Hip Hop music has had many different effects on teens since its inception in the late 1970's. When most people think of rap music today, they immediately think of the gangster or thug mentality that has infested suburban teens with an attitude that reflects the heart of the ghetto. This may normally be revealed through a change in language or slang, as well as a change in appearance or dress. As a youth motivator, many suburban parents have asked me to help them reclaim their child from this behavior. I try to get them to focus on the reason that their children act the way they do.
Rap mearly paints a picture to a child of what is going on in the streets. It has a much bigger influence on suburban teens because children who live in poverty strictened areas already have an idea of what that life is really like. Lots of times it comes down to children wanting to be considered "cool". If you recall being a teenager, being cool was probably a top priority to you. If you want to reverse the negative effects on your teen you can try to get on their level.
Listen to their music with them. Don't judge, be open-minded and ask them exactly what they like about the music. Lots of times you will find that they are relating with one particular emotion that is expressed in the music. The number one complaint that I have heard from teenagers is that their parents don't listen to them. They feel that their parents talk at them but not to them. This is why it is so easy for them to relate to a genre of music which has been dictated by individuals who were raised by only one parent. When parents connect with their teen, it makes them feel complete and they will normally begin to open up more to their parents.
Don't get me wrong, the effects of rap on teens does not have to be a negative. I have personally been writing positive lyrics in rap for years and have seen many positive results from youth listening to it. There are many other rappers who also feed young people the type of lyrics that can influence positive thinking. These artists are usually not in the mainstream but you can find their music online.
Your job as a parent is always going to be to love your teenager regardless of their taste in music, but the more you connect into their world you will find a serious connection that will balance any negative effects of music and give you all common ground to love and respect one another. I hope you found this article informative and for additional information concerning connecting with your teenager you can simply visit http://www.MotivateOurYouth.com
Marcus Parker is a published author and motivational rapper who has inspired youth across the United States. He has been featured in many newspapers, radio and television programs as well as an independent documentary detailing his accomplishments in using music to motivate Youth.
Marcus, As one who majored in classical music (which truly will live on forever), I have a little trouble with your ideas. My one son listened to rap a bit but luckily he grew out of it. The problem with out youth today is simple: we as parents are not there for them in meeting their needs. We give them everything except what they really need -- our attention. You are so right in that. But listening to the language (or lack of), to the style, and to the words in much of this music is demoralizing and at times embarrassing.
Give these troubled youths an instrument to play in school and you would be surprised at what will happen. Haydn over hip-hop; Rachmaninoff over rap.
I thank you so much for your comment. I agree that the majority of mainstream rap music is completely obscene and demoralizing and I truly hate that the genre has been blemished by those who chose to use its unique voice as a platform for destruction. I do however, want to express the power of the poetic expression as I have been using it for years to motivate young people. It is sort of like a rifle;its bad if used to rob someone, but good when protecting a person from a dangerous animal.
I agree with you it is not the music it is the message. Teens being more prone to resist authoprity lean toward some of the uglier lyrics. That is the rap on rap. Good job.
Marcus, I saw your website. You are doing a fantastic job, I really admire your work with teenagers and the raps tat you have written. I'm going to order your work on paypal. I work with teenagers theaching music. I'm a terrible rapper and have tried so hard to improve in tis area of music. I have used raps in class that cover citizenship lessons. Your raps are brilliant. I'm so impressed with what you are doing.
» left by Brandon from San Diego (51 days 22 hours ago.)
Great article Marcus. My mother took a hammer to my "Licensed to ill" tape by the Beastie Boys my freshman year in HS and that helped me follow rap and hip-hop to this day (kind of took the opposite effect of her intent).
I have found articulate rappers and hip-hop music with real depth; of course there are those that I find offensive and make my own choice not to listen or support them.
I do know the influence that this has on youth having worked with youth most of my adult life and commend you for your mission and message.
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