Tricia Rose's Hip Hop Wars

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In this paper, it will examine how Tricia Rose describes the current condition of hip hop. The paper will also discuss many arguments that are argued by both critics and defenders. The main focus of these arguments relate to issues within the hip hop culture. Not only will this paper discuss the arguments, but it will also debate them. Overall, from this paper one will see that there is a purpose for these arguments, but that does not mean that they are always the best arguments.
To begin, in Tricia’s Rose’s Hip Hop Wars, the author goes into great detail about the current state of hip hop. From reading this book, one will see that Rose feels worried about this new generation of hip hop. This can be seen when Rose states, “Hip hop is in a …show more content…

This can be seen in Rose states, “according to some critics, if we just got rid of hip hop and the bad behavior it supports…. structurally created racism and disadvantage would disappear like vapor” (Rose, 7). One problem with this argument is that it is assuming that hip hop is the cause of bad behavior. Despite what people listen to or watch, they will behave however they want to behave. Therefore, it is unfair to assume that everyone who listens to hip hop is going to misbehave. Also, rather than cause problems, hip hop has created a way for people to express themselves and discuss the issues they face. Another problem with this argument is that it blames the victim for the way people treat them. The critics are basically agreeing to treat black people better if they act differently. In the end, that is not how the world works. People should hold themselves responsible for the way they treat other …show more content…

One of these arguments is somewhat too supportive. That argument, according to Rose, is “For some, all expression in commercialized hip hop, despite its heavy manipulation by the record industry, is the unadulterated truth and literal personal experience of fill-in-the blank rapper…” (Rose, 6). In other words, these supporters believe that everything that these rappers are talking about are true events (Rose, 6). The problem with this argument is the blind trust that these supporters are giving the rappers. This is not to say that these rappers are completely lying, but that does not necessarily mean that they are telling the truth either. Another problem with this argument, is that it seems very superficial. What does it matter if the artist actually did all of the things he is rapping about? They are writing the song to entertain or inform of issues they are aware of. It is artistic expression and they can express themselves in any manner they would like. However, there are also cons to this expression as

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