Does RAP music cause violence?
- Thread starter snacktrack
- Start date
I think rap can in certain circumstances make someone more disposed towards violence than they normally would be, but I certainly don't think it causes violence, because no matter what statistics or whatever you have the person must make a concious decision to commit a crime. I hate rap for 2 reasons 1: it glorifies criminal acts and misuse of firearms. and 2: It is just plain annoying to hear but to censor it because it MIGHT in certain circumstances lead someone to violence is simply unamerican and is not what the founders of this great nation envisioned.
It may encourage violence but it certainly does not deprive its listeners of the choice between right and wrong.
It may encourage violence but it certainly does not deprive its listeners of the choice between right and wrong.
I listen to some rap. It helps me understand my young sailors if I know something about present culture. Rap is nothing more than this generation's voice. Back when I was young we had punk rock to lay blows to the empire. Now they have rap. Same thing, different image.
Does it cause violence? I know alot of kids who listen to rap but who are good sailors. Level headed, peaceful folks. Maybe I just lead a sheltered existence.
Does it cause violence? I know alot of kids who listen to rap but who are good sailors. Level headed, peaceful folks. Maybe I just lead a sheltered existence.
snacktrack
New member
Well, we arent talking about people like me who have had the luxury of a good upbringing. But to someone who was raised in the company of continuous violence, hate, and lack of love...rap is a constant mantra "life aint nothin but bitches and money" so eloquently put by N.W.A.( niggaz with attitudes)
I am not saying Rap is the cause of violence. THats silly. What I think most people make the mistake of saying Rap is just music. Its not. Its a way of life. Look at the difference in language. Rap invents its own ignorant dialogue which has detremental effects on society. Do you know young white kids call each other nigga nowadays? That one single phenomenom can be attributed solely to Rap music. Anyone that wants to prove me wrong on that one, Id be glad to hear it.
I find it pretty sad that blacks have come so far in this past century, and have fought so hard to be respected, and then undo all the hard work done by calling each other by their oppressor's racist name "niggas" and calling the women in their lives "bitches"
too many choices!?
New member
Are you a racist in disguise? Snacktrak
You keep trying to make this a "black white" issue and it really isn't. Do(would) you let your 8-13 year old child(ren) go to rated x movies? Why not? It is just entertainment. Because some entertainment is not suitable for small children.....Duh. Gangser rap, drug use, alcohol, death metal, and pornography are just a small list of things that kids need to be protected from.....How about Brittney Spears causing the baby boom of 2010 when all these little girls become sexually active trying to become Brittney.....you should have left this thread more open ended rather than attack rap while trying to attack "gangster rap". I guess the Nelly and Timm McGraw song("Over and Over Again"is the title) is also violent as it is rap music....I still don't like the idea of rap and country in the same song!
Being a Black Man I wlill not use that word on this forum (as you shouldn't) but if white kids are using that term, then what does it say about them? What does it say about their parents involvement with them? It's like a baby learns to say a cuss word, who do you blame? The person they learned the word from? Or the parent for failing to keep that child supervised? If you say the person that said the word, you are a person that takes no responsiblity for your choices and would probably sue Mc Donalds for burning yourself with coffee
! No one is to protect YOUR CHILD from society but YOU. If you let your girl dress like Brittney don't be surprised at how she is treated(or turns out).....If you let your kid listen to gangster rap(at a young age) don't be surprised if they try what they hear if you let them....If you don't supervise you children don't get mad if they find someone you don't like to do it for them! You should be your childs role model not the Tv, Radio, playstation, and computer.....otherwise don't be mad at your own bad parenting and blame Eminem,Marilyn Manson, and Tupac.
Fact: Entertainmen is influential('cause it easily effects mood) Fact: Kids can be easily influenced(tv) Fact: Kids need to be protected from some forms of entertainment(not just rap) This should be the only rational conlclusion this thread should have.
You keep trying to make this a "black white" issue and it really isn't. Do(would) you let your 8-13 year old child(ren) go to rated x movies? Why not? It is just entertainment. Because some entertainment is not suitable for small children.....Duh. Gangser rap, drug use, alcohol, death metal, and pornography are just a small list of things that kids need to be protected from.....How about Brittney Spears causing the baby boom of 2010 when all these little girls become sexually active trying to become Brittney.....you should have left this thread more open ended rather than attack rap while trying to attack "gangster rap". I guess the Nelly and Timm McGraw song("Over and Over Again"is the title) is also violent as it is rap music....I still don't like the idea of rap and country in the same song!
Being a Black Man I wlill not use that word on this forum (as you shouldn't) but if white kids are using that term, then what does it say about them? What does it say about their parents involvement with them? It's like a baby learns to say a cuss word, who do you blame? The person they learned the word from? Or the parent for failing to keep that child supervised? If you say the person that said the word, you are a person that takes no responsiblity for your choices and would probably sue Mc Donalds for burning yourself with coffee
! No one is to protect YOUR CHILD from society but YOU. If you let your girl dress like Brittney don't be surprised at how she is treated(or turns out).....If you let your kid listen to gangster rap(at a young age) don't be surprised if they try what they hear if you let them....If you don't supervise you children don't get mad if they find someone you don't like to do it for them! You should be your childs role model not the Tv, Radio, playstation, and computer.....otherwise don't be mad at your own bad parenting and blame Eminem,Marilyn Manson, and Tupac.Fact: Entertainmen is influential('cause it easily effects mood) Fact: Kids can be easily influenced(tv) Fact: Kids need to be protected from some forms of entertainment(not just rap) This should be the only rational conlclusion this thread should have.
TooMany,
Being a Black Man, you should be a little slower on the draw with terms like "racist".
What Snackman is getting at is that gangsta rap is a component of a violent subculture. It happens to be a largely black subculture, but that doesn't make it a racist observation. Other violent subcultures have their own music. Mexican gang music, Skin-head hardcore music; it all is part and parcel with a social sickness. Every race has members guilty of it, so it isn't a racial issue. But this thread happens to be about the most common and influential music and culture of this type.
Independantly, gangsta rap doesn't cause anything. But it is a powerful medium to distribute and reinforce a message that has an unfortunately popular appeal.
Being a Black Man, you should be a little slower on the draw with terms like "racist".
What Snackman is getting at is that gangsta rap is a component of a violent subculture. It happens to be a largely black subculture, but that doesn't make it a racist observation. Other violent subcultures have their own music. Mexican gang music, Skin-head hardcore music; it all is part and parcel with a social sickness. Every race has members guilty of it, so it isn't a racial issue. But this thread happens to be about the most common and influential music and culture of this type.
Independantly, gangsta rap doesn't cause anything. But it is a powerful medium to distribute and reinforce a message that has an unfortunately popular appeal.
Vanguard.45
New member
Would banning rap music end violence?
This seems to be the belief of those wanting to ban the "evil influences" (guns included) that seem to take control of those "victims-formerly-known-as-the-artist-CRIMINALS".
Violence exists and will continue to exist long after Rap Music is dead and gone. Of course rap music has violent threads running through some of it, and the parents who let their kids listen to and watch the rap videos (a whole different kind of problem) all day every day should be banned from having any more kids. I can't tell you how many domestic violence calls I went on as a cop and would walk into a house where BET or MTV was BLARING with small children watching thugs glorified and black women being treated like meat. No wonder that's what they come to believe adulthood is all about.
If parents want their kids to grow up with any values, they have to take control of what their kids are taught early on. For those that just raise crop after crop of thugs- well, just know that there are unfortunate ways those issues are handled on the street that cause great weeping and gnashing of teeth. The sword is not wielded in vain- nor is the S&W 500!
Vanguard.45
This seems to be the belief of those wanting to ban the "evil influences" (guns included) that seem to take control of those "victims-formerly-known-as-the-artist-CRIMINALS".
Violence exists and will continue to exist long after Rap Music is dead and gone. Of course rap music has violent threads running through some of it, and the parents who let their kids listen to and watch the rap videos (a whole different kind of problem) all day every day should be banned from having any more kids. I can't tell you how many domestic violence calls I went on as a cop and would walk into a house where BET or MTV was BLARING with small children watching thugs glorified and black women being treated like meat. No wonder that's what they come to believe adulthood is all about.
If parents want their kids to grow up with any values, they have to take control of what their kids are taught early on. For those that just raise crop after crop of thugs- well, just know that there are unfortunate ways those issues are handled on the street that cause great weeping and gnashing of teeth. The sword is not wielded in vain- nor is the S&W 500!
Vanguard.45
snacktrack
New member
You can control what a 12 or 13 year old listens to, but let me see you control what a 16 or 17 year old listens to. Its nearly impossible unless you become a Nazi parent and dont let them out of the house.
Too many, you are talking about being a good parent as the solution, and I definitely couldnt agree with you more. BUt the problem children are who dont have any role models, nobody cultivating them into well mannered, respectful people.
The term "gansta rap" was brought about in 1989 when NWA released their album "Straigh outta Compton" with their most popular song "F*ck the Police"
This type of violent rap did not exist in the mainstream until then. SInce 1989, there has been a steady tipping of the balance for mainstream rap to become more and more violent, to the point of specifically calling rap, gansta rap, is redundant. Look at the top sellers this very moment on BIllboard: 50 cent, the Game, Ja Rule, Llyod Banks...all of these artists are in the so called category of "Gansta rap" This is music that is reaching MILLIONS.
Do I think this music should be banned? Of course not. DO I think these record labels and the artists who make millions should have more accountability for their spreading of violent rhetoric? Yes I sure do. I am for freedom of speech, and thats why its difficult for me to figure out what to really do contructively about this music. There used to be a movement headed by a rapper named KRS-One, one of my favorite rappers called "Stop the violence" It was positive, realistic talk about stopping drug dealing and crime, and looking to education. I am all for that. This type of movement would be looked at as a joke nowadays.
Too many, you are talking about being a good parent as the solution, and I definitely couldnt agree with you more. BUt the problem children are who dont have any role models, nobody cultivating them into well mannered, respectful people.
The term "gansta rap" was brought about in 1989 when NWA released their album "Straigh outta Compton" with their most popular song "F*ck the Police"
This type of violent rap did not exist in the mainstream until then. SInce 1989, there has been a steady tipping of the balance for mainstream rap to become more and more violent, to the point of specifically calling rap, gansta rap, is redundant. Look at the top sellers this very moment on BIllboard: 50 cent, the Game, Ja Rule, Llyod Banks...all of these artists are in the so called category of "Gansta rap" This is music that is reaching MILLIONS.
Do I think this music should be banned? Of course not. DO I think these record labels and the artists who make millions should have more accountability for their spreading of violent rhetoric? Yes I sure do. I am for freedom of speech, and thats why its difficult for me to figure out what to really do contructively about this music. There used to be a movement headed by a rapper named KRS-One, one of my favorite rappers called "Stop the violence" It was positive, realistic talk about stopping drug dealing and crime, and looking to education. I am all for that. This type of movement would be looked at as a joke nowadays.
too many choices!?
New member
Handy you are correct as usual.....man I hate you
Snaky I apologize, and never truly believed you to be a racist(and therefore should not have typed it). Your statements put me on the defensive as I believe rap and specifically "gangster rap" to be no more harmful than Briitney Spears to the fall of society. Of course it is harder to supervise an older kid but that's where the ground work comes into play.....Talk to them young and stay interested in what they do(like my mom did) and you would be amazed at what they will tell you directly and through their mannerisms. If you want the industry to be held accountable then their has to be a finding made by a judge(i think) that can show a connection to violent behavior being caused by rap, as I said earlier in this thread good luck with that. I don't like the messages being played in 90% of the country songs out and so therefore they should be adjusted(10% I find okay believe it or not and yes I am Black)......This is what your argument sounds like to me(granted violence is more a social issue than the suicides caused by listening to country)
Snaky I apologize, and never truly believed you to be a racist(and therefore should not have typed it). Your statements put me on the defensive as I believe rap and specifically "gangster rap" to be no more harmful than Briitney Spears to the fall of society. Of course it is harder to supervise an older kid but that's where the ground work comes into play.....Talk to them young and stay interested in what they do(like my mom did) and you would be amazed at what they will tell you directly and through their mannerisms. If you want the industry to be held accountable then their has to be a finding made by a judge(i think) that can show a connection to violent behavior being caused by rap, as I said earlier in this thread good luck with that. I don't like the messages being played in 90% of the country songs out and so therefore they should be adjusted(10% I find okay believe it or not and yes I am Black)......This is what your argument sounds like to me(granted violence is more a social issue than the suicides caused by listening to country)
Some of the male rappers are going to be in real trouble if the women keep this sort of thing going.
googled up at random using "spellman women rap"...
"Within a few weeks, what started as a routine discussion of misogyny in
rap videos erupted into a campuswide dispute. The feminist group and
Spelman's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People held debates and planned a protest that eventually
prompted Nelly to cancel a bone-marrow drive on the campus sponsored by
his nonprofit foundation, 4sho4kids.
The controversy attracted national media attention, and students at
Spelman came to represent a youthful opposition to the salacious side of
hip-hop music and videos.
Prominent African-American leaders, including C. Dolores Tucker, a
civil-rights activist, have openly criticized rappers for their
portrayals of women before, yet they have failed to foment widespread
debate among young fans of hip-hop.
"What made this interesting was that it was young people who are
considered part of the hip-hop generation" who were criticizing the
rappers, says Beverly Guy-Sheftall, director of the women's-studies
program at Spelman. "When older African-Americans make these complaints,
it's seen as a generational issue, that they are somehow disconnected
from this culture."
googled up at random using "spellman women rap"...
"Within a few weeks, what started as a routine discussion of misogyny in
rap videos erupted into a campuswide dispute. The feminist group and
Spelman's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People held debates and planned a protest that eventually
prompted Nelly to cancel a bone-marrow drive on the campus sponsored by
his nonprofit foundation, 4sho4kids.
The controversy attracted national media attention, and students at
Spelman came to represent a youthful opposition to the salacious side of
hip-hop music and videos.
Prominent African-American leaders, including C. Dolores Tucker, a
civil-rights activist, have openly criticized rappers for their
portrayals of women before, yet they have failed to foment widespread
debate among young fans of hip-hop.
"What made this interesting was that it was young people who are
considered part of the hip-hop generation" who were criticizing the
rappers, says Beverly Guy-Sheftall, director of the women's-studies
program at Spelman. "When older African-Americans make these complaints,
it's seen as a generational issue, that they are somehow disconnected
from this culture."
accordingtome
New member
whow.. what a thread. 
MeekAndMild
New member
Some of the arguments seem to be pretty much red herrings. Seems like any poem where the poet is advocating killing and raping innocent people would tend to perpetrate violence. Call it rap or call it a strawberry milkshake, its wrong.
Handy, you're not kin to W.C. Handy are you? Really an amazing guy! We need to start a thread about the Blues. We could name it "Does the Blues really make you a better lover, better marksman and all better around good guy?"
Handy, you're not kin to W.C. Handy are you? Really an amazing guy! We need to start a thread about the Blues. We could name it "Does the Blues really make you a better lover, better marksman and all better around good guy?"
does rap make me violent.........
The answer is heck yes, I want to beat up the tv when the kids have rap on....... I find it silly and the fact someone (anyone) can get a contract to speak (not sing) is unreal to me.... For the freedom of speach I will give it a fair pass, go and collect 200 dollars bla bla bla......... I listen to Country so does that make me want to go ride horses, drink beer and square dance hell no.............. If a day comes when American's can be held responsible for the actions they do........hmmmm wouldn't it be lovely........ NO, instead it's Ford's fault cause they made the fast Mustang that I drove down the sidewalk at dollar days festival........and ended 12 lives.........No - I think not...... music - no matter how dirty, crime intent, fast, slow, redneckie, or longhaired never has nor never will cause harm to anyone.......it might set a unstable person off but the music isn't to blame here......... The goof that did or does an act of crime and said the music told him or her to do it needs to be considered a nut or an over dosed drug head........either case a small cell in the state corrections is the correct place of residence for such a person. Just upsets me my tax dollar has to give same person 3 meals and a place to live........
The answer is heck yes, I want to beat up the tv when the kids have rap on....... I find it silly and the fact someone (anyone) can get a contract to speak (not sing) is unreal to me.... For the freedom of speach I will give it a fair pass, go and collect 200 dollars bla bla bla......... I listen to Country so does that make me want to go ride horses, drink beer and square dance hell no.............. If a day comes when American's can be held responsible for the actions they do........hmmmm wouldn't it be lovely........ NO, instead it's Ford's fault cause they made the fast Mustang that I drove down the sidewalk at dollar days festival........and ended 12 lives.........No - I think not...... music - no matter how dirty, crime intent, fast, slow, redneckie, or longhaired never has nor never will cause harm to anyone.......it might set a unstable person off but the music isn't to blame here......... The goof that did or does an act of crime and said the music told him or her to do it needs to be considered a nut or an over dosed drug head........either case a small cell in the state corrections is the correct place of residence for such a person. Just upsets me my tax dollar has to give same person 3 meals and a place to live........
too many choices!?
New member
red herrings are everywhere then.......
If I see a commercial for Quiznos subs newest sandwich and am not hungry, it will not make me alll of sudden want a sandwich.....If I am at a club and Not in a Violent mood and a violent song comes on, it will not MAKE me beat up the person next to me......
If that same commercial comes on and I AM hungry,(read as:susceptible mood) then it MAY have an effect on me.....If I allow myself to be persuaded. Same with the song in the club. If I allow myself to get into a violent mood from words alone, I made a choice. You see, a choice still has to be made...At no point does seeing a commercial or hearing a song take away your free choice(or a game for that matter)......It may give you options you did not know about, but it does not make you do anything you are not in control of
....
Many in here are missing the root cause of problems here....The music does not cause the crime or violence.......The violence of the music they decide to listen to reflects the violence of their world.....Art(yes it is art) reflecting life......
If I am in a really bad mood all week, go home listen to a country song that makes me feel worse and commit suicide, did the song ultimately cause me to kill myself? Or would there be more to it than he killed himself because of a country song .....
If I see a commercial for Quiznos subs newest sandwich and am not hungry, it will not make me alll of sudden want a sandwich.....If I am at a club and Not in a Violent mood and a violent song comes on, it will not MAKE me beat up the person next to me......
If that same commercial comes on and I AM hungry,(read as:susceptible mood) then it MAY have an effect on me.....If I allow myself to be persuaded. Same with the song in the club. If I allow myself to get into a violent mood from words alone, I made a choice. You see, a choice still has to be made...At no point does seeing a commercial or hearing a song take away your free choice(or a game for that matter)......It may give you options you did not know about, but it does not make you do anything you are not in control of
....Many in here are missing the root cause of problems here....The music does not cause the crime or violence.......The violence of the music they decide to listen to reflects the violence of their world.....Art(yes it is art) reflecting life......
If I am in a really bad mood all week, go home listen to a country song that makes me feel worse and commit suicide, did the song ultimately cause me to kill myself? Or would there be more to it than he killed himself because of a country song
.....too many choices!?
New member
I knew this board had leberals on it.....Just takes the right thread to bring'em out!
Next time a crime is commited just say ,"The devil made me do it!"
"I lost all control of my mental/physical capacity due to a entertainment industry induced rage"
This could become the liberal defense of the new millinium :barf: "Society made me do it!"
Next time a crime is commited just say ,"The devil made me do it!"
"I lost all control of my mental/physical capacity due to a entertainment industry induced rage"
This could become the liberal defense of the new millinium :barf: "Society made me do it!" couldn't agree with this more, however ...
it is apparent that rap music sells, and sells big time. so what came first, the chicken or the egg? does rap music sell because of marketing? or does marketing focus on rap music because it sells? i believe that certain aspects of rap music are appealing, which causes it to sell. marketing research (millions of $$$ here) determines what is appealing, then exploits it. we have a snowball effect here. now through marketing and suggestion (if anyone doubts the suggestive power of advertising, look at how much $$$ is spent on it) rap music is permeating itself into all areas of society. now suburban kids want to be like the violent inner-city rappers, because the marketing suggests that is what is cool.
i agree that rap music BY ITSELF does not cause violence, it can be a catylyst as too many choices!? has suggested. i think we need to be mindful of what we expose our children to, and it begins with the TV (example: rap music videos). ever wonder why they call it a television program? i beg all of you, TURN OFF THE TELEVISION! oops, i'm getting OT ...
snacktrack
New member
I am not saying "blame violence on rap music" What I am saying is, taking an honest look at the rap music industry, does it cause people to be violent? I would most definitely say yes. Whether you call it a "catalyst" or whatever...if the message in the music was peace, instead of sell drugs, murder, and disrespect women, there would be a positive influence. Can all you guys out there honestly say..."it doesnt make one bit of difference what the message is.." You are naive to think that.
When I ask the question "does rap music cause violence?" I am not asking, is rap music the sole cause of violence. Of course any situation where murder is committed, there is a complex web of underlying causes. Hitler didnt execute millions of Jews just cause he wanted to. All the right conditions existed at the time for it to happen.
Living in the world of rap is one of those potent conditions. I did not want to use a personal anecdote, but since nobody agrees with me I will try and provide some proof. I know rap can cause violence because I have seen first hand with my brother. While I did not turn to violence and drugs, my brother did. Both raised in the same home, both same gene pool. We both listened to rap. But,my brother turned to violence and dealing crack at 19. WHy? Well a multiple amount of the wrong conditions existed. He hated school, and did not excell like I did in school. He did not have any talents, except for DJ'ing and rap music
One thing you have to understand about white American kids is...they have no roots. They are mixed with so many nationalities and are so diluted and disconnected from their nationalities and cultures, they are desperately looking for meaning, and some sense of belonging to something. This is why rap music is such a hit with white suburban kids. Rap music was this to my brother. It was everything to him. To the point where, he had all black friends and girlfriends. He hung out with the wrong people, he did drugs. There is no doubt in my mind seeing him grow up that rap music played a major role is shaping his way of thinking.
I know too because I was affected myself. I thought it was cool that my brother was a drug dealer, why?? Cause rap make it cool. I watched my brother beat a crack addict that owed him money with a bat. This is something that is "cool" in the rap world. Kick people while they are down and look out for nobody but yourself. Why did my brother choose this likfe when he had a loving family, a nice house in the suburbs? Why did he choose to move in the city on a crack dealing corner? Thats an easy answer, he felt a part of something. He was well respected in that rap world, and where it spilled onto the streets.
Well, I wont say rap music MADE him do it. Im not stupid, but knowing my brother, and how he was raised, I am saying it definitely played a major role is shaping his destructive behavior.
When I ask the question "does rap music cause violence?" I am not asking, is rap music the sole cause of violence. Of course any situation where murder is committed, there is a complex web of underlying causes. Hitler didnt execute millions of Jews just cause he wanted to. All the right conditions existed at the time for it to happen.
Living in the world of rap is one of those potent conditions. I did not want to use a personal anecdote, but since nobody agrees with me I will try and provide some proof. I know rap can cause violence because I have seen first hand with my brother. While I did not turn to violence and drugs, my brother did. Both raised in the same home, both same gene pool. We both listened to rap. But,my brother turned to violence and dealing crack at 19. WHy? Well a multiple amount of the wrong conditions existed. He hated school, and did not excell like I did in school. He did not have any talents, except for DJ'ing and rap music
One thing you have to understand about white American kids is...they have no roots. They are mixed with so many nationalities and are so diluted and disconnected from their nationalities and cultures, they are desperately looking for meaning, and some sense of belonging to something. This is why rap music is such a hit with white suburban kids. Rap music was this to my brother. It was everything to him. To the point where, he had all black friends and girlfriends. He hung out with the wrong people, he did drugs. There is no doubt in my mind seeing him grow up that rap music played a major role is shaping his way of thinking.
I know too because I was affected myself. I thought it was cool that my brother was a drug dealer, why?? Cause rap make it cool. I watched my brother beat a crack addict that owed him money with a bat. This is something that is "cool" in the rap world. Kick people while they are down and look out for nobody but yourself. Why did my brother choose this likfe when he had a loving family, a nice house in the suburbs? Why did he choose to move in the city on a crack dealing corner? Thats an easy answer, he felt a part of something. He was well respected in that rap world, and where it spilled onto the streets.
Well, I wont say rap music MADE him do it. Im not stupid, but knowing my brother, and how he was raised, I am saying it definitely played a major role is shaping his destructive behavior.