Next member of Wu-Tang ... Don Imus!
The Don Imus fallout has taken its inevitable turn to hip-hop. The "If it's wrong for one, why is it OK for someone else?" debate. News reports are abounding, asking "what's the difference?"
The difference is age and culture. A young rapper's language is naturally going to be different than a 382-year-old radio host. Imus does not equal Ludacris.
That's not to condone the misogynistic elements in some rap (emphasis on some because it's a gross stereotype that all rappers play that game). But it's an apples-and-oranges issue. To point blame at young MCs because the Grim Reaper got booted off the air is ridiculous.
Rant officially over.
Comments
I think the fact that his remarks are causing more scrutiny on the misogyny that *does* exist in hip-hop is a good thing. Although outrcry about that seems to pop up every few years and then disappear. Nothing ever happens; songs describing women as sex objects continue to be hits...
That said, it'd be nice to hear some public outcry against the bling-bling culture pervading mainstream hip-hop and pop music. Anyone heard Fergie's "Glamorous"? I can't help but think of 4-year-olds singing, "If you don't got your money take your broke ass home."
Posted by: Lesley | April 16, 2007 12:31 PM
I believe Imus celebrated birthday No. 383 on Sunday.
Posted by: Travis | April 16, 2007 1:16 PM
Blaming rappers for your own irresponsible actions is one of America's best new traditions.
Rappers invent all this negativity - seriously. They invent this f*%#ing s*#t and then inject it directly into the thickest, meatiest vein coursing through America's collective conscious.
Or is is it unconscious?
Not sure, but all this Jungian hip-hop is making me horny, forreal. Get at me ladies.
Posted by: skin | April 16, 2007 1:50 PM
So, are rappers the standard of which we live by now. Goodness.
"Do not be a fool who's prejudice. We're all written down on the same list. It's like that, and that's the way it is.
Run DMC
Posted by: Johnny Appleseed | April 16, 2007 9:50 PM