Hip Hop War On Drugs Essay

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The Impact of Hip Hop on Drugs: Research Proposal Drugs have been a part of America’s society since the 1800s, and since then people have become more aware of its effects. It was not until 1914 when the first federal drug policy was passed, the Harrison Narcotics Act, which enforced the production of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and morphine (Opium Throughout History). However, what people know as “The War On Drugs” was declared in 1971 by President Richard Nixon to combat drug abuse in the United States (Thirty Years of…). Those that opposed the war state the significant problems that have been created as a result of drug criminalization. One of the most notable examples are the disproportionate rates of arrest on African American drug dealers. On the other hand, those that support the war argue from morals, stating that drug abuse is morally wrong, and can damage American values. Furthermore, others believe that criminalizing drugs can target smugglers and dealers which can fix the root of the problem (The United States...). Although the early stages of the war on drugs were before the infancy of hip-hop, the role of the war will create a …show more content…

I will also consult sources that are in support and against the issue as well as compare mainly modern hip-hop songs to analyze how the war on drugs affected the song’s lyrics, style, and audience. In addition to these resources, the research will also take other issues into account, such as incarceration and the creation of a permanent underclass known as the “casualties of war” consisting of “all poor or lower-income people” (Blumenson and Nilson). As a result, the research will provide a point of view on the effects of the war on drugs on hip-hop and the minority community, and what was the aftermath of the long

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