The Code of the Street in Rap Music

The article, “Gangstas, Thugs, and Hustlas: The Code of the Street in Rap Music" by Charis E. Kubrin, was very interesting and impressive. Especially, I surprised that even though we are living in the highly developed era technologically and socially, not all people still are getting protection under the law equally. From reading this article, I noticed that the black communities are at the center of this matter. "In other words, crimes of self-help are more likely where the law is less accessible, such as, for example, in poor minority communities where residents have relatively less legal protection. When called, the police may not respond, which is one reason many residents feel they must be prepared to defend themselves and their loved ones" (364).  Definitely violence is not a good thing, but, as this quote shows, I understand that it can be a means, which they learn from their surroundings in order to protect themselves. Also, according to this article, for them, violence is an expression in order to get respect and power. The evidence is here. "... guns have become symbols of respect, identity, and power in addition to having strategic survival value" (363).

Every musician writes music including the rap for different reasons. Some people write music that reflects what they see in their society, city or home. Others write about what they desire to see in their society. I believe that the gangsta rap is a voice to express both of those against their inequalities. From this point of view, I think the original purpose of the rap songs is to empower lower-income communities through its positive lyrics about struggling to survive and encouraging unity among the youth. But, as Kubrin stated, nowadays I think there are still negative effects unlike their intent. It can give wrong image and hopes and reinforces racial stereotypes to teens.