From Griot to MC Hip Hop and a Legacy of African American Resistance

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Vesperi, Maria

Keywords

Hip Hop, Rap, Resistance

Area of Concentration

Anthropology

Abstract

This thesis places hip hop and rap music in a context of cultural resistance capable of encouraging electoral participation among youth. Through discussions of African American folklore and West African musical, oral, and social elements, I situate rap as part of a tradition of resistance to dominant, white society. In tracing the history and development of hip hop culture, I illustrate its potential for articulating critiques of the injustices suffered by African Americans and other minorities. I also illustrate the shortcomings of hip hop in trying to effect social change through socially conscious lyrics or superficial involvement in social organizations or causes. Instead, I endorse current hip hop oriented social and political organizations which use the popularity of rap celebrities to attract youth to their groups. These organizations are engaged in grassroots activities that cultivate youth leadership. I conclude that while these organizations are making sufficient progress, they are too new and unorganized to bring about any visible policy change.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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