Media's Socialization Effect through Hip Hop

1.     What do you think Byron Hurt’s thesis (main argument) is?

2.     Do you agree with his thesis?

3.     Are the images/lyrics of masculinity in hip hop damaging to society or should it be viewed as purely entertainment?

4.     How do these images/lyrics of masculinity affect women?

5.     “Black death has been ‘pimped’ by corporations”.  What do you think Chuck D of Public Enemy meant by that?  Do you agree with his statement?

Here are some hip hop groups that are dang good (IMHO) but don’t fall into the trap of ultra masculine rap and at time rap about being more positive in hip hop.

Beastie Boys (albums Check Your Head, Ill Communication, Hello Nasty, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2)

Jurassic 5 (albums Quality Control and Power in Numbers)

Talib Kweli (The Beautiful Struggle and Ear Drum)

Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star)

Deltron 3030

The Roots (any of there many many albums)