The Hip-Hop Effect

(From globalgrind.com) Sometimes when you defy the odds, it may appear under-appreciated or historically insignificant until you achieve such a success it catches the attention and support of the entire world.

The election of Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States of America has captured the enthusiastic goodwill and hopeful imagination and support of hundreds of millions of people throughout the world community.

During the last 30 years, hip-hop culture has helped immeasurably to open the door in the mind and consciousness of millions of Americans and others in ways that creatively transcended racial divisions and fears.

Just a few months ago, there where many national pundits and pollsters who erroneously speculated and even predicted that the "Bradley Effect" (whites refusing to vote for qualified blacks because of deep-seated prejudice and fear) would be a decisive factor against Obama. Of course that did not happen.

First and foremost, Obama ran an effective campaign that refused to be sidetracked by negative campaign tactics and the false stereotypes of the past.

Consciousness can be informed by and through the creative arts effectively even when the realities of racial distrust and prejudice are socially prevalent. Thus it is cause for celebration that the hip-hop generation today is considerably less racist, sexist and homophobic than others born generations earlier.

18-35 years voted in the 2008 elections in record numbers. The "Hip-Hop Effect" neutralized the so-called "Bradley Effect."

What happened 20 years ago in California with Mayor Bradley running unsuccessfully for governor is less likely to happen in 2008. In fact, it is reported that most young African Africans in California voted against proposition 8, while older voters voted in favor of the proposition that was used as a negative polarizing issue.

A new America is emerging led by the millions of young and older voters who are willing to work and support real change.

During this period of transition, let's make sure that arts and culture remain priorities in the budgetary planning and projections for the new administration. This is a great time to be alive, active and creative.

-Russell Simmons

Comments

[BluTopaz]

"that refused to be sidetracked by negative campaign tactics and the false stereotypes of the past."

Yes, and many of those stereotypes have been reinforced by rap music itself. Where did the images of the low slung pants, gold tooth wearing, These hip hop moguls can not let go of rap's glory years of the 1980's-early 90's, when it was a dynamic art form that often communicated pride and self respect.

[jeanrenoir]

I'm a 65yrold white man who grew up in King's Atlanta, and live in one of the capitals of American black dysfunction now: Baltimore of The Wire. For both those reasons, I'm overjoyed by the election of Obama. And I've thought for months that Obama's popularity with WHITE young people has a lot to do with hip hop. Obama's the Dave Chappelle of politics: Check out Dave Chappelle's utopian Block Party in BedStuy. Hip hop culture, and such ultra cool dudes as Chappelle, have made it abundantly clear to a large majority of kids under 30, or even 40, just how SMART black people are. (The Oscar-winning film Crash played with this in its opening sequence with Ludacris and his friend.) The core of racism in this country used to be the nearly universal perception that blacks are simply not as smart as whites. Hip hop wiped that delusion out for a generation or two of whites. Obama has now simply extended their awareness that blacks can be ultra-smart, like Chappelle, Kanye, you name it, in politics too. A great day for America, and the ultimate triumph of the real subtext of hip hop: We don't just have better abs than you, Whitey, we're mentally quicker, too. We're AHEAD of you, just as Obama was literally always a move or two AHEAD of Hillary and Bill and McCain.

[uheardme]

Is Washington DC the capital of American white dysfunction???

[Lilly06]

Hip hop played no role in this presidential campaign and its patronising to black people that we have to listen to 'P Diddy' or 'Russell Simmons' to go out and exercise our constitutional right.

As much as hip hop as made many young blacks rich, it has also brought sexist and mysogynistic attitudes literally into our living rooms. Sorry but I believe a progressive attitude and an understanding of black history and where we have come today in terms of our rights has lead to to this accomplishment. Hip hop plays no role.

[Indubio]

I'm 58 and I am so over racism. I grew up in an extremely racist environment but I left home when i was 17 and figured out on my own that racist was not only wrong it was pretty silly. I remain astound how many whites are fearful of blacks especially black men but then if you watch TV news one shouldn't be surprised by this. Maybe police should chase down, tackle and cuff white collar criminals because every white person has far more to be afraid of these criminals than the typical black man. Yet, an awful lot of people are convinced that they will be the next victim of street crime. This election will hopeful make most people a little more open minded about people who are racially and culturally different and I'm convinced Simmons is right; the younger generation has been brought up on hip hop and they view this music in ways that my generation never viewed Motown. I've learned that it's human to be fearful of what one doesn't understand but it's more important that everyone use brains to overcome irrational fears and awful stereotypes. If hip hop helps people understand i may never like the music but I certainly can learn to appreciate its social benefits. I only wish it wouldn't sound so angry, violent, and misogynistic. I don;t listen to the music very often but that's how it comes across to the uninitiated.

[dadw5boys]

Dude did you miss all the middle aged white people at the Obama Rallys. All the 50 year olf White women running his campaign offices in red states.

Most of thses paeople can't stand hip hop and rap music .

[nee]

Could it have been that Bradley wasn't as qualified as Deukmejian? I'm a native Californian and I remember that Tom was a very likable guy; but I don't think he would have made a good Governor and it has nothing to do with his color. I think sometimes people point to race as a factor when it really isn't.

[Indubio]

Deukmejian was loathsome. I expect he won because voters were tired of Jerry brown and wanted someone more to the center. Deukmejian proved quite a bit to the right of center. The man also won following on Reagan's coattails.

[bigdavefromqueens]

Voter turnout is key and the younger generation 18-35 is very very liberal. If these trends continue we are looking at a 40 yr strangehold on politics,

[saveUSA]

Thanx Russell and other Celebs! Your Voices Count!
Once upon a time, it was career suicide for entertainers to express political preferences. Things have changed. And that's a good thing.
These days, celebrities speak up, speak out, stand up, march, and express their opinions loudly and proudly. As they should. The people who criticize celebrities for speaking up about politics are missing the point.
First, they are citizens of this nation, too. They have the same rights as the rest of Americans. And second, they care what happens to our country. They don't have to, but they do.
They could sit back, with their fame and large fortunes, and say, "Let them (us) eat cake."
The bottom line here, is that the celebrities who speak out for fairness, justice, and equality for all Americans are good citizens. They are compassionate humanitarians, who do not mind risking their reputations and careers, and yes, bank accounts, to help ensure that our nation thrives and survives.
In a sense, they are the true guardians of Democracy and Freedom.
So Thank YOU, to read more see http://www.allaboutus-greetingcards.com/blog

[TurnToTheLeft]

Hip Hop spread thuggery, misogyny and homophobia into the larger population. To the contrary, Obama makes it cool NOT TO BE A THUG. Obama makes higher education and community service a real goal. Obama is the end of Hip Hop Prison culture. Take a serious look around Russel, the day of Thug poetry (well rhyming ditties) is over. People actually want to listen to well written songs and music by artists like John Legend and Alicia Keyes. During the Reagen Era, Hip Hop was an alternative voice for the outrage people felt for their lack of inclusion in the government of the USA. However after a few years Hip Hop devolved into a non-protest art form which idolized misogynistic, homophobic Thugs who wore blood diamonds and worshiped anything with a designer label. I am happy to say Obama slams the door on the Thug Hip Hop era.

[topkatnc]

Could not have said it any better!!!

[sixx]

Much better than first post Russell. "18-35 years voted ... in record numbers..." Now tie in this voting block to 'hip hop' (age alone is not enough) and I'm a believer.

[Clavis]

Thanks for your words and your actions, Mr. Simmons.

Some people say that the young are ignorant and dumb. Well, so are most voters, as far as I can see. If I had to choose between ignorant, dumb young voters and ignorant, dumb old voters, I'll pick the young. They have had less time to become corrupt, cynical and closed-minded.

Besides, given how blatantly manipulative Republican political marketing seems to be, I suspect that the longer someone is a Republican, the *dumber* they get!