There are quite a few cases in our society today that confuse many of us in terms of how we should behave or what we should think in regards to race. What is okay for black people to do? For white people to do? Should there be a difference?
One example of a debatable issue of this sort is the rap/hip-hop music industry. Some think that because it was started by black people who were trying to express their frustration and joy in a unique way, that white people have no buisness involving themselves in it or attempting to express themselves in the same way. Others say that it doesn't matter who you are, but if you're good at it then do it. Let me explain both sides briefly.
For black people: They understand that this form of expression was one of the few that they had, and for them it constitutes not just an expression of independence, but independence itself. It is a mark- a stamp and a reminder of where they have been and how they got to where they are now. And so, when it affected and even controlled by white people, that is understandably percieved as a threat. It happened with Jazz and Rock n' Roll, when they were started to be viewed as white dominated genres instead of being appreciated for their black roots. They want to keep what is theirs, and have those who used it be remembered.
For white people: They see an art form that they can express any variety of different views, ideas, and sentiments in and are undeniably good at doing so in some cases. They have a desire for success and improvment and have seen in that industry vast opportunities to do both. It also, by neccessity, is appealing to pretty much any person with the right ear and the right attitute. And thus, they have set their sights on it and there is very little anyone can do to stop them.
For both: White people need to first understand and appreciate that they did not fight for what they have on the same scale as the majority of the black population has. The first black rappers, standing on their porches and street corners in Brooklyn, had to do it in secret, underground, with no opportunity for mass success as is so available today. They were the ones who fought for it, and they were the ones who won it. White rappers might be great as spitting rhyms and keeping up a flow, but they were not the ones who did it first, and their claim to it is secondary. Now, black people need to understand that just because they did fight for it, and they did win it for themselves, that they are not the only ones who can rap. No one color is always better or worse, and in that sense it doesn't matter what color you are. But if you're black, don't get angry at a good rapper just because he is white and he doesn't know about struggles in life or growing up in the hood. He's good, maybe better than you, so just get over it. You have to be better because you're better, not just because you're black. And if you're white, understand that no matter how good you are at rapping, the only reason that it's the art form it is today is because it was fought for by the Black community.
This was not meant to arouse problems, or give anyone a reason to for even harder hearts on this issue. If you have an opinion or question, I'd love to hear but please don't argue on here. Feel free to e-mail me or call me or whatever. Thank you for reading.
J. Galindo @ The Productions
