Hyper Masculinity

While in class as we talked about hyper masculinity and Tupac I just sat back and listened because I honestly didn't have much to say. I will admit I did not know much about Tupac, gangs, rappers, etc, but I had heard about hyper masculinity in other classes. I really enjoyed watching the documentary because it showed that the rappers didn't really want to be a part of the "idea" and image they had created for themselves. They admitted to growing up in a tough life, but not agreeing with it when they sang song. Even Busta Rhymes laughed as he talked about posing with a finger gun and tying people up with duck tapes because they are "gangsters."

But then as I watched I started to get mad. They think it's funny that this is the image they put out because it's not them. It's only the side that they sell. However, those rappers are selling this idea to kids that don't understand that it is just an image. The kids that are listening are taking what they say seriously and thinking I need to kill, rape, and murder to be like my favorite hero and rapper. Instead of using their power and influence to help those kids that they know are out there because they were one of them they are continually playing into this "gangster" and hyper masculinity to make money.

They are willing to tell a documentary that probably won't get scene by the people and children that take their lyrics seriously so that their image won't be ruined. To them and the people watching it looks like they're trying to help those problem children by opening up and admitting to being two different people, but it's just a front because they are still selling the songs about raping women, murder, guns, drive-bys.

I wanted to be excited when Marilyn told us that Tupac's song about his mom, Dear Momma, had been inducted into the hall of best songs (not sure if that is the exact title), and that it was a great honor. However, I had never heard of this song and never heard anyone talk about this song, so how big of a reach did the song receive other than those who had a huge Tupac following during his time or those who helped induct it into the hall? As much as I want to be super excited that a song written by a "gangster"  about loving his mom made a huge difference. It doesn't seem to have had much of an impact because today it doesn't show in songs of other rappers. Hopefully, soon the people who want to change this stereotype and image of rappers and gangsters will make a the hard decisions to not just put terrible lyrics into the world to make money, but lyrics people need to hear to help change young kids and adults who think that murder, rape, and violence is needed to be a man.