In recent times we try to realize what causes violence. Many studies have concluded that it is the influence upon us that causes us to react the way we do. Even if this is true many believe otherwise. Keith Clinkscales stresses, "Rap music has helped soothe racial and cultural divides and that's a wonderful thing in a country with as strong of race problems as this one anything that helps build bridges and smooth divides should be encouraged and not vilified" (Stateman 5). Dr. James Johnson disagrees. "Violence is the No.1 killer of black males today gangsta rap confirms negative impressions of rap music the last thing black males need is to be exposed to a genre of music that says the way to resolve conflicts is with violence" (Stateman 3). .
Many want to see rap get banned from radio stations. Makani Themba believes in some of these aspects but also has different views on how violence is encouraged by rap music. "Radio stations vow not to play rap music, except if it's part of an ad In reality, urban crime is more than a way of life. It's a multi-billion dollar industry Images of street hustlers sell everything from high-top sneakers to high fashion couture but in some instances for many young people, it's better to hang out on street corners than in their own homes" (Themba 1-2).
I believe parents have a responsibility to know what their children listen to. The "parental advisory" sticker has caused much controversy in the past. KNVRS a rap perfectionist said, " rap is an art and should be respected as one. I do understand that there are some rappers out there that say all they do is have sexual relations, smoke weed, steal, and kill others These are the rappers that give other rappers a bad name" (Quiroz 1). .
Yet we have answered these questions or don't want to believe the findings until someone or something is blamed. The First Amendment to the Constitution says that we have freedom of speech, but this freedom has caused many lives to die in vein.
