HIP HOP GROWS UP: SHOULD WE BLAME VIACOM?

In recent times, there have been protests, campaigns, and staged-walks against record labels, radio broadcasting companies, artists, and Viacom – namely BET and MTV networks – for the vulgar, violent, and obscene images and lyrics portrayed on television and through audio airwaves. Though Hip Hop Grows Up agrees that each of the aforementioned entities play a vehemently principal role in luring our youth to the side of negativity, whether they agree or not, we offer an alternative solution.

We must recognize that the above mentioned groups are businesses. And the ultimate goal of a business is to make money. Additionally, though entertainment and entertainers highly influence our youth to the point where, many young people in America and many abroad want to be involved in music in some way – e.g. Rapper, Producer, Dancer, Actor, Model –, the entertainment industry is not directly responsible for the welfare of our young people.

Parents, guardians, other family members, educators, local civic heroes should have more of a sincere role in positively directing a young person’s life. Largely, this may not be the case in today’s society. So, let’s change this. We can; and we will. We at HIP HOP GROWS UP believe strongly that it takes a village of positive people to raise a child. Therefore, we are in the business of restoring the village to greatness, for the sake of our young people and our future on this planet.

And in doing so, the village will be made up the following:

Parents / Guardians
Educators
Civic Leaders/ Politicians
Entertainers
Day-to-Day People
(The people our youth see and hear everyday – away from the screens – t.v., computers, mp3s ipods, video games)

Hip Hop Grows Up knows that it is possible, doable, and inevitable. We simply would like to be a part of the change, which “IS” going to take place. We have the solutions. We know the strategies. We know tha tactics. Watch for them! They’re brilliant – yet simple. Let’s make it happen! Let’s keep things positive!

Let’s change our blood type!!!

Interested? You should be.

Talia
Founder, Hip Hop Grows Up Inc.
talia@hiphopgrowsup.com