But in the real world, I want to commend Mr. Chuck Creekmur. On The Big Story at 5:15pm, Fox News, Mr. Creekmur was interviewed on the issue of the influence of hip-hop on teens, specifically the kids that gave blunts to the toddlers. Mr. Creekmur correctly mentioned that there has been nothing that connects rap or hip hop with the actions of those teens. He asserted that the real issue was what the parents of those kids failed to do, teach those kids that such actions at the least are reprehensible. He reminded the audience that the images portrayed by hip hop today is one that has been approved by corporate boardroom executives, funded and advertised to have the image that is so common today.
While the interview was trying to be driven towards blaming rap and hip-hop, which do have problems – something that Mr. Creekmur did not deny – the connection does not exist and the conclusion is unfair. [My comments on the obviously stupid teens can be seen at Where are the complaints, drugs and smoking - 3.6.2007.1] The issue is bigger than such a simple and one-sided accusation. The faults of rap and hip hop lie as much with the executives as the fan base, which is driven primarily by White patrons.
Entertainers are responsible for their actions, both on stage and in the world. They are made to be role models, and how they present themselves is their own fault. But to blame the thoughtless actions of random people to these entertainers, on the sole basis that they are African American and there are drugs involved in this situation is wrong and insulting – to me. As Mr. Creekmur mentioned, where is the outcry about the virtual elimination of any form of rap or hip-hop that conveys a positive message? Where are the investigations why record studio executives consistently stereotype the Black community, or why there is active censorship of the formats availablke to the public?
I can’t agree that this is a ‘chicken before the egg’ argument. As I’ve mentioned many times before, rap and hip hop was not always the current simplistic, redundant, refuse we see today. In virtually 2 years any format that was not ‘gansta’ was removed from public access. Why has no comment come about that? Critisim of what is the music genre today must have that question in it.
But I’m glad that Mr. Creekmur, owner of www.allhiphop.com, was above the bait laid before him and made the credible arguments he did. That’s worthy of respect and comment in my eyes.
This is what I think, what do you think?
2 comments:
Thanks a lot for the support!
Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur
Mr. Creekmur,
Thank you for your comment, and more importantly you defense of Rap, hip-hop, and Black Culture.
I may not be a proponent of the current forms of rap music that exists today, but I do not agree with anyone using it for every ill that sits before this nation and the African American community.
I'm glad to see someone on television that understands that arguement and can accurately discuss it. I'm equally glad to see that while you were baited you did not fall into the traps set in that arguement and others I have observed you in.
I'm glad you are doing well with your site, and I invite you to comment on any of my posts, or the blog itself, anytime.
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