| What is hip hop? This question has been posed to | | | | these same youth doing dance moves that seem as |
| many a person and the answer varies as much as the | | | | though if an adult were to attempt these same moves |
| people in our society vary. When most people think of | | | | that an ambulance would have to be placed on |
| the term hip hop they tend to focus on the musical | | | | standby. You can go to any mall and see the youth |
| aspect of it. Much like with rock and roll in the 60s | | | | wearing the baggiest clothes that are barely hanging |
| parents figured that this music was simply a form of | | | | on them for dear life. All these things come from hip |
| rebellion for their children and that it wouldn't even last | | | | hop. |
| past its infancy. Thirty plus years later and not only is | | | | Don't get me wrong. Hip hop is not only about the |
| hip hop still alive but it is quite the power house in terms | | | | rebellious nature of young people. There are many |
| of the economy. If there is something that needs to be | | | | accomplished clean cut adults who should be |
| sold and your target demographic is under the age of | | | | considered every bit as much hip hop as their young |
| 35, there is not a more powerful tool then hip hop. | | | | counter parts. The message that any person in their |
| You would not have to look any further then your own | | | | 30s grew up listening to is a much different one then |
| children to see the effects of hip hop on our present | | | | what is being circulated today. The rap music of the |
| society. Every era had its form of expression! I don't | | | | seventy's and eighties was about self empowerment |
| care if it's the fifty's, sixties or seventies but it's always | | | | and making something of your lives. Many kids in the |
| been that teenagers have a different way of dressing, | | | | eighties would have had no where to turn if it wasn't |
| dancing and talking then their adult counterparts. This | | | | for after school programs consisting of break dancing |
| new era is no different. How many times have you | | | | and other aspects of hip hop. We have doctors, |
| seen or heard your child talking to their friend's right in | | | | lawyers and other successful individual who grew up |
| front of you and felt as thought they were speaking a | | | | not only listening to hip hop but living it. |
| foreign language? Turn on your television and you'll see | | | | |