Rap Music – College Essay Example
Rap Music – College Essay Example

Rap Music – College Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (844 words)
  • Published: August 2, 2018
  • Type: Case Study
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Rap's Controversial Nature: A Clash of Perspectives

There is a fervent dispute surrounding the societal implications of rap, despite some arguing that it is a form of musical poetry.

Sid Kirchheimer, in his article "Does rap put teens at risk," argues that rap music is believed to have a detrimental influence on young individuals, leading to harmful behavior. Contrarily, Curtis Aron, the author of "Rap Music: Is It As Bad As Some People Think?", refutes this notion and asserts that rap music is often unfairly judged and misunderstood as a whole. According to Aron, the negative perception surrounding rap music originates from a widespread stereotype and does not accurately represent the genre. Both authors present compelling arguments utilizing the Toulmin model by providing persuasive evidence to support their contrasting perspectives on rap music. Kirchheimer's assertion centers around people initially ho

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lding an unfavorable opinion towards rap music.

Kirchheimer suggests that teenagers are heavily impacted by rap music as a result of their frequent television viewing. He asserts that young people emulate the actions portrayed by their beloved rap artists or music videos through watching such content. Kirchheimer further states that prolonged exposure to rap music prompts adolescents to imitate the behaviors depicted on television. The statistical data supports the credibility of this assertion.

Research shows that girls who watched gangsta videos frequently (at least 14 hours per week) were more likely to engage in destructive behaviors compared to those who rarely or never watched such videos. Within a year, these girls experienced a three-fold increase in incidents of teacher violence, over 2.5 times higher chances of getting arrested, and twice the probability of having multiple sexual partners. Moreover, they ha

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a 1.5 times greater likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, using drugs, or consuming alcohol. These statistics offer evidence that supports the idea that rap music could elicit negative reactions in people.

According to Aron, rap music is often perceived as a negative influence, associated with violence, sexual exploitation, and excess. This genre has faced criticism in the media and has been linked to social problems in the nation. Aron acknowledges this popular view but presents a counterargument to show his understanding of the issue. He asserts that not all rap music is bad and backs his claim by using the Toulmin argument.

Aron argues that there is a type of rap music that aims to convey a positive message. This genre denounces violence and promotes peace and unity in the inner city, with the goal of enhancing people's lives. The author emphasizes the existence of positive rap and its potential to raise social awareness. As evidence, he mentions "The East Coast AllStars" as an example of a rap group that supports this view.

Kirchheimer supports a group that highlights the positive aspects of rap music and its influence on communities struggling with violence, sex, and drug exploitation. He acknowledges both sides of the argument, presenting his own counterargument that parents should be aware of their children's exposure to music. Negative stereotypes and behavioral influences are not limited to rap music alone, and not all rap music should be held responsible. However, nearly 1,000 studies have investigated the effects.

Kirchheimer acknowledges that not all rap music should be held accountable, demonstrating a certain level of reasonableness. He advises readers to acknowledge the validity of studies on the effects

of rap music. Furthermore, Kirchheimer appeals to emotions by suggesting that parents need to carefully monitor what their children watch and listen to. Aron concurs with Kirchheimer's response, acknowledging the strong influence that rap music has on individuals. Particularly, children tend to imitate the behaviors of these rappers.

Curtis Aron reveals that most of the statements made by rappers and artists are biased. Aron explains that these individuals often create fictionalized versions of events to captivate and entertain people. They sometimes use fictional characters to enhance these accounts. This practice is similar to what occurs in the movie industry. In movies, when our beloved actors portray characters who use guns, drugs, and engage in highly sexual behavior, it is not considered degenerate. Instead, it offers a fresh and expanded perspective on how we should perceive these fictional characters.

Rappers are similar to fictional characters in movies, as they engage in activities such as carrying guns, using drugs, and making sexual innuendos to captivate and entertain people. The controversy surrounding rap music is a highly debated issue, and both Sid Kirchheimer and Curtis Aron present themselves as scholarly sources on the subject. They rely on reliable information to support their arguments. Using the Toulmin model, both authors effectively convey their perspectives on rap music, aiming to educate readers. Kirchheimer argues that rap music initially garners negative reactions but provides compelling warrants and evidence to support his viewpoint.

However, Aron disproves the popular belief that rap music is solely a negative influence by presenting a stronger argument. He educates the readers by discussing the genre of rap music and its perceived negative reputation. Aron provides evidence supporting both sides of

the issue and builds upon Kirchheimer's argument.

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