(Hand out MTV numbers).
2. Music video's on this channel have been criticized for shortening attention spans, violence, sexism, raunchiness, and giving the poor alluring images of wealth; moreover, hip-hop videos.
3. 50 Cent's "In Da Club", the most played video of 2003 as reported by Billboard magazine, exemplifies all of these.
B. Most critics say that popular hip-hop represents a degrading image of the American dream to include attire and language.
1. A. J. Verrdelle reports in Nation, volume 264 issue 3, that the Oakland School Board suggested that black English, known as Ebonics, be treated as a separate language.
2. Hip-hop mostly uses this vernacular as a vehicle to express their ideas of wealth, guns, and women. This language is now being taught in some schools.
C. In the most extreme example, many people credit mainstream hip-hop to the degrading American society. In an article published in USA Today magazine Gerald F. Kreyche wrote "Black rappers are sinking society fast. For them, all black women are whores and bitches--include in these categories their mothers and sisters! Whites should be raped or killed, preferably both. The police are society's mortal enemy- .
(Transition: I will know discuss the side that believes that hip-hop is a credible and important in today's society.).
II. Hip-hop is an art form that is positively influencing American society.
A. The National hip-hop summit, organized by Russel Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records who distribute and produce such artists as Run DMC and the Beastie Boys, addresses the challenges and responsibilities of the hip-hop industry.
1. At the 2002 Summit nearly 1,000 youths from across the country are expected to mix, mingle and discuss politics with celebrities, elected officials, community and religious leaders.
2. The historic event brought together luminaries from the entertainment and political worlds such as Nation of Islam leader Louis Farakhen, Sean Combs, Reverand Run, Kwelsi Mfume, president and CEO of the NAACP, and Martin Luther King III, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
