling. I love what M-1 says, "There is a historical relationship of oppression between the oppressor and those being oppressed." In distinguishing the difference between when black people use the N-word and when white people use it (that's apparently oblivious to most people EXCEPT the likes of Michael Richards and Don Imus, who really want to use the language like it's the 20's, 30's 40's 50's and 60's all over again).
Changing the language used in rap music won't help anyone, or help people treat each other better. M-1 of Dead Prez gave a great interview on Fox News about this topic:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uFBb2x4ZOs4
The only reason this is an issue and the word "hypocrisy" gets thrown around, is because certain people want to use these "hurtful" words to actually hurt people directly... and others are including these words to finish rhyme schemes and to add color to stories they're telling. I love what M-1 says, "There is a historical relationship of oppression between the oppressor and those being oppressed." In distinguishing the difference between when black people use the N-word and when white people use it (that's apparently oblivious to most people EXCEPT the likes of Michael Richards and Don Imus, who really want to use the language like it's the 20's, 30's 40's 50's and 60's all over again).
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man, everyone just needs to lighten up. If white guy wants to say the 'N' word (in a non-negative way), he should be allowed without any punitive action by anyone. The fact that some people get offended by someone of another race using "their words" just further seperates races. Honestly, if i cant use the 'N' word in a "hey whats up" kinda way, it is not i who is furthering racism, but the person who is offended by it solely because im white. Not reverse racism, just racism
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Originally Posted by backseatchris
man, everyone just needs to lighten up. If white guy wants to say the 'N' word (in a non-negative way), he should be allowed without any punitive action by anyone. The fact that some people get offended by someone of another race using "their words" just further seperates races. Honestly, if i cant use the 'N' word in a "hey whats up" kinda way, it is not i who is furthering racism, but the person who is offended by it solely because im white. Not reverse racism, just racism
The world has become very PC. Our Constitution shows just how important the freedom of speech by making it the very FIRST amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
We have the right to say what we will. We do NOT have the right to NOT be offended. That was never mentioned in The Constitution. If you disagree with what one has said, hurt them in the way everyone one understands: vote with your dollars.
If rap music didnt sell becasue they used the 'N' word, no one would make it. Simple.
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Originally Posted by seattledave
o no you didn't... 
your momma's so white (trash) that she washes paper plates!
your momma's so white (trash) that she washes paper plates!
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Just remember, folks, that ScionLife is not a public place where that sort of language is acceptable... 
There are good arguments on both sides of this language issue, and so long as we all keep it civilized in here, it's good to discuss 'em.
The whole idea is trying to communicate ideas, feelings, and emotions, coupled with a distinct desire to make folks uncomfortable - especially anyone who is considered "them." In fact, not just uncomfortable, but even angry.
Carry on, guys!
Tom
There are good arguments on both sides of this language issue, and so long as we all keep it civilized in here, it's good to discuss 'em.
The whole idea is trying to communicate ideas, feelings, and emotions, coupled with a distinct desire to make folks uncomfortable - especially anyone who is considered "them." In fact, not just uncomfortable, but even angry.
Carry on, guys!
Tom
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Well, I like the discussion and I've thought about this particular topic a lot over the years. Being a black man in online forums and communities for more than 10 years and being exposed to other viewpoints I'm just somewhat surprised, and enlightened by all of this.
I never realized how much some white people really want to say the n-word. They will fight for their right to continue the oppression by their ancestors by saying this one word. To continue the subjugation. White people aren't legally bound from using the word, but I'm sure most rational thinking individuals have an understanding of why it's not a good idea. On the topic of who can say what or who's responsible, M-1 of rap group Dead Prez eloquently made his thoughts (most of which I tend to agree with) known on Fox News:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uFBb2x4ZOs4
None of the oppressive language used today originated IN hip hop. Hip hop is being made a scapegoat here, and that it somehow gives some white people (I point to Don Imus), who use it as an excuse for their continued oppression of minorities. If you're unfamiliar, he has a long history of such cruel humiliation of individuals by race, religion, sex and sexual affiliation.
I read a great NYT article called "Don't Blame Hip Hop" which quite eloquently made the point that is often lost on the premier media outlets:
"Mr. Imus has one thing in common with rappers, after all. Like him, many rappers have negotiated an uneasy relationship with the mainstream: they are corporate entertainers who portray themselves as outspoken mavericks; they are paid to say private things (sometimes offensive things) in public. It’s an inherently volatile arrangement, bound to create blow-ups small and big."
The fact that some, and not all black people, refer to each other as the n-word publicly and privately certainly doesn't license anyone of any race to use it against other black people and think it's alright. If a black man were to approach another black man who doesn't share his same ignorance on the topic of historical race relations in the United States, he's going to receive the same response a white person would if they attempted to use the n-word to address a proud black man. The difference in usage is quite clear, ask a ___ person who's known people who were attacked because they were ___ how they like being called a "queer" or "___" by someone who isn't ___. They may use it amongst themselves, in their community affectionately, so this isn't simply a black thing, it's the nature of sensitivity and custom.
Some people respect this issue of sensitivity to words and there meaning, clearly, some people do not. Sorry for the long post, but this is an issue I'm uniquely vocal on, amongst others.
I never realized how much some white people really want to say the n-word. They will fight for their right to continue the oppression by their ancestors by saying this one word. To continue the subjugation. White people aren't legally bound from using the word, but I'm sure most rational thinking individuals have an understanding of why it's not a good idea. On the topic of who can say what or who's responsible, M-1 of rap group Dead Prez eloquently made his thoughts (most of which I tend to agree with) known on Fox News:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uFBb2x4ZOs4
None of the oppressive language used today originated IN hip hop. Hip hop is being made a scapegoat here, and that it somehow gives some white people (I point to Don Imus), who use it as an excuse for their continued oppression of minorities. If you're unfamiliar, he has a long history of such cruel humiliation of individuals by race, religion, sex and sexual affiliation.
I read a great NYT article called "Don't Blame Hip Hop" which quite eloquently made the point that is often lost on the premier media outlets:
"Mr. Imus has one thing in common with rappers, after all. Like him, many rappers have negotiated an uneasy relationship with the mainstream: they are corporate entertainers who portray themselves as outspoken mavericks; they are paid to say private things (sometimes offensive things) in public. It’s an inherently volatile arrangement, bound to create blow-ups small and big."
The fact that some, and not all black people, refer to each other as the n-word publicly and privately certainly doesn't license anyone of any race to use it against other black people and think it's alright. If a black man were to approach another black man who doesn't share his same ignorance on the topic of historical race relations in the United States, he's going to receive the same response a white person would if they attempted to use the n-word to address a proud black man. The difference in usage is quite clear, ask a ___ person who's known people who were attacked because they were ___ how they like being called a "queer" or "___" by someone who isn't ___. They may use it amongst themselves, in their community affectionately, so this isn't simply a black thing, it's the nature of sensitivity and custom.
Some people respect this issue of sensitivity to words and there meaning, clearly, some people do not. Sorry for the long post, but this is an issue I'm uniquely vocal on, amongst others.
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We are coming up on an election year and this always gets trotted out as if they are actually going to do something "good". It's just a way to distract people from the real issues.
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Originally Posted by Vincenzo
I never realized how much some white people really want to say the n-word. They will fight for their right to continue the oppression by their ancestors by saying this one word. To continue the subjugation. White people aren't legally bound from using the word, but I'm sure most rational thinking individuals have an understanding of why it's not a good idea....
The fact that some, and not all black people, refer to each other as the n-word publicly and privately certainly doesn't license anyone of any race to use it against other black people and think it's alright. If a black man were to approach another black man who doesn't share his same ignorance on the topic of historical race relations in the United States, he's going to receive the same response a white person would if they attempted to use the n-word to address a proud black man. The difference in usage is quite clear, ask a ___ person who's known people who were attacked because they were ___ how they like being called a "queer" or "meanie" by someone who isn't ___. They may use it amongst themselves, in their community affectionately, so this isn't simply a black thing, it's the nature of sensitivity and custom.
The fact that some, and not all black people, refer to each other as the n-word publicly and privately certainly doesn't license anyone of any race to use it against other black people and think it's alright. If a black man were to approach another black man who doesn't share his same ignorance on the topic of historical race relations in the United States, he's going to receive the same response a white person would if they attempted to use the n-word to address a proud black man. The difference in usage is quite clear, ask a ___ person who's known people who were attacked because they were ___ how they like being called a "queer" or "meanie" by someone who isn't ___. They may use it amongst themselves, in their community affectionately, so this isn't simply a black thing, it's the nature of sensitivity and custom.
a curse word is a curse word, or it's not. I personally don't care who uses it, and most people don't care. People should quit doing the whole segregating thing in the first place. If people keep pointing out stupid differences in the races and make a big deal out of it, then stupid people will keep taking offense to it. It's a lot like when the media points out "first black to..." who cares? "where's the first indian to..." or "first mexican to..." i don't think they care, and neither should blacks and the naacp who feel like we need to point out b.s. like "first black to tie his shoe while at a carnival in 2007".
If you want to make the term "___" an unusable curse word like ****, then fine. Let's do that. But I'm not playing some game where some people get to use a certain word without prosecution, but others don't. same with any word. Keeping the word taboo, or don't. I don't waive the confederate flag, and say "it's ok, my ancestors were anti-slave owning confederates who simply didn't agree with the taxation of the north, and they held the flag with pride."
i'm all for no more special privileges based on the color of your hair, or skin or the amount of pimples you have, because that doesn't matter. If you have the most experience, you get the job. If you're the smartest in your class, you get a scholarship. We all get the same text books in school, the same amount of time to read on our own, the same amount of time to do homework. You got things like more white kids in this country growing up poor than blacks, so why does anyone get special privileges to say words?
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I dont understand why the n word is unacceptable and cracker is, both are bad... so wtf
and there is a difference between the n word they say in rap songs and the actual n word...... Here are the diffinitions
cracker = Originally the white slave driver because he would "crack" the whip, hence the noun cracker.
n word with er on the end = a black man with a slavery chain around his neck
n word with an A on the end instead of er = a black man with a gold chain on his neck.
that is off urbandictionary.com thats about as close of a definition as your going to get because obviously they dont have them in the dictionary.
and there is a difference between the n word they say in rap songs and the actual n word...... Here are the diffinitions
cracker = Originally the white slave driver because he would "crack" the whip, hence the noun cracker.
n word with er on the end = a black man with a slavery chain around his neck
n word with an A on the end instead of er = a black man with a gold chain on his neck.
that is off urbandictionary.com thats about as close of a definition as your going to get because obviously they dont have them in the dictionary.
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Originally Posted by scion04xb
I dont understand why the n word is unacceptable and cracker is, both are bad... so wtf
and there is a difference between the n word they say in rap songs and the actual n word...... Here are the diffinitions
cracker = Originally the white slave driver because he would "crack" the whip, hence the noun cracker.
n word with er on the end = a black man with a slavery chain around his neck
n word with an A on the end instead of er = a black man with a gold chain on his neck.
that is off urbandictionary.com thats about as close of a definition as your going to get because obviously they dont have them in the dictionary.
and there is a difference between the n word they say in rap songs and the actual n word...... Here are the diffinitions
cracker = Originally the white slave driver because he would "crack" the whip, hence the noun cracker.
n word with er on the end = a black man with a slavery chain around his neck
n word with an A on the end instead of er = a black man with a gold chain on his neck.
that is off urbandictionary.com thats about as close of a definition as your going to get because obviously they dont have them in the dictionary.
Call me cracker, and while I know it's a degrogatory word to describe a race, I'd rather be no other race, so i don't care.
If blacks viewed nword like i viewed cracker, they wouldn't have a problem and that would be possibly the only way to desensitise everyone to it. In 20 years people would say "'nword'...wow i haven't heard that word in 10 years, how quaint." like the word "tubular" is now.
I think that's the best coarse of action, becuz i say the f word plenty enough, and regulating nword to a curse word isn't gonna get people to quit using it. and being my generation is in the white collar working class now, a lot of professionals with mbas are using it and like words even at work.
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yeah your right but I just dont get it people have there heads up thier a$$es... like black people still blaming us still for beating them and making them slaves. yo wtf? its not like we were the onlys doing it. It was done in africa for year and years before it happen here we were just smart enough to figure out wow that messed up and number 2 it happen how many years go? hum 200? maybe less maybe more but still along time ago. Get over it! The jews had it worse trust me. i mean hell they still fighting for jerusalem.....but thats a whole nother story.....