We're Not Role Models

The Hip Hop Wars

We’re Not Role Models

            In this chapter, Tricia Rose talks about how rappers in the hip hop industry are looked upon as role models, when in reality they are not trying to be a role model to young people, however, they are trying to tell a story of their life through hip hop. People have too many expectations for these rappers and not actually really thinking deeper in to the situation as in why they are doing the things they do. At the end of the day it is not to be look at as a role model either.

            To begin with, Tricia Rose talks about how people look at rappers today as being role models, when really when they produce their music that are not trying to have people look up to them, they are just telling their story. In the book, Webbie a rapper mention that when he make his music he is only worrying about making that money and supporting his kids and he can care less what anyone else thinks. I strongly agree with him because most rappers are just rapping just to put a roof over their head and support their family. When they are in the studio, they rarely ever think about what they are saying will influence other people put there. They just do what they do for mainly one thing, make that money.

            In addition, Tricia Rose also talks about how parents are responsible for their own children. At the end of the day I totally agree what she is saying. A parent is always in control of their child from day one. Rose talks about how these parents who are not incontrol of their children wants help from these artist becuace they are the ones their children are watching and following their footsteps. I understand why parents look up at these rappers as role models and its because they are unable to control to children anymore and they notice thsier children following after these rappers. These parents just want the rappers to set a good lead because now children are looking up to them. However, when these rappers do something that the parents don’t like it is definitely not their fault because at the end of they day, they are doing what they are doing to support themselves and their family, not to guide the young children that look up to them.

            In the end, these rappers are not these children role models and parents should not have to right to blame the artists for the behavior they their children are performing. You are the parent and you have control over your child, and if at any point that you lose that control and they turn to hip hop as being a parent figure they never had, you cannot judge hip hop for their doings you may consider wrong because you child is looking up to  them. These rappers do not make music to be a role model for young kids, but instead inform them about how they grew up and  make the money they need to support their families. If one does not like what is playing on the radio or the television, just simply turn it off. However, just turning it off will not stop children from being curious. They would find another way to watch and listen to the things they want to listen to.