Table of Contents
Foreword 13
Introduction 16
Chapter 1 How Has Hip-Hop Shaped Modern Society?
Overview: Hip-Hop Has Had a Global Impact Marcyliena Morgan Dionne Bennett 22
Hip-Hop Defines Today's Youth Culture Worldwide Dalton Higgins 32
Hip-Hop Is a Powerful Force for Global Sociopolitical Change Sujatha Fernandez 39
American Rap Has Lost Its Political Voice to Apathy Mark Gunn 43
Rap Lyrics Are a Literary Art Form Alexs Pate 46
Chapter 2 Is Hip-Hop a Negative Influence on Society?
Overview: The Hip-Hop Generation J.D. Gravenor 51
Yes: Hip-Hop Is a Negative Influence on Society
Rap Music Is Harmful to African American Communities E. Faye Williams 55
Girls Are Especially Vulnerable to Hip-Hop's Hypersexual Message Beatrice Koehler-Derrick 61
No: Hip-Hop Is Not a Negative Influence on Society
Rap Has the Potential to Expose Social Injustice Jeff Chang 69
American Rap Can Promote Political Empowerment Lester Spence 81
Hip-Hop Gives Youths a Needed Outlet for Self-Expression Carolee Walker 92
Chapter 3 Is Rap Music Harmful to Women?
Overview: Rap Lyrics Face Scrutiny Brian Garrity 97
Yes: Rap Music Is Harmful to Women
Rap Music Objectifies, Degrades, and Exploits Black Women Tracy Sharpley-Whiting 101
Take the Debate Over Degrading Rap Videos Off Mute Michele Goodwin 105
No: Not All Rap Music Is Harmful to Women
Hip-Hop Feminism Can Change the Hip-Hop Community and Society Akoto Ofori-Atta 108
The Hip-Hop Community Works to Address Misogyny Issues Davey D 114
Chapter 4 Does Rap Music Perpetuate Violence?
Overview: The Complex Debate About Violence and Rap Tricia Rose 120
Yes: Rap Music Perpetuates Violence
The Rap Music Industry Exploits Violence for Profit L. Brent Bozell III 132
Violent Rap Lyrics Make Listeners More Accepting of Violence Karen Dill 135
No: Rap Music Does Not Perpetuate Violence
Violent Rap Lyrics Do Not Affect Listener Behavior or Attitudes Jennifer Copley 139
Gangsta Rappers Can Be Effective Violence Prevention Messengers Shoshana Walter 143
Organizations to Contact 147
Bibliography 153
Index 159
