Rap And Society Xi

Rap and Society XI US History II Mr. Benson 4.20.2007 Recently, talk radio Disc Jockey, Don Imus, called the Rutgers University Women’s basketball team, “hardcore hoes” and “nappy-headed hoes”. The Rutgers University Women’s team is primarily made up of young black women and a few white women as well. For the past ten days, his insult has dominated the news and media. Finally, Don Imus was fired from his multi-million dollar, syndicated radio position. During the saga that unfolded as a result of the insult, many media figures pushed the argument that there is a double standard for acceptance; when Don Imus calls young black women hoes, he gets reprimanded and fired, but when rappers call the same women “bitches and hoes” it is found acceptable. Today we will discuss how the language in rap music affects the listeners and broader society. Questions for Discussion 1. How often do you listen to rap music? 2. Does the language in rap music affect your actions? 3. Does the language in rap music affect the way you perceive others? 4. Describe some of the language and messages communicated through rap music? 5. Is the word “nigger” acceptable to you in rap music? Is “spic” acceptable? 6. What is your reaction to a white person using the word, “nigger”? 7. Is there a double standard in reference to acceptable speech between minorities and white people? 8. Is there a point to where you would “draw the line” in terms of what is and is not acceptable to listen to?