Rap music contributes to violent crimes

======= Definitions ======= I'd like to begin by pointing out a huge flaw in Pro's definition of rap music; if rap is to be considered rhythmic talking with background instrumentals, then songs like Tom's Diner by Suzanne Vega and Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed would fit into that category. However, since I don't want to argue over semantics, I'd like to assume that my opponent, the readers and I can all agree on what type of music should be considered rap. I'd also assume that the hip-hop genre category is being represented in this debate as well. ======== Argument 1 ======== Pro says that music influences society; however, you'll note that she completely ignored the reality that sometimes music can have POSITIVE effects. This round will illustrate some of the positive effects that listening to rap music can have on an individual. ======== Argument 2 ======== A) Pro states that the stories behind rap lyrics negatively influence people. On the contrary, I'd like to present one study that found students actually improved their academic abilities after watching rap videos, as well as expressed more progressive attitudes regarding society (i.e. decreased racial tension). After watching politically focused rap videos, they were more inclined to support a particular political candidate [1]. This suggests that rap can positively influence people to get involved in a positive way, such as becoming interested in politics. Songs about Bush and Obama during the 2004 and 2008 campaigns demonstrate this reality, along with encouragement of rappers for people to vote. B) Pro notes rap music promotes violence or disrespect towards women. Studies show that only rap music with misogynistic themes appears to create misogynistic attitudes and greater acceptance of violence against women. Other types of rap do not have a negative effect on the perception of women [1]. ======== Argument 3 ======== Pro posits that rap videos promote destructive behavior. To clarify, studies do show that after watching rap VIDEOS, viewers were more more accepting of violent actions. However, just because they were more accepting of it doesn't mean that they themselves would act violently. It simply correlates a desensitization. Another study revealed that after watching a rap video depicting women in sexually subordinate roles, individuals were more inclined to express acceptance of violence against women in a dating situation. However, increased acceptance of crime and violence appears to be linked with viewing violent or sexist rap VIDEOS rather than listening to rap music on its own [1]. So, it's not the music itself that is being linked to this behavior, and therefore this is a moot point. ========= Con's Point 1 ========= Listening to rap or heavy metal has not been shown to increase suicidal ideas and anxiety, or adversely affect self-esteem among college-aged men and women. Actually, students listening to a nonviolent rap song experienced more depressive symptoms than those who listened to a violent rap song [1]. ========= Con's Point 2 ========= Rap music as been an escape from poverty for many artists, including but not limited to Tupac, Eminem Biggie, etc. In fact, most successful rap artists come from extremely impoverished backgrounds. That kind of "escape" is seen as inspirational in urban communities. Instead of feeling hopeless, many poor kids find that rap and rap battles are a creative and non-violent hobby. Involvement or aspirations to be a part of the rap scene have helped keep many kids off the streets. ========= Con's Point 3 ========= Rap has a bad rap. Subjects who were given a violent lyrical passage were more inclined to rate it as dangerous or offensive if they believed it came from a rap song than if they were told that it originated from a country music song [1]. This proves that people are biased towards rap music; nobody seems to notice or care when negative themes are depicted in any other genre besides rap or heavy metal. ========= Con's Point 4 ========= Behavioral problems associated with rap music usually begin before these individuals begin listening to rap. This indicates that the music itself does not cause behavioral problems or addiction. Instead, it suggests that people predisposed to these conditions prefer rap music - not that rap music influences this behavior. So, limiting it would solve nothing. ========= Con's Point 5 ========= To limit the production of an entire genre that people enjoy would be unnecessary, useless and an infringement upon civil liberties. There are currently no laws regarding the censorship of music. Songs with strong language, racist views, or harmful references will have a label on them. All the label means is that anyone can buy the song, but they should be aware of what the song contains [2]. I propose that it is the responsibility of the individual and parents to monitor what kind of music is listened to; we should be promoting responsibility and education/awareness - not censorship. ======= Conclusion ======= There is no consistent evidence that rap music on its own (without videos) significantly influences behaviors or attitudes. Also, while those who are not fans of rap tend to assume that all songs in the genre focus on violent, criminal or misogynistic themes, rap is actually a very diverse genre with many artists addressing important socio-political issues and positive themes [1]. Sometimes rap even focuses on loving themes, such as the song "Mockingbird" by Eminem which is a tribute to caring for his daughter. There are various other songs about loving one's significant other as well. So, all rap music cannot be lumped together in a single category. This resolution has been negated. ====== Sources ====== [1] http://cognitive-psychology.suite101.com... [2] http://www.nku.edu...