based on the clip of "Beyond Beats and Rhymes" seen in class (see link below) answer the following:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=beats+and+rhymes&emb=0&aq=f#
1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
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"A real man" is something that is pass down generations. Society created the notion thru movies and the tuff guy mentality to portrayed what a real man is. However, this "real man" phenomena is been replaced with: things likee you better dont let that boy hit you and you better take care of business. Nonethless these parents do not fully explain what those words really mean. Instead they expect the child to figure it out. The fact is that to be "a real man", you must simply be honest, correct and be responsable about your actions.
ReplyDelete2. Rap music is a story like scenario of imagination. Most rappers follow that creed becasue it sells. I remember that a rapper was put on the stand and after failing to live up to what he stood in his music, people stopped buyin his records. The word "gangsta" is borrowed from what we know as organized crime. However, I think that rap music only reflects on violent behavior to get their point accross and make it seem that is an acceptable way of life.
3. In rap music women are categorized as either b---- or h---, however, that is something that like the word gansta has caught up with the times. Back in the day, Run D MC, Salt and Peppar (soory for the mispell) and other rappers never talked about women like that. Today young rappers label women in their music and thus in turn causes for the hard reality that these women experience.
Ok... based on the clip that you posted:
ReplyDelete1. A "real man" is supposed to act masculine, appear tough, demonstrate toughness by using guns and aggression, exploiting women, and with the perception that thier body and physical appearance should be tough to gain respect and show dominance.
To me... a different story!
2. According to the clip, Jadakiss asked "Do you watch movies...what kind of movies do you watch" as the clips came on i realized!!! It's a source of medium for entertainment, I personally don't watch what I don't want to watch. However, is it reponsible for the construction of the "gansta" in society? No, appearantly there is a possibility for a person to listen to rap music and watch gansta movies that also are educated, with a master degree or a profession such as a surgeon or engineer. Rap music does portray toughness but so do other mediums of entertainment. However, do people that are gansta listen to rap music? is a different question...lol.
3."Experienced reality" of rape and violence towards women have been existing since before rap music came to be heard. There have been studies that conclude that rape and violence come from factors such as psychological, physical, parental upbringings (such as abuse), family past history (mental illnesses) or generic dysfunction.
Now Jose, what do you mean back in the days rappers never talked about women like that... where do you leave 2 Live Crew, Queen Latifah, NWA, EZ-E, and many more who began the freedom of speech revolution in music back when gangsta rap came to light.
A "Real Man," according to what has been socially constructed, is supposed to act tough, manly, and fearless....He must basically never show any type of emotion...yet, rap is full of emotion! If you think about it, its almost contradicting, but then again, this is the "image" that was set. Rap itself isn't aggressive, in fact, I believe that it depends on what the person is rapping about.
ReplyDeleteThe term "gangsta" in society today, can be associated to rap, but I personally believe it's more a way of life then an attitude. I don't think it can all be blamed on rap music, especially since as I previously stated before, not all rappers rap about violence. There are many rappers who rap and try to deliver a positive feedback for their listeners.
Rape and violence against women happen everyday, everywhere. Rap music videos that basically degrade woman should not be blamed entirely, especially since it's the women's personal choice to participate in such behavior. I think that it is easier to blame one source for all bad things then to take things and break them down to the core of the problem, and in this case, it is woman who are in these videos that are making it harder for the rest of us to be seen with respect.
I kind of agree and disagree with Grace reference the last question. Although there is rape and violence against women, the way the rap videos sells it, categorize these women not in the rape but in the violence they live in. Eventhough is only a video it becomes an accepted culture by those that watch and want to emulate what they see. However, in the end it is the individual who is ultimate responsible for their actions.
ReplyDeleteMd Navarro, to answer your question, eventhough there was a revolution with freedom of speech the upgrade to the verbage came later in rap music. Before, rap music the message was about how to positively live your life. The demand of the culture and the new generation of children coming of age required to modify the verbage on the music to attract the new crowds. Not to mention that a video without a good looking sets of girl in it, would not be commercially viable.
ReplyDelete1-Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDeleteWell boys or males in general in society are said to have to be tough and they have to be the ones to control. If you don’t have any of those things then your not looked at a real man.
2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
I wouldn’t say that its just the lyrics in the rap music. I would say that it’s the media in general. But the lyrics in all those songs definitely does not help and they are to blame even its not entirely.
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against wom1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
I think that rape is something that happened before rap emerged so like I said before I don’t think its entirely rap’s fault but I think that its definitely possible for feeble minded people to listen to this music and be won over by it. I know that it sounds like it’s the persons fault but think about it if you’re a rap star you know people are going to be listening to your music and you know that your going to influence people. In which case it might be wise to be carefull with what your putting out in the media.
I agree with you jose. The message that rap music was sending out when it first started was how they felt about living in the ghetto and how they had dreams and things like. Now its all about sex, violence and drugs.
ReplyDelete1. Society makes men and boys alike think that they have to be tought, insensitive, and never let anyone cross you.
ReplyDelete2. These posers have always existed but today due to brainwashing of overrepeated lyrics and mudic videos, more have emerged.
3. Same thing here, rape and violence against women has been around, but today it might be worse than before because its more "accepted" in some groups.
1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how "a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDelete“A real man” short and simple is a man that has knowledge of himself and his being. Someone who has pride but at the same time knows his weaknesses and isn’t afraid to show it. Someone who can be themselves and doesn’t always feel the need to impress others by telling fake stories or making up hero stories, a “real man” keeps it real and can treat a lady right.
2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
I believe that the answer to this question is no, in my personal opinion rappers often rap, or tell stories about their past experiences, experiences of being in the “hood,” although this is not true to all rappers in what they speak, rappers such as Young Jeezy, Plies, T.I., The Game, Brisco, and Kayne West rap about past experiences and how living the way they did has affected their lives. The Game is one rapper that his lyrical content is unfortunately about shooting and killing, and Young Jeezy raps about cocaine and how he sold cocaine, in fact Young Jeezy put out the “Snowman” shirt which was banned from schools when youth started walking around with the shirts on. I listen to A LOT of music, A LOT of rap music from a variety of artists and much of the music does talk about struggles and unfortunately when kids get a hold of this music they listen to it. Rappers are role models to the youth in America today, so when kids listen to this music from these rappers they want to go out and be like them--have grills, walk around like a “rubberband man”, carry weapons on them, etc etc…
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
Again in my opinion the answer to this question is no, rape and violence towards women does not solely come from rap music, there are many elements that contribute to violence against women. TRUE that women are categorized as bitches or shones but that’s what today vocabulary is and has come up to and the same way a guy can refer to a female as a bitch, I don’t get offended by it because that is today’s vocabulary. Slang comes as times change and what was heard years ago is not what adults hear now. A lot of violence towards women such as men beating on their wives has nothing to do with rap music all of that has to do with biological and psychological behaviors.
In ref to Marie-- Rap now and its lyrics that are in reference to sex, drugs and violence is there but its there because these rappers were "slangin weight" on the streets so they speak of it through their songs, and albums/ rappers like Plies and Young Jeezy speak the truth awhen they rap they tell reality. Plies has an awsome mind and he does speak about a lot of violence but he speaks violence based off what he knows, and in this age young people who listen to Plies take him as a HERO ROLE MODEL and live by his words....
ReplyDelete1) According to hip-hop music a "real man" has to be a person who is domineering, aggressive, and sexually powerful. Whoever began thinking that a "real man" has to have these characteristics is crazy. From my perspective a "real man" is someone who is powerful but also respectful especially to women.
ReplyDelete2) I do believe rap music plays a big part in the "gangsta" behavior in our society. Teens are very influenced by the music and videos that they watch. They want to look and dress like a "gangsta." Even the vocabulary is different for those who think they are "gangstas.
3) The view of women in rap music videos is usually horrible. Women are made out to be worthless human beings who should bow down to men and only be there for a man's sexual gratification. I do believe this has caused more rapes and domestic violence in our society.
A real man is supposed to be an individual that is secure of himself and his background. Someone has had a good up bringing and has relation himself with family. Now I do agree with pagrait that in the rap/hip hop music man are set to be tough, strong, powerful and agressive but I think we as human being let others including the media decide who we are when in reality only our inner self should determine that.
ReplyDeleteI think that gansta(which in reality they mean ganster) has been around for centuries and mainly Italinas were known for that but the term gansta has derive from rap music. I do believe rap music has a huge responsibility of contruction of gangsta in today society. Because rap videos demostrate how they need to be dresses and act in their daily lives.
I do think that rap music has lots to do with it because every rap vide shoules ladies in bathing suits, short shorts and with all their personal stuff out there and that bring the attention to viewers that is ok or normal. But i also belive us as woman should respect our own selves so other can respect us. For example in the BET, I saw ladies going along with male putting their hangs on them and stand behind them(all over them) and not say anything as to the one that did turn around and showed them how a woman need to be respected. I do think that rap does allow the increase of rape and domestic violence in society because rap music show man are in charge.
I do agree with Grace Toledo that rape and violence happens everywhere everyday. I also agree that rap is not totally blame for this behavior. However, there are alot of rap songs that do nothing but degrade women. Women should not be talked about or much less rapped about as if they are objects. But of course like Yisy said, women need to show respect for themselves so the respect can be reciprocated by others.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you Disla about the meaning of a "real man." A real man is someone who has pride and respect for himself. He is secure with himself and does not feel the need to be domineering with women. The large majority of women want a man who is caring, loving, and yes, is not afraid to show weaknesses.
ReplyDeleteRap is nothing more than lyrics that explain a story. Much like country music that also tells a story, the difference is that very few songs represent the violence that rap music protrays. To emulate those themes in rap music is to land in jail or end up in a bad situation. I once saw a video of 50cent the rapper's life and his story tells about success at a price. No one can denied the influence of rap music to the young minds of today's society. No one really knows what success and sacrifice are until both have been reached. Everyone wants to be rich and powerful, but those things come with a hefty price.
ReplyDelete1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how “a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDeleteThere is a great variety of people in this country, and what a real man should act like changes depending what person you ask. I would say a "real" man, everyone, is supposed to act with ethics, morals, and respect to everyone including himself. I would say a real man should put his family before himself, a real man does his best and not his worst, a real man apologizes when he makes a mistake and also tries to correct it, a real man should set a good example for his kids. On the other hand, if we see what a "real" man should act like from a hip hop perspective, then men should always be tough, degrading women, looking for money, and showing off his riches.
2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
I think rappers have a great impact in young adults, and they see rappers as role models. This however does not mean rap is to be fully accountable for “gangsta” in today’s society. Rap music is an expression of past struggles, but some use it as an excuse for the way they live their life.
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
Rap music's view of women has a great impact in rape and violence against women but not everyone that listens to rap music will rape or beat up women. Those who make the choice to degrade, rape, abuse women are responsible for their own actions. These abusive men should know better than to cross those lines that are clearly drawn. I was always taught, since a very young age, to respect, appreciate, and defend women from any harmful situation. I think those men violent men will commit those horrendous acts sooner or later; rap music just hastens these wrong doings.
The socially constructed reality of how a real has to act is to provide for their family, be tough, never show too much emotion, dont cry. blah, blah, blah. Men nowadays are totally different they depend on their partner to help them provide for their family, they are caring, show emotions, cry if they have to, in other words human....
ReplyDeleteI belive in every generation people blame music for bad behaviour. In my youth the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Doors and many more were to blame for drug use. People choose to act a certan way and do certain things and find a way to blame someone orr something for their bad choices.
Rape and violence against woman has always existed.Nowadays is more acceptable to see it in movies, music videos, ect...I feel that music should be about such violents act or dehuminize women in such ways. To be hones I listen to Hip Hop sometimes but I really dont listen to the words I feel the beat and rythm that is why maybe I dont belive that music can make you act in violent ways.
1. One reason why I personally never liked rap music is because it has always been associated with violence. The clip we watched in class is sadly another proof of such. The socially constructed reality portrayed in this clip and the many others like it on how "real men" are to be is that man has to be different. Different in many ways first by showing they are in control of everything. They must have more than one women to show and prove his manhood. Must father many children with these different women to prove his virility. Must have the dough and the bling bling by any means necessary. The media unfortunately has not helped in changing this image and most definitely rap music is only adding to this kind of behavior and attitude.
ReplyDelete2. As far as rap being responsible for the construction of "gangsta" I would not go as far as saying that. It plays a major role in constructing the image but I will not take deliberation to only blame it for such. The term gangsta and the image that it reflects has been viewed in many different ways even before rap music added to the meaning of the term.
3. Am I going to blame rap music for the rape registered among women especially African American women. No, I will not. I do not believe that these girls portrayed in these videos do themselves and others a favor by showing up half naked like that. It does send the wrong message and it definitely opens the door for unwanted problems. Indeed, the depiction of women in these songs is pathetic and low, but hey after all money talks and B.S. works. We can not expect any better coming from these same men who believe that women are whores and bitches. These men portray women as a thing with no feelings and decision making skills they can conquer at anytime. A lot of times what a woman calls a rape is perceived differently coming from the rapist's view. Raping a woman is a sign of control and conquer. I can not completely lay the blame for the lyrics in these songs when it comes to rapes and violence against women. As a woman myself, I have to admit that too often the women are the ones responsible for their own rapes and violence against them.
The comments posted by kiki was me
ReplyDeleteAnne Surin for anyone wondering.
I have to disagree with andrea in a tiny way in such that men now a days rely more on their partners. True to a certain extent, but you still find a too big of a percentage of men that still carry the old mentality that men are to be tough, strong, and the leader. I do agree with you though andrea that over the years, music has carried a lot blame for a lot of behaviors. Like we hear too often, this too shall pass. The question is are we ready for the next one to come after rap has done its time.
ReplyDelete1- I think that what this video shows is not what a real man is. I was taught that a real man is respectful, has honor, his word has value, and he is a provider for his household. What this video shows is more like out of control, no responsibility kind of human behavior. The men that reflect this behavior usually are the ones that don't have a strong set of family values or parental involvement.
ReplyDelete2- I think they had a great deal of influence. Since it promotes violence, profanity, promiscuity,rape, street gangs, drive by shooting, vandalism, drug dealing, and substance abuse.
3- Rap music shouldn't take all the blame. There is a lot more media agents that contribute to that act. I think pornography is the greatest influence on men to commit such acts of violence and rape.
1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDeleteThe social construction of how a man is suppose to act is ambiguous. You get it from your family the primary structure. And you get it from friend, peers, and media. This is why we have a lot of clowns trying to be thugs. Usually the man that gets it right is the one that learns from the family. They learn to be respecfull, responsible, assertive, and caring. You can guess where the others get it from.
2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
ReplyDeleteIt does have some influence on a particular type of "gangsta" and their way of life. As for the actual construction of the "gansta" in today's society, I think not. It was actually done by the violent history of american culture. For the real "gansta" rap music just fortify their way of living. Sort of like vitamins. lol
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
ReplyDeleteRap music's view of women is not responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women. The rapist and beater is a preexisting condition that needs to be straighten out with a phycologist if possible. On the other hand on the video we did see males rubbing and feeling on everything in sight. That leads me to believe that these rap enthusiast only act out on what they actually are bombarded with on television. The image of their favorite rap persona feeling up and rubbing up on women. The women are at fault here also. Why are they dressed like the girls on the video? They are both suffering from the media brain wash while someone is of getting rich.
1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how “a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Melvin, "a real man" is a man that makes sure he displays all the qualities mentioned by Melvin. In the film the so call real man were putting up a front in order to impress each other and them self. I understand rap music is a cultural expression, but it should not be used as a lifestyle guide.
Some parts of society have "constructed" opinions and ways of interacting with each other based on the image being portrait through rap.
2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
Following up with the comments I made for the previous question I believe rap music has defined and glorified how a "gangsta" should be and act. I don't have anything against the culture that surrounds rap music, but I personally don't like it for several reasons, one of them it degrades females, they are objects and are used as a measuring device, it also puts down the human element of those portrait in the lyrics and the inspiration is based on violence. That is why I strongly believe that rap is responsible for the construction of the "gangsta”.
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
Is hard to say that rap is responsible for the rapes and violence against women, but at the same time is easy to see how society can view the dehumanization of women in rap as a cause of violence and rape. In the film we watched women were used as objects, and like I said before a way to measure the "manhood" or the success a man can have.
1- Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act? well it depends where you live. their is no right answer to this question. Where i come from, maintaining a family is known as a "real man".
ReplyDelete2- Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
yes it is. but most people in this area who think their a gangsta are not. Gangsters are people who are forced to act that way, not just do it to be cool.
3- Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
Some woman do the videos for the money cause they need it. I don't in anyway believe that they enjoy being treated that way. Yes it does influence kids to commit rape crimes.
1) On a social prospective “a real man” problem is a stereotype that is being used for generations, it do not mean that the subject or individual is capable of doing any brave act or contribution to his society or to his family. A real man problem in 99% of the cases is base on fear to others, lack of education, family abused during childhood, bulling in schools and many others social problems. A real man now a days is that one that can terrorize, blasphemies or abuse others at any time, instead of, a real man is suppose to be the one that can show to society how today new man is capable of the construction of a new society of educated mans and women full of new ideas and goals in life.
ReplyDelete2) I don’t think that Rap music is responsible for the “gangsta” in today society, in today society there are many gangsters groups that has no affiliations with any Rap music, in fact they do not event like Rap music. But on the other hand we do have several groups that do like Rap music and get attracted by some rappers vocabulary and manners and expressions of tuff guy, invulnerable and violent behavior only to show a point of view or filing like “a real man” situation, at the end is only a powerful weapon to sale and make their self famous. Then many young boys and girls are making a copy of that behavior and are the ones capable of making gangs base on the wrong idea or mode.
3) Rape and violence against women is a subject of no near end; is it possible that the Rap industry is showing in their videos and music a way where women are treated every day on a society were mans are the omnipotent and women are a sex object ?. Probably not, probably that is what the producers have in their minds about a women, or probably what they want to show to the public is how women are being degraded on their videos and music and that way the audience that is not espouse to that environment will make their own judgment and will try not to become like those women that are being use or abuse on those videos and music shows.
1-Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDelete2-Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
3-Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
The socially constructed reality of how “a real man” is supposed to act according to this film is that “a real man” is someone who is masculine, aggressive, the bread winner of the family, appear tough, display fearlessness by using or having guns aggression, exploit women, as well as someone who doesn’t not show any emotion.
I don’t believe that rap music is the only medium that is responsible for the construction of the “gangsta” in today’s society; film also has an influence. Rappers are successful individuals who have now become role models and certain people follow the beliefs of these individuals in the way that they talk, express themselves, act and dress. Therefore many people are influenced by these behaviors and copy them. I do believe that rap music is responsible for the construction of the “gangsta” in today’s society but it’s not the only one.
I don’t believe that rap music’s view of women is responsible for the “experienced reality" of rape and violence towards women. Violence towards women can go back many, many generations even before rap music existed. I believe that these types of acts are mainly just influenced by a person’s past experiences in a family breakdown of some kind.
1-Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDelete2-Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
3-Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women?
The socially constructed reality of how “a real man” is supposed to act according to this film is that “a real man” is someone who is masculine, aggressive, the bread winner of the family, appear tough, display fearlessness by using or having guns aggression, exploit women, as well as someone who doesn’t not show any emotion.
I don’t believe that rap music is the only medium that is responsible for the construction of the “gangsta” in today’s society; film also has an influence. Rappers are successful individuals who have now become role models and certain people follow the beliefs of these individuals in the way that they talk, express themselves, act and dress. Therefore many people are influenced by these behaviors and copy them. I do believe that rap music is responsible for the construction of the “gangsta” in today’s society but it’s not the only one.
I don’t believe that rap music’s view of women is responsible for the “experienced reality" of rape and violence towards women. Violence towards women can go back many, many generations even before rap music existed. I believe that these types of acts are mainly just influenced by a person’s past experiences in a family breakdown of some kind.
While rap is nothing but lyrics, like many agree, its like a story. Told enough times and it will start making sense. Besides, many songs cross the line and degrade women.
ReplyDeleteThe socially constructed reality of what a "real man" should be consists of the man being strong, tough, be able to dominate, powerful, lots of money, be a player, and most importantly, not show any weakness. I believe although society uses those qualities as identifiers, a males upbringing also has a lot to do with how they turn out as adults.
ReplyDeleteI don't only blame rap music as the construction of the "gangsta". I feel the media in general and the surrounding enviornment of the individual is what brings out the worst actions in people.
I can not agree that rap music influences rape and violence against women. There is something more powerful than just music to make anyone assault a woman. Rap does derogate women and I can see how younger males can't diffrenciate reality from the music.
1. In reference to the socially construction of a "real man", that depends on the individual you are asking. If it's a woman from with no morals and values instilled in her as a child then her real man is suppose to be gangsta, hardcore, possibly a drug dealer, always in control, and could possibly be a woman beater. On the other hand, if you ask a woman who is family oriented with morals and values, then a real man to her is suppose to show respect to his mother and father as well as his wife and children. He teaches his kids how to respect others, and never would think about lifting his hand to hit his wife or girlfriend. So it just depends on the individual you ask.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to question number 2, I think rap music is partly responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society. The other part responsible is the environment the individual was growing up in as a child. I guess every man wants respect from their peers, but you have to be worthy to get respect. In the film, it is said rap music orginated in one of the worst neighborhoods in New York, it was basically a war zone at the time. This means the rappers are living their lives all over again through their music as well as their lives. Homicide is ther leading cause of death for a black man between the ages of 15-34. So the gang environment and the prison environment definitely reflects in rap music with the gangsta construction mentality.
In reference to question 3, I think rap music is partly responsible for the experienced reality of rape and violence against women. The other part depends on the individual mind stability. The lyrics are so violent that rappers could easily confuse themselves of what is real and what is not real. The lyrics are almost always degrading women, calling them bitches and hoes, while expressing how they will slap a hoe. If this is a person that is already unstable then rap music could easily be responsible for the experienced reality of rape and violence against women.
The socially constructed reality of how a real has to act is to provide for their family, be tough, never show too much emotion, dont cry. blah, blah, blah. Men nowadays are totally different they depend on their partner to help them provide for their family, they are caring, show emotions, cry if they have to, in other words human....
ReplyDeleteI belive in every generation people blame music for bad behaviour. In my youth the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Doors and many more were to blame for drug use. People choose to act a certan way and do certain things and find a way to blame someone orr something for their bad choices.
Rape and violence against woman has always existed.Nowadays is more acceptable to see it in movies, music videos, ect...I feel that music should be about such violents act or dehuminize women in such ways. To be hones I listen to Hip Hop sometimes but I really dont listen to the words I feel the beat and rythm that is why maybe I dont belive that music can make you act in violent ways.
1- The socially constructed view of a man implies that a man has to be tough, has to be able to dominate, have the last word, be in control etc.This concept in my opinion has always been the same, the difference is that back in the days, men used these qualities or abilities to protect their families and provide for them, nowadays it has become a matter of survival and popularity, not only the toughest men live, but they also gain respect from the ones around him.
ReplyDelete2- Although rap music can influence the way people think, and in many cases teach the inexperienced a bad example of what the world should be, I don't think it is the number one cause of such attitude. I think these survival skills, and obsession of control come from the neighborhoods. Because of the way these people live and the situations they often have to overcome; is that they become they way they are.Rap is the method they use to speak up what they have inside, is a way of expressing themselves. Yes it is true that they degrade women and often do things that are morally incorrect, but I don't think it necessarily means that's their perspective towards all women, i think they mostly do it because it sells.
3- Rap videos are in part responsible for the violence and the violence and the rape against women. We have 12 and 13 year old kids watching these videos and yet their minds are still too young to differentiate the difference between reality or morally acceptable and/or unacceptable. They grow up thinking it is ok to slap a woman, they think it is ok to talk to them in a disrespectfull way because that is what they see. On the other hand, I do think women are partly responsible because they know what they can be exposed to yet they still agree to doing those videos, and they still go to places such as Daytona's Rap fest almost naked. For a lot of these women, it is funny for a man to call her names and tell her obsenities. Now let's not forget about mens' desire to be in control. Statistics have shown that most rapes are not a sexual issue, in most cases, it is about been in control. So we go back to they way these men grow up, and like Mr Bosch was saying repetition is the key to a lot of things. 15, 16, even 20 years telling yourself you have to be in control all the time until it actually comes out naturally.
Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how “a real man” is supposed to act?
ReplyDeleteThe socially constructed reality of how a “real man” is supposed to act is tough, emotionless, powerful, dominant, be providers and never ever show signs of weakness. From the time they’re born, males are taught that boy don’t cry, and if they do they’re considered “sissies”. Many fathers (and mothers alike) teach their boys at a young age that they needs to be tough. It’s not ok to cry and show emotions. This undoubtedly follows a boy through his teenage years and then into adulthood. My fiancé comes across as a very “mean and tough” guy, when deep down he is a soft and caring individual. However, he tells me that he cannot show weakness or be too “nice”. It’s just frowned upon.
Is rap music responsible for the construction of the “gangsta” in today’s society?
Everyone wants to be a rich, powerful rapper surrounded by half naked (or totally naked) women. A rapper is portrayed just as our socially constructed “real man”. Tough, powerful and dominant. In the video, Fifty Cent’s shooting incident was brought up as portrayed in his song Many Men. The idea that he was shot eight (or however many number of times) and still survived and rose to become even more powerful is something that all the “wannabe ganstas” want to be. Rap songs/videos are full of drugs, sex and violence, therefore building up that image of today’s gangsta.
Is rap music’s view of women responsible for the “experience reality” of rape and violence against women?
Although I do feel that rap music portrays women as nothing more than pieces of meat to be tossed around to the hungry dogs, I don’t think that it’s completely responsible for the experience reality of rape and violence against women. I will point out the section in the video where some women are interviewed during BET’s spring bling. When they are told what the guys were saying about them, they did not think it was a big deal. They said “I know he wasn’t talking about me”. How can he not be talking about you? He said there are the “sisters” and there are the b__ches, and pointed directly at these women. Yet the women had no problem with that. I think that it is attitudes such as the ones from these women that help to lead to rape and violence. If you want to have yourself respected, then stand up for yourself! Additionally, I don’t feel that walking around in booty shorts and a bikini top through crowds of intoxicated men is a smart idea. Yes, a woman should be able to wear whatever she wants, whenever she wants and not have to fear getting assaulted or raped. However, we have to be realistic about what goes on in our society. As much as I hate to say it, these women needs to respect themselves a bit more and not place themselves in dangerous situations like these!
1-Can you identify the socially constructed reality of how " a real man" is supposed to act?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the video a real man is suppose to be strong, hard, though, respective and independent. It all depends on how each individual sees it.
2-Is rap music responsible for the construction of the "gangsta" in today's society?
No, because it all depends on the way that you approach life. I think that if you are a strong individual you stick to you beliefs and to what you have learned at home.
3-Is rap music's view of women responsible for the "experienced reality" of rape and violence against women? Sometimes because those women do not care about anything else other than the money. It all depends on the type of women you are. If you ask for respect from the beginning then you will receive respect.
The socially constructed "real man" is represented in most rappers out there. Rappers are accepted by their peers and fans depending on how tough, and "macho" they appear. If they don't act this way they are said to be soft. I see this a real problem especially for the young people who idolize the rappers and want to emulate what they see.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mike rap is not responsible for the creation of the "gansta" but it does to a certain extent encourage that behavior.
I don't blame rap music for women getting raped but I think that some young men may see what goes on in some of these rap videos and they may cross the line as far as unwelcome touching goes. Especially in an environment where there is large crowds and lots of alcohol.
I agree with Jessy if you are going to go to a place where there are a lot of intoxicated people and you know what goes on at these events then try not to make yourself a target by dressing in overly revealing clothing.