Representation Homework - Wed 2nd October

Hip hop presents a very rigid and narrow version of manhood - one that suggests that to be a "real man" you must be strong and tough, you must have a lot of women and money, you must always be in control, and you must always dominate women and other men. If you do not live up to these ideals, you will be ridiculed for not being man enough. You will be called names like "soft, weak and wimp". This need to conform to the narrow definition of manhood in hip hop is a trap for men, boxing them into a restricted, unhealthy style of manhood and masculinity I agree that Hip hop presents a very narrow version of manhood. I think the way you see manhood portrayed in hip hop is deeply entrenched in American culture,. The way you see manhood portrayed in cowboy, gangster and action films is similar but what distinguishes hip hop from the rest of the culture is that hip hop is so blatant. Also, with hip hop there are a lot of young men who have come from poor backgrounds that seems to make their desire for hyper-masculinity seem much more important. Byron Hurt, a New York filmmaker, writer and activist, has explored those images in hip-hop culture and in society, and the definitions of masculinity those images foster. Hurt says “The powerful image that we see resonates because it looks powerful,” Hurt says “It looks powerful, it feels powerful. That kind of masculinity gives some young boys and some older men a false sense of manhood.” “Men should not allow themselves to be defined by the tough, always in control, swinger/player images the videos project”, he said. “That’s a very narrow view of hip-hop and very stereotypical”. I agree with Hurt’s comments. In media, hip hop shows that men have to be tough and that they use women. I disagree with this because young men are encouraged to behave like this or else they get called names and are bullied. It seems like boys are encouraged to think only about themselves and not to respect other people. It’s all about peer pressure. If the group of friends you hang around with act in a certain way, then you have to copy them so you’re a part of the group. Of course, not everyone behaves like this. But you have to be a strong character to act differently and still be respected by others. The video clips show women that appear to want to do anything for the men. They show the men are in control. I believe that everyone should be treated with respect and that men shouldn’t be the ones in control. The world is made up of so many different people and personalities. If we were all the same, life would be dull. I think that young men should be able to show their emotions and act respectfully towards others. The world shouldn’t be about who has the most power and who has the most money. Power, influence and respect should be earned through people’s actions. Unfortunately, the media continues to have a big influence on how we all act.