Evaluating the Negative Effects of Rap Music

most potent influences of young peoples' perceptions of reality and their resulting

behavior. Studies have shown that instead of seeing gangsta rap as a form of

entertainment, adolescents perceive the songs to be autobiographical (Miranda,

Claes, 113) or in other words, specifically addressing their unique situation and

challenges. As rap artists often resort to drugs, sex, or violence as the means to

resolve the conflicts in their songs and videos, adolescents often model this

behavior, seeing it as a proven path to getting what they want. This is

particularly troubling in young African-American girls, aged 14 - 18, who watch

between six or seven hours of rap music videos a day in many cases. This

specific demographic group is the most at-risk as they lack role models that can

provide them the guidance to attain personal confidence and success in their

lives, and instead, through rap music and videos, see sex and the ability to

tolerate violence from a man as a means to a better life (Wingwood, DiClemente,

Bernhardt, Harrington, et al, 437 - 439). What is very disturbing about rappers

cause for concern alone yet the chain reaction of deviant behaviors is what

suburbs, Snoop Dogg has been known to take an armored van to the Grammy

it, yet fail to acknowledge publicly that their lyrics, lifestyle and music videos lead

street. Despite all this success however there is the issue of how his music is

while at the same time promoting a "win at all costs" mentality within the

rappers' most ardent fans. The denigration of women in rap is pervasive and

Some topics in this essay:
Bernhardt Harrington, Kanye West, Miranda Claes, Snoop Dogg, Eveland Nathanson, Model Despite, , Compton California, Grammy Awards, rap music, snoop dogg, music videos, rap artists, Bernardino California, 14 18, harrington et al, et al, bernhardt harrington, harrington et, al 437, rap music's, bernhardt harrington et, al 437 439, et al 437, rap music videos,