Argumentation - Research Paper Example

This dichotomy causes large debates over the discourse of Hip Hop in the society. Hip Hop uses a very violent language that many people find inappropriate. Indeed, the first performers used to mainly employ lyrics portraying young blacks killing police officers. This violent speech finds many detractors and causes much debate in the media and the society in general. However, with the new revolution, the violent narratives shifted from killing police men to killing other blacks. Despite this change in perspectives, the violent rhetoric is still present as artists depict the killings between black gangs and their journey in prison cells.

Jeffrey Ogbar reveals that the change in the narratives decreases the negative stereotypes of blacks and that the lyrics represent not only an artistic expression but also some realities (98). Even though the new Hip Hop revolution does not portray anymore the killings of police officers, it still depicts another form of violence. Many people still find their language offensive because the lyrics expose much violence regardless of what form it takes. In addition to the violent language deemed shocking for most, the derogatory narratives directed towards women also cause much frustration and generate large debates.

Actually, Black women find the lyrics in Hip Hop about them highly offensive. This article informs: “The countless negative portrayals of Black women in hip-hop videos and song lyrics could be compiled on a very long list. And yet to some, it’s taken a long time to engage the Black community in a serious discourse about the more divisive, derisive aspects of hip-hop music and culture” (Keels). This anger generated by these lyrics creates a deep crisis in the black community since women see these performers as mainly interested in money but not in the image of their community.

Black women severely criticize the language used in Hip Hop that does not encourage good behavior or even reflect good morals. The lyrics about violence, drugs and sex make these women worried, especially because children tend to view these artists as role models. The author adds: “Women express their deep mconcern about the emergence of gangsta rap and its lyrics that flagrantly glorified thuggery, violence, drug abuse and vile, demeaning attitudes about and actions towards women, especially African-Americans” (Keels).

The language used to portray Black women makes them very frustrated as they become the target of groups that violate their privacy and their integrity through very offensive lyrics. Furthermore, some language used in Hip Hop has also been found mostly derogatory by both white and black people. For instance, the word “nigger” that reflects a vey painful past characterized by slavery and racial segregation was almost banished from vocabulary but has been reestablished in Hip Hop language. The use of the word in Hip Hop clips and videos creates both frustration and uneasiness in communities because it represents a reminder of the past.

This article notes: “The overwhelming majority of rappers are African Americans and most white people would be surprised to find the hated word ‘nigger’ used so freely. However, words that might be inappropriate for outsiders to use are commonly employed by those within a group. So too with