Originally Written for English 102 (Honors) on February 3, 2002.

Everyone has their own opinions about artistic self-expression. For many conservative critics, one of the most controversial forms is rap music. It is considered by older generations to be questionable entertainment.

Jon Pareles, a music critic for The New York Times, discusses how rap has been blamed for violence and racism. In his article On Rap, Symbolism, and Fear, Pareles states that rap is the nexus point of a new generation.

Pareles explains how rap has caused controversy in the media. To critics, the recent riots at movie theaters and sporting events have become scapegoats. In particular, the critics attack the artists in the music industry. They believe that artists use rap as a hostile and renegade form of self-expression. In contrast, Pareles thinks that too many people “leap from a handful of lyrics to blanket denunciations.” The fans believe the majority of rappers actually ignore White Americans and promote self-help and humorous, even ritualistic boasting. For example, Chubb Rock focuses on positive aspects of life and advocates for peace and respectability in the music industry.

According to Pareles, rap has been around since the early 1970s then officially entered the music industry in 1980. Pareles concludes the controversy about rap should be over. Today, only the most fanatical individual would consider classic rock music a threat to the civilized world.

Unlike rock music, Pareles believes that “rap hasn’t had it so easy.” With rap’s wide range of performers and success, Pareles wonders why it hasn’t become just another form of entertainment. Ultimately, Pareles believes the problem lies somewhere between social and racial issues and the minds of politicians and older generations. Pareles points out that even at “rare racists extremes,” rap music only imitates the thoughts of young people for decades. The inspiration comes from the social and economic conditions they grew up around, offering them a unique opportunity. Pareles concludes by stating that rap can’t be stereotyped because artists pursue this method of self-expression for different reasons. Until rap music is treated as “something other than a terrifying [single entity],” the critics will continue to attack.

Indeed, Pareles addressed the misconceptions of rappers and why critics fear those who listen to their music. But he forces the issue into an “us-versus-them” argument. Throughout his article, Pareles takes too much of a defensive posture. For example, Pareles fails to acknowledge that some people do not listen to rap because of personal reasons. Quickly, he dismisses the opinion of others, which is ironic because Pareles is a critic.

According to his point of view, everyone believes that there are only two sides to this argument. Either accept and embrace rap music as positive self-expression or become a racist and self-righteous conservative critic.

As a result, Pareles downplays the dark side of the rap industry. He spends little time on the accusations made against rap. Pareles mentions a few artists who are extreme, but he dismisses them as rare examples. Conversely, Pareles develops the idea about generalizations. For years, critics have associated incorrect and negative stereotypes to artists and their fans.

A case in point, my fear started in elementary school. A group of black students who enjoyed rap music formed a playground gang. They bullied and mistreated the other children during recess. Soon, I was fearful when I saw any black classmates, no matter what music they enjoyed.

In time, I overcame that type of visceral reaction. I realized that we should not judge someone based on their musical taste…or skin color.

Presently, I have a coworker who deals with the urge to develop racist stereotypes about people. She believes we have more problems with black customers trying to argue about the video store membership requirements. Also, movies like Love and Basketball, Next Friday, and the Original Kings of Comedy are consistently stolen from our inventory. I have to remind the employee that the store is located in a densely populated urban neighborhood. Thus, the minority groups are the majority of our customers.

Truly, it is wrong to categorize any group of people for the actions of an individual. But it is difficult for other people to break that vicious cycle of fear and stereotypes. Alas, the controversy about rap music will continue.