On August 7, 2021, while engaged in a conversation with a 36-year-old woman I asked her why young women today allow men to speak to them in disrespectful ways. Her response was “that’s just the way it is”. She added that today’s music (lyrics) has a lot to do with the behavior of the younger generation because young people idolize rappers and other celebrities.
I pointed out to this young lady that the people (Rappers & Celebrities) they idolize are not saying or taking a stance against the violence across America and other socially relevant issues. Her response was “if they were to respond it would cause them (Rappers & Celebrities) to lose income with record labels and advertisers”.
My position is what I call “Old School”, which is respect begets respect. I grew up in a different era but respect is respecting no matter what era a person grows up in. I also believe that the younger generation needs to understand that rap music sends the wrong message. The truth is that most record labels hated rap music in its early years. I recall reading an article about a secret meeting held in Los Angeles among various record labels. It is alleged that during this meeting it was agreed upon to start promoting rap and gangster rap to promote criminal activity and fill the prisons. Why? Because it has been alleged that as a result of the criminal lure of rap music the recording industry soon after began to invest in prisons.
Finally, I disagree with the aforementioned young lady that I spoke with about the disrespect for women prevalent in rap music. “It is not the way it is”. Oftentimes young people emulate what they hear and see without fully understanding the message being presented. Michelle Alexander the author of the book The New Jim Crow addressed these issues in her amazing book. It is a very good read. Always remember that respect is something everyone deserves; it’s not the way things are. Therefore let us all begin treating everyone with the respect they deserve. Please give us a thumbs-up, like, share and subscribe. We welcome and appreciate your support.
Marvin Dixon/Founder
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