...Hip-hop began as a form of African-American street culture in New York City during the 1970s (Watkins, 2001), but the art has expanded to become a multi-billion dollar industry (Atkinson & Halliday, 2003), mostly due to the success of rap music, the most widely publicized and marketed aspect. Media such as television and magazines are responsible for hip-hop’s global recognition today, allowing everyone from the United States to Germany and Korea to embrace the culture (Bennett, 1999). Hip-hop culture has made an enormous transition from its beginning stages to its current state. Early hip-hop reduced inner-city gang violence, as aspects such as the break dancing and rapping acted as positive outlets for at-risk youth, but the emergence of “gangsta” and commercial rap during the 1990s severely lessened the emphasis on non-violence (Watkins, 2001). Today, media associate hip-hop culture with drugs, sex, and violence (Yousman, 2003). This research paper will analyze advertisements in hip-hop magazines, with the aim of discovering how women are depicted. Specifically, this paper will examine how the majority of advertisements within three major hip-hop magazines in the United States depict women in a manner that both reinforces male dominance in American society and depicts women as sexual objects. This paper will also explain and demonstrate how the media images are functioning according to Professor George Gerbner’s cultivation theory. Several scholarly sources deal with...
Words: 3194 - Pages: 13
...Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women Analytical Summary In Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women published in Z Communications online magazine July 1, 2006, Jennifer Mclune responds to Kevin Powell’s Notes of a Hip Hop Head by vividly expressing to feminist and African American women that “Hip Hop owes its success to the ideology of woman hating. It creates, perpetuates, and reaps the rewards of objectification.” In Powell’s quote he begins to defend male artists by blaming their behavior on socioeconomic conditions, and by comparing their lyrics to that of how black men were looked at during the 1960’s. Mclune feels as though Powell is merely using his “socio-economic explanation for the sexism in hip hop” (Mclune 1) as a way to silence feminist critiques of the culture. Mclune feels as though Powell is turning a blind eye to the fact that women are also raised in poor and violent environments as well as men. Women “…have yet to produce the same negative and hateful representation of black men that male rappers are capable of making against against women” states Mclune (Mclune 1). As you get deeper into the article you find that not only does Mclune feel that there is a war between African American men in hip hop versus women, but also there is a war between the White man in hip hop versus the African American woman. “Yet we all know that wealthy white boys can create the same hateful and violent music as poor black boys” Mclune argues (Mclune...
Words: 270 - Pages: 2
...Eboney Patterson English 102-Z2 Professor Lila Joy 1 September 2015 In the article “Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women” the author, Jennifer McLune responds to Kevin Powell’s article “Notes of Hip Hop Head.” McLune voices her opinion toward hip- hop male singers who disrespect black women in today’s society. The author states those who chose not to sing about ideology of women work harder. McLune then talks about how majority of hip-hop singers are sexist, materialistic, and speak negatively between the sexes. She provides examples on how lyrics are being expressed and how hip-hop artists do not seem to be concerned. They are apologetic for the words they say, but show no remorse. For example, she presented a lyric written by Jay-Z, a famous hip –hop artist which states, “I pump hard on a trick, look F*** if your leg is broke b****, hop up on your good leg.” Even women singers have turned to these ways of singing to keep themselves from being targeted and some even encourage this type of ignorant behavior. For the ones who stand up for themselves risk being disrespected. McLune states hip-hop will fail, as long as sexism is involved. Although, Kevin Powell excuses sexism because poverty, she feels any man, wealthy or flat broke, can be sexist toward a women. The author makes it very clear, by letting theses hip-hop artists continuously degrade and humiliated our black women, society is accepting this type of behavior to exist and to grow strong. Title: The title gives the...
Words: 1014 - Pages: 5
...Amber Bowling Lilia Joy English 102 8 September 2015 Summary: “The Myth of Mean Girls” Mike Males and Meda-Chesney Lind According to Males and Lind, seven high school students who have been criminally bullying another girl, who later committed suicide, state that they deserve full legal and prosecuted to the full extent. Many news shows and reports have went beyond to show the outrage to these seven girls and what they have done. Scheibel, a district attorney in the case, rejected to press charges to the school staff who she thought was aware of the bullying going on because of a lack of understanding. There was a People magazine that headlines an article Mean Girls to a case two years ago that raised questions about cyber wars and teen violence. However, these accusations are a hoax. After Males and Lind examined every huge file of crime on what authorities rely on, none has shown any uprising of girl’s violence. Violence in girls has decreased dramatically and have been for a decade. According to the F.B.I., arrest rates for violent girls have decreased by 32 percent and even crimes such as murder, robbery, and assault has plummeted drastically. A National Crime Victimization summary was conducted with more than 40,000 Americans participation by the Department of Justice of Statistics. It shows crimes not reported to the police and is one of the most reliable sources for crimes committed. Through the years 1993 and 2007, it showed less crimes of victimization...
Words: 549 - Pages: 3
...Hip-hop began in the 1970s in the south Bronx of New York and served a cathartic purpose for the black community. People could explore issues such as the eradication of racism and equality, but since Hip-hop was created, the cathartic use has been abused through the increased use of misogynistic lyrics and music videos. Artists like Ludacris, 50 Cent and Eminem portray women nothing more than “ho’s”, “bitches” and “freaks”. Nothing more than sex objects; and yet, their biggest fan base is adolescents, this is dreadful as neuroscientists have discovered that the teenage brain still undergoes the same radical development as seen in childhood . Teenagers are easily influenced through their formative years ; as they are consuming music videos and lyrics of a sexual nature, the adolescent will not only become desensitized to the misogynistic views; but may also become a misogynist themselves. The teenagers who are passive viewers and are directly affected by what they view, are those who the supporters of the Hypodermic Needle Theory worry about. The Hypodermic Needle Theory (also known as the magic bullet theory) suggests that viewers are passive and are subliminally accepting a message without considering its faults; this is because as a source (for example, radio) can be the only possible source you could view news from, and you then rely and accept its message. An example of the hypodermic needle theory is “The War of the Worlds” radio panic. In October 1938, there was breaking...
Words: 1226 - Pages: 5
...that men give women but it is also reminding a woman her self-value. Many people believe that Hip Hop has the ability to connect with the soul. Word Press recently conducted a study and concluded that women are objectified and mistreated in Hip Hop lyrics (Cundiff 13). Hip hop’s derogatory lyrics have effected women’s relationships, body image and self-esteem. Hip Hop lyrics contacting explicit content about women have effected their relationships with men. Some women are infatuated with the Hip Hop artist and the money, cars and lifestyle that they talk about in their lyrics. Women can be oblivious by the lyrics that are being said in Hip Hop songs/ music. They are conforming as well as accepting for Hip Hop artist to degrade them which hinders their relationship with a man by allowing them to be insulting. “Hip Hop is a man’s game”- (Hurt06) Sug Knight , meaning that you have to play the role to get the part, in other words to receive a record deal. Rapper Kanye West wrote a song called “I’m in It”. “Black girl sippin white wine put my fist in her like a civil rights sign” He is clearly stating that it is acceptable to be physically violent with a woman. This type of attitude is what can lead up to abusive relationships. Statistics have proved that black women are 35% more likely to be physically assaulted than white women. (Hurt 06). This is because of the derogatory lyrics that artist’s rap about towards women causing them to be physically assaulted. Hip Hop lyrics often...
Words: 1342 - Pages: 6
...Dione Sibley English 106 16, September, 2014 Hip Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women Hip-hop has been around since the 1970s and has been listen to by many but some see it as a burden to society. Hip-hop is criticized for its content and the “appearance” artists but also on the conspiracy of black women. Women today are being degraded in hip hop songs that lyrically distinguish women through the lyrics of rappers. In Jennifer’s Mclune article “Hip Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women”, she addresses an audience with the different sexism opinions towards women in our society, though many men feel that some of their statements or opinions are not affecting women. Mclune uses ethos, pathos, and logos by giving the audience multiple reasons why hip-hop has become so negative over the years and also explains how some women do not make the situation any better by being ignorant. Within the reasons, the article begins to give very descriptive issues. Mclune’s article, “Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women”, which appeared in Z magazine in the July 2006 issue, is a response to Kevin Powell’s opinion in “Notes of a hip-hop head”, “socio-economic” explanation for the sexism in hip-hop. Powell states “just as it was unfair to demonize men of color in the 60’s solely as wild-eyed radicals when what they wanted, amidst their fury, was a little freedom and a little power, today it is wrong to categorically dismiss hip-hop without taking into consideration the socioeconomic condition...
Words: 913 - Pages: 4
...11/08/13 Hip Hop Made Me Do It! From the vulgar and raw lyrics of NWA to the simply educating lyrics of Jay-Z hip hop has been the blame for many issues that occur in our society. These issues do not only range within the field of crimes, but hip hop has also been the blame for cultural and gender relations. Hip hop is probably the youngest genre of music and has yet been so impactful in its short amount of time. But is it reasonable to place the blame on this popular form of expression? Is the excuse ‘hip hop made me do it’ firm, respected, and truthful? Why hip hop? It is not only the black community where hip hop is the blame for such things as drugs and violence but cross culturally people find hip hop as the excuse. Hip hop seems to be seen as the most impactful and widely endorsed. While the other forms of media seem to be overlooked or not as important. There are “action movies” that always seem to include some amazingly cool shootout where a hero emerges from the smokes. There are the constant military commercials encouraging youth to “fight” for their country. The also popular blame is video games. A couple of the most popular video games include Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Call of Duty (COD). In order to beat GTA you must successfully commit crimes and get away with them while COD wants you to get the most kills (especially when playing live). During a hip hop debate that aired on BET in 2012 Michael Eric Dyson opens up with a statement on hip hop stating “Does...
Words: 1161 - Pages: 5
...comments History of HIP-HOP Hip Hop was born in the United States, more precisely in the Bronx, New York City in the early 70's. Clive Campbell, aka. DJ Kool Herc, THE INVENTOR OF HIP-HOP, started to play some hip-hop music at block parties and that's how it all began. The music itself comes from Disco Rap, which is a lighter and funnier version of the hip-hop we know today. In the beginning the DJ's would only take the instrumental parts of songs and mix them while keeping a constant beat. After, the lyrics came in and TADAAA here is hip-hop you now know. But what were they singing about? Well before, people were trying to express their opinions their main theme was an ideal of equality and also as always, how bad their government was corrupted while today to be honest is only about women and how big their breast or their "derrière" are even though we can still find some really good music. WHAT ARE THEY FIGHTING FOR? Originally, hip-hop was about bringing a whole community together. That's why it started the poor Black and Latino communities, they had to face poverty and their exile from the rest of society: it was one of the only ways to stay united. Today, with the popularization of Hip-Hop and its massive investments in massive culture, Hip Hop music has lost more and more of its original aim to become more appreciated by a larger part of the population. Is it good or bad? Your choice. OLD SCHOOL HIP VS NEW SCHOOL HIP HOP Old School Hip Hop started in the early...
Words: 1142 - Pages: 5
...September 25, 2013 Rough Draft After reading “Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women”, by Jennifer Mclune, an individual associated with some things stated would really think twice after reading. Jennifer gave her knowledge on how hip hop will fail if what is going on continues. The women grew up negative environments, and they don’t tear down the quality of men as they do to them.bbrown During the article, Mclune gives the audience multiple reasons why hip-hop has become so negative over the years. Also explained is how some women do not make the terrible situation any better to the culture in some cases. A ‘socio-economic” explanation is given y Kevin Powell, author of “Notes of a Hip-Hop Head.” Within a few statements, the article begins to give very descriptive issues. Hip-Hop has progressed overtime by using hatred towards women as a way of entertainment. Occasionally, women will show that there must not be any caring about the hatred. Jennifer Mclune provides and example saying “Hip-Hop owes it success to the ideology of women hating.”(Mclune 5) by saying that , she is letting the audience know that the only reason Hip-Hop has made it so far is because of their women hating lyrics. How does one top such a problem? Hip-Hop has came a long way from the way it was first begun. You would think that these “so-called conscious artists” would care about their acceptance into the music industry enough to not be so crucial. The women artists aren’t the ones abusing the qualities of...
Words: 858 - Pages: 4
...Hip Hop: A Way of Thinking? Since the development of hip hop nearly three decades, it has become a ubiquitous form of music in the nation, influencing the youth with its edgy music and empathetic lyrics. First pioneered in the streets of New York as a response to the oppression of blacks during the civil rights movement, hip hop and its successful influence on its listeners, especially the black youth, was able to thrive due to its uncanny ability to adapt and respond to the problems that that era presents. From the socially and politically conscious hip hop (SPC hip hop) during the civil rights movements to the mainstream music we hear on the radio today, the difference in message projected by today’s modern, hyper-masculine hip hop onto society compared with that of SPC hip hop has become a controversial subject criticized by American media such as Byron Hurt’s movie “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes” and Tricia Rose’s article “There Are Bitches and Hoes.” With regards to the negatives that hip-hop music could have on society, the songs “Let Nas Down” by J. Cole, “Come Get Me” by Jay-Z and “Bitches Ain’t Shit” by YG each respectively complicate, exemplify and extend Hurt’s claims that hip hop artists solely produce generic, hyper masculine mainstream music for the production of records; glorify violence and negatively portray women as sexual objects in order to prove their man hood. When the song “Let Nas Down” by J. Cole is analyzed through a historical context and compared...
Words: 1557 - Pages: 7
...In hip hop women are constantly being judged based off their looks, and what kind of body they have. They are often exploited in hip hop artists (mostly male) music videos just to shake their big butts in a tiny bikini fully exposed. Sometimes it seems that males treat these woman like objects instead of human beings. Nowadays it’s considered the norm for these girls to dance around basically naked which is unfortunate, but what’s even worse is that some of these women are completely okay with doing this just to get their names out there for possible jobs in the future. It’s not only music videos that exploit these women, it even started back in the day when hip hop was started to get into the gangsta rap phase. The movie “Boyz In The Hood” is a perfect example of women’s bodies were exploited in hip hop culture. Also Rivera’s article Butta Pecan Mamis is another great article explaining the exploitation of women’s body through hip hop. In the movie “Boyz in the Hood” women and their bodies were exploited during a lot of parts in the movie. Doughboy who was played by Ice Cube was one of the main people to exploit women and their bodies. When he just got out of jail his mother threw him a welcome back party and everyone in the neighborhood was there. All of the guys would be on one side and the girls on the other, but the men would talk about them saying what they would do to them if they had the chance. Or who gets more “bitches” than the other as if they are not people...
Words: 887 - Pages: 4
...Rhetorical Analysis The title of this article is “Hip hop’s betrayal of Black Women” which first appeared in 2006, and was written by Jennifer McLune a librarian, activist, and writer living in Washington D.C. Although, the author makes valid points in her response she does not demonstrate enough knowledge on the subject of hip hop culture. The author argues black women in today’s hip hop culture are unfairly made out to be inferior to their male counterparts. The article can be broken down into five divisions. The author writes in response to the “socioeconomic” (297) reasoning given for the current state of affairs. The author disagrees with Powell’s response calling it a way to silence feminist critiques of the culture. The author argues that hip hop owes its success to the ideology to women-hating and that poverty is argued to be an excuse of it. The author addresses a range of issues from contemporary artists being too inconsistent, to female artists not being as united when it comes to standing up for a change. For this reason “Hip hop’s betrayal of Black Women” should not be considered by PopMatters and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for the top prize for persuasiveness due the author’s use of rhetorical analysis and logical fallacy in addressing opposing viewpoints In “Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women” the author uses three kinds of rhetorical techniques in the article logos, pathos, and ethos. Logos is used to show facts, reasons, and statistics...
Words: 958 - Pages: 4
...Hip-hop culture is everywhere. The culture, which encompasses rapping, deejaying, break-dancing and graffiti-writing, has become so popular that it has entered mainstream fashion and modern language. It doesn't stop there. The culture permeates everything from TV commercials to toys to video games. Currently, there is even a hip-hop exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. You name it, and hip hop is there representing. However, hip hop's most potent form is its rap music--embraced by urban Blacks and suburban Whites alike. It is raw self-expression that sometimes features profane lyrics, misogyny and violence. The music, along with rap videos that often present a disturbing mix of rap, hip-hop dance styles, fashion and language, leave many people asking: Is hip-hop culture harming our youth" "The hip-hop culture is just like electricity," civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton told JET. "It can be used negatively or positively. The same electric current that lights up your house can also electrocute you. It is the misuse of hip-hop culture to attack our women and promote violence. We must encourage the proper use of hip-hop culture. We are all influenced by the hip-hop generation." Sharpton, who recently hosted a special summit on social responsibility in the hip-hop industry, labeled gangsta rappers "well-paid slaves." Advertisement "Don't let some record executive tell you that cursing out your mama is in style. Anytime...
Words: 1907 - Pages: 8
...Misogyny Page1 In today’s view hip hop is blamed for the negative images of women in music videos. When it comes to degrading and sexist representations of women in music, it is often perceived as misogynistic. Misogyny in hip hop culture refers to lyrics, videos or other aspects of hip hop culture that justifies exploitation of women. Hip hop has influenced modern popular culture, saturating mass media through music videos, radio broadcasts, and a variety of others. Most of the lyrics and images you see today in the hip-hop industry portray women of all ethnicities as sexual objects and depicts the exploitation of women. The image of dozens of semi-naked women dancing provocatively around one famous rapper has become the usual in music videos. Hip hop has become a mess of unrealistic images of female sexuality. Some defend that the sexism in hip hop is a part of a hip hop artist life. If that’s the case then how did this image become the accepted standard of hip hop music video format? Many artists try to manipulate their fans in believing that this is their lifestyle, but the main reason behind that is sex sell and it draws people in. Some women have made careers of this lifestyle. If you pay attention to hip hop videos you may see some of the same faces in multiple videos. The more revealing they are the more casting calls and more money they will receive. To me I find it embarrassing that rappers degrade females in their music videos but still have the same ones in every...
Words: 1128 - Pages: 5
