No hope - Page 14

Caroline_afifi · 06-23-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makeda Maysa

Okay, wow. I haven't participated in this thread up until now, but this? A bit overboard in my opinion.

The gang "scene" is, indeed, aggressive. However, hip-hop is not inherently aggressive, nor is it necessarily linked to gangs.

'Can be' and 'too' are the key words here.
I didnt say 'all' and it seems no dance scene is free form politics and aggression.
Gangs are related to MC's and so is some hip hop.

Aisha Azar · 06-23-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makeda Maysa

Okay, wow. I haven't participated in this thread up until now, but this? A bit overboard in my opinion.

The gang "scene" is, indeed, aggressive. However, hip-hop is not inherently aggressive, nor is it necessarily linked to gangs.

Dear Makeda,
Being the grandmother of a biracial 11 year old boy who is very into hiphop, I would very much agree with what you say. I was just not capable of another discussion of any intensity at the moment and so I left it alone. I am sure that Caroline did not mean any offense. She also lives in England and I am not sure what forms the genre has taken as it crossed the Atlantic.

PS: My grandson is coming to spend the week with me starting on Wednesday, everybody! I just love this kid! He is a funny, smart, most beautiful child. I CAN"T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards,
A'isha

Makeda Maysa · 06-23-2008, 04:11 PM

Hi A'isha,
Thanks for your post. I think I'm way too weary to enter into an intense argument here and, like you, I'm not sure about what forms hip-hop has taken in other parts of the world. However, as a member of the "hip-hop generation", as a woman who has watched it grow around her every day and has participated in it, I don't appreciate the mention of it and gangs in the same breath. Hip-hop is a legitimate way of life and has spawned beautiful art forms. Of course, I do acknowledge and realize that there are people who have been a part of the hip-hop culture who were or are actively involved in gangs. There are also many who have nothing to do with gangs whatsoever. MC does not = gang member or gang-related by any means. I think that is a tired stereotype and I'm over it. And continuing to perpetuate it does nothing to recognize the legitimate contributions of the culture.

Enjoy your grandson - he sounds great! I have my own small daughter and I love every second of watching her grow up!

Caroline_afifi · 06-23-2008, 04:12 PM

No I really didnt mean offence. I was just making an example of how agression can penetrate all dance forms etc.
I hold a regular 'hip hop' night at the Youth Club I run in Liverpool with an organisation called Urbeatz. the message is anti-racism anti-gun crime, anti-agression etc. etc. we also have a special night for black history month etc. etc. we use hip hop as a tool of peace but it is not the full picture unfortunately.

Makeda Maysa · 06-23-2008, 04:18 PM

You're right, Caroline, it's not the full picture and I would not try to pretend it is. Hip-hop has had some really painful parts in its history and there are still misogynistic lyrics in many rap songs and I am sometimes disgusted by the ways some folks have taken hip-hop dance and used it as a tool of titillation and female subjugation, but I still see that it can be used as a tool for peace (as you have stated), as a means of spreading understanding across cultures, as a worthy contribution to the world. It is a lifestyle and a number of art forms created by people who were unheard (Blacks and Latinos) and has spread across the world like wildfire. I think that's incredibly moving and worthy of respect.

Caroline_afifi · 06-23-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makeda Maysa

You're right, Caroline, it's not the full picture and I would not try to pretend it is. Hip-hop has had some really painful parts in its history and there are still misogynistic lyrics in many rap songs and I am sometimes disgusted by the ways some folks have taken hip-hop dance and used it as a tool of titillation and female subjugation, but I still see that it can be used as a tool for peace (as you have stated), as a means of spreading understanding across cultures, as a worthy contribution to the world. It is a lifestyle and a number of art forms created by people who were unheard (Blacks and Latinos) and has spread across the world like wildfire. I think that's incredibly moving and worthy of respect.

Totally agree!

06-23-2008, 04:11 PM	#133 (permalink)
Makeda Maysa Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 200	Hi A'isha, Thanks for your post. I think I'm way too weary to enter into an intense argument here and, like you, I'm not sure about what forms hip-hop has taken in other parts of the world. However, as a member of the "hip-hop generation", as a woman who has watched it grow around her every day and has participated in it, I don't appreciate the mention of it and gangs in the same breath. Hip-hop is a legitimate way of life and has spawned beautiful art forms. Of course, I do acknowledge and realize that there are people who have been a part of the hip-hop culture who were or are actively involved in gangs. There are also many who have nothing to do with gangs whatsoever. MC does not = gang member or gang-related by any means. I think that is a tired stereotype and I'm over it. And continuing to perpetuate it does nothing to recognize the legitimate contributions of the culture. Enjoy your grandson - he sounds great! I have my own small daughter and I love every second of watching her grow up! __________________ The Niraja Dance Company www.thendc.net

06-23-2008, 04:18 PM	#135 (permalink)
Makeda Maysa Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 200	You're right, Caroline, it's not the full picture and I would not try to pretend it is. Hip-hop has had some really painful parts in its history and there are still misogynistic lyrics in many rap songs and I am sometimes disgusted by the ways some folks have taken hip-hop dance and used it as a tool of titillation and female subjugation, but I still see that it can be used as a tool for peace (as you have stated), as a means of spreading understanding across cultures, as a worthy contribution to the world. It is a lifestyle and a number of art forms created by people who were unheard (Blacks and Latinos) and has spread across the world like wildfire. I think that's incredibly moving and worthy of respect. __________________ The Niraja Dance Company www.thendc.net

06-23-2008, 04:12 PM	#134 (permalink)
Caroline_afifi V.I.P. Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Liverpool UK Posts: 1,034	No I really didnt mean offence. I was just making an example of how agression can penetrate all dance forms etc. I hold a regular 'hip hop' night at the Youth Club I run in Liverpool with an organisation called Urbeatz. the message is anti-racism anti-gun crime, anti-agression etc. etc. we also have a special night for black history month etc. etc. we use hip hop as a tool of peace but it is not the full picture unfortunately.