Rap music contributes to violent crimes

Just some information as to why I have created this debate. I am currently enrolled in Law and we are scheduled to begin a debate about this issue in a few days. I was to be on the affirmative side, so I will be taking affirmative during this debate as well. ======================================= Be it resolved that rap music contributes to violent crime and therefore its production should be limited. ======================================= Definitions Rap music- a type of rhythmic talking, often with accompanying rhythm instruments Violent crimes-a crime in which the offender uses or threatens to use violent force upon the victim Production- the creation or manufacturing of a man-made product Limited- restricted or checked, by or as if by a constitution, laws, or an assembly For the purpose of this debate, I propose it should be limited by only selling it to persons over the age of 21. ======================================== Argument 1: Rap music has an impact on society 'The influence that rap currently has on our children all around the world is unfortunately a very strong one.'[1] People's words and people's actions are constantly criticised on a daily basis, and music is no exception. While listening to music, you can not help but notice the words and the beat associated with it. Whether for the good or bad, rap has influenced society. Whether or not it's something people idolize or music people refrain from associating from it. Argument 2: Rap music endorses violence Not only does rap more often than not contain vulgar language, it contains a fair amount of violent thoughts or actions. 'Eighty percent of the rap music that is currently on the top ten lists around the world contains violence. They glorify the acts of beating up another person, or even worse shooting them.'[1] Whether or not the vulgar language sometimes used influences you, the story behind the words can. A lot of rap music contains stories of domestic abuse and violence against individuals. 'Some rap song lyrics also have a dark side and most people associate rap lyrics with disrespect for women and violence because many rap lyrics talks about killing rival rappers and shooting cops. In the early 1990's the rivalry between west coast rappers and east coast rappers claimed the lives of the two biggest rappers of their era, Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.' [2] Argument 3: Rap videos promote destructive behaviour 'After studying 522 black girls between the ages of 14 and 18 from non- urban, lower socioeconomic neighborhoods, researchers found that compared to those who never or rarely watched these videos, the girls who viewed these gangster videos for at least 14 hours per week were far more likely to practice numerous destructive behaviors. Over the course of the one-year study, they were: Three times more likely to hit a teacher Over 2.5 times more likely to get arrested Twice as likely to have multiple sexual partners 1.5 times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, use drugs, or drink alcohol. ' [3] These are overwhelming facts. If that is the result from 522 young woman, I could imagine the statistics would only grow if you were to study even more woman, or consult young men. As you can see, young individuals are easily impressionable, and for this reason, music should be limited, just like how alcohol is. It should be limited distribution to only certain stores where they could make certain as to whom can buy the music. =============== In conclusion, rap music influences and contributes to violent crimes and therefore, should be limited in its production. Young individuals are impressionable, and should not be exposed to such harsh, disrespectful words. [1] http://www.associatedcontent.com... [2] http://www.articlesbase.com... [3] http://www.webmd.com...