Hip Hop Vs Society

Gary Toms believes hip hop music has a negative impact on society today because it depicts explicit images that encourage violence, provides a false reality, and exploits the young. Although hip hop has been around for decades, it has drastically changed over the years. The author argues the once innocent, feel good music has taken a drastic shift for the worse. Some may argue hip hop has inspired those for the better; bringing them through the darkest times. But Toms claims this is certainly not the case, especially concerning today's youth.

The author believes the dangerous lyrics and the glorification of the street encourages violence among the youth. He states these visual images persuade kids towards a lifestyle of crime and 'thug' like activities, such as selling drugs or hustling. Children are so impressionable at a young age. Toms argues the flashy images of wealth, jewelry, and woman make rappers seem like good role models. When in actuality, most are not. Still, children will strive to achieve the grandeur of their success. Even if that means turning to a life of crime and destruction.

Toms also contends hip hop music today has negatively impacted society because it stipulates a false reality, much different than the real world. Not only does it motivate the youth to drop out of school to pursue rap careers, it makes it okay for children to engage in disrespectful behavior. Children as young as seven, cursing and doing derogatory gestures, much like they see on tv. Toms also argues hip hop fosters a negative image of African-Americans as a whole. Too many channels, such as BET, support negative images of blacks glorifying ignorance and stupidity. These images only fuel the already negative stereotypes of African-Americans today.

Lastly, Toms believes hip hop today exploits the young too early, setting them on a wayward path at a rapid rate. Toms maintains children are being inducted in the industry too prematurely. In turn, children are not having the chance to be children. They are instead being pulled into the adult world, only to be controlled solely by the industry. Because of this, children lose out on many opportunities. Toms argues the industry puts more influence on record sales, than education. This lack of education leaves children unequipped to make wise decisions, making them prey to the greed of the industry. Overall, this puts them on a downward path, especially if their music deal falls short of success. Toms contends children should be at least 18 years of age, to have the chance to fully mature, before being subjected to the hip hop world.

In conclusion, the author does not believe hip hop today has made the best impression on society. It's derogatory images, fabricated realities, and exploitation of the youth has set a bitter undertone for music today. Toms maintains education is the only key to success. The tools embedded in this instruction, will help revert music

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