It might be considered that I am making more effort to make entries in this web log. Do not be fooled this is simply a statistical anomaly. And perhaps a reflection of the fact that I am rested after a couple of weeks away from the sometimes life sapping environment that is work. Actually this is a little unfair – last year was a life sapping experience – a constant struggle against imminent failure is always draining. This year we start with success very firmly within our grasp and I am hoping that it will be a much more pleasant experience all round.
There was an interesting item on the today program yesterday talking about the link between gun culture amongst the black community and rap music. Ignoring the obvious point that “black” culture and music has a much wider influence than simply black people as witnessed by its presence in mainstream culture it is interesting that people try to make this link every time something seemingly alien appears. We had it with rock music in the 60’s and punk in the 70’s and dance culture in the 90’s. The key point that people are missing is that music comes from a culture. Gangsta rap talks about guns and crack because that is the life these people know (admittedly the now wealthy rappers like p.diddy talking about it is somewhat disingenuous). It would be like blaming blues for the high rate of divorce or alcoholism.
It is much more likely, and unfortunately harder to do something about, that the gun culture spreads because these people feel disempowered, the gun is the ultimate in instant empowerment – even the skinny kid with glasses is someone when they have a gun. The police are failing these people – dialling 999 doesn’t solve problems it simply brings down more injustices, or at least it has in the past. If we want rid of this disturbing new development in our society we need to start addressing the problems that lead to people needing to establish their own system of “justice” – a decent social system, proper opportunities in life and a criminal justice system that works for all not just the white middle classes.
Music is a reflection of the lives and thoughts of the people making it. The people who think that rap music causes gun culture should listen past the swear words and “shocking” references to the context – yes a lot of it is about getting girls and stuff like that but a lot of it is about the struggle for people to empower themselves in a world that seemingly is stacked against them.
Posted by Mark at January 8, 2003 10:32 AM