This week's articles “Reframing Black Male Homosociality as Critical Spaces to Explore Black Masculinity” by Anthony R. Keith Jr. and “Mr. Nigger The Challenges of Educating Black Males Within American Society” by Toby S. Jenkins both shed a new light on hip-hop culture for me. I do not consider myself very musically knowledgeable; so I was amazed to learn how much beyond music hip-hop really goes. Considering the extreme hardship Black men have to face, specifically outlined in Jenkins’ article, I now realize the tremendous significance of hip-hop.
I do not remember a time in my life where hip-hop was not present. Growing up, I have always thought of it as “just another form of music” and did not give it much thought beyond that. I now see the extreme importance this music has had on the Black community. Hip-hop seems especially beneficial as a role model for young African American boys. Looking up to a community that rewards creativity, self-expression, and provides an audience that truly listens to the messages being communicated is an impressive feat. Intrigued, I looked up the MTV Diary episode featuring Methodman, referenced in Jenkins’ article. This is an excerpt from that episode.
Images of community, positive familial relationships, and dedication to his work can be seen in this clip. Feelings of male, heterosexual love are even expressed, described in Keith’s depiction of the hip-hop culture.
As our country aims to improve educational attainment for Black youth, I believe there is much to be learned from hip-hop as a motivating force. As Jenkins’ outlines, an “environment that allows for the processing of one’s history, reflecting on one’s current situation, and establishing goals for the future” is a clear path for African American advancement. Further research on the positive influences of hip-hop and its relation to the empowerment and development of the African American community can be truly beneficial for the self-esteem, educational attainment, and life success of this population.
Great post. Im really glad you looked up the clip on you tube (thats actually not the diary that I mentioned in the article...this one is just of methodman. The diary I spoke about was both methodman and redman--they were on tour together). But as you point out this clip also shows some insightful things.
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