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Fathers of Hip Hop
Flash, Herc, and Bam |
One of the most important aspects of Hip Hop is authenticity. So, when we look at Hip Hop and its role in Black Studies, the issue of authenticity must be considered. Authenticity, or "keepin' it real or 100" in Hip Hop is the highest level of respect one can earn in the hood. This was established when the founding fathers of Hip Hop, Kool Dj Herc, Afrika Bambatta, and Grandmaster Flash created and established the tenants of the culture. Knowledge and cultural upliftment reigned supreme. In
That's the Joint: The Hip Hop Studies Reader, Second Edition, the chapter,
Hip Hop's Founding Father Speaks the Truth, Bam and Flash points out that people could not come into the community unless they showed respect to the ones that established the culture that existed because it took years to establish (pg. 50). That has been the most critical point of this course all semester, showing respect and acknowledging the cultures that has emerged and exists in distressed communities in spite of social factors such as high crime, unemployment, and various rampant addiction issues.
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Authenticity, as this course discovered over the semester has been established in the communities where it is a matter of life and death. We discovered through our travels this semester that the university struggles to maintain credibility in distressed community. The concern that has been echoed abundantly over the years is that the university conducts research in the community, but does not leave enough behind. Additionally, projects get started, but because the academy is a transient space, the stakeholders always change. Bridgett mentioned the need for courses that would prepare students for civic engagement. What would that look like? How would those courses connect with the various stakeholders in the community? How would Black Studies connect with the folks on the street corners? How does Black Studies develop the authenticity with neighborhood shot callers to ensure that students do not get caught in the crossfire of turf wars and gang disputes? How does Black Studies use Hip Hop to provide international students with authentic cultural experiences that will expand their knowledge and perception about the authentic origins of indigenous African American culture? From a Hip Hop perspective, how does Black Studies, as Herc stated, "be true to the game."
Going back to the Brown's book, we can see that hip-hop's messages of authenticity and social consciousness played an integral role in the partnership between campuses and communities throughout the country when black studies programs were first establishing themselves in the academy. These are different times that we live in. Like we talked about last week, professors are worried about receiving tenure and adhering strictly to policy. This is a problem, But sadly I don't think that change can only come from the academy to be effective. The mindset of many African-American students and of larger black American culture is not as community centered as it used to be when black studies was up and coming- the solution is far from simple. Combining coursework with the community would definitely be a good start. I think one of the key points to making this successful is organization and consistency- often something the university and many community organizations are lacking. Courses do not need to re-create the wheel, but could work with established community agencies to learn about what they do and develop or propose plans of actions that they see fit to improve their services. I think in this piece it will be important for students to be engaged regularly to really understand the community, as opposed to just observing and writing a plan from there. I HATE this notion of research in the community and scholarship taking place outside of it- it simply makes no sense if it is not directly applied. Authenticity will come with consistency, and must start out small.
ReplyDeleteI will answer this blog based on the email that Dr. Patterson sent us. Based on my experience before I took this class. I remember when I was a kid, I used to look at Hip-Hop simply as a way to make words and sentences rhymes. I remember when I used to try to make 4 sentences, I would make sure that the sound of the word or syllable at the end of each line corresponds with that at the end of another. I didn't care about what I was saying or if it made sense, all I cared about was the ending of the words at the end of every sentences. As I was encourage to take this class, I have learned how Hip-Hop can be used as a way to express yourself, to tell others of what is going on in neighbourhoods, cities, states or countries, to tell stories and ultimately to be use as a voice to make an impact. Hip-Hop is definitely a powerful tool and it can be use to make an impact in the society that we are living in.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Brigitte when she states that times are very different in modern society. In England, we spent a lot of time looking at the civil rights movement and students views on equal rights during the 60s. When i learnt about this, it seemed that there was a greater sense of community, whereas today, it seems that students only really care about getting their own degree, rather than making a difference. I think the majority of students wouldn't even register what is going on in the local area. I think it would be great to use Hip-Hop within black studies because it is something the majority of people could get involved in and provides all people with a voice. Like Brigitte said, i think the development would have to start off on a small scale and changes wouldn't simply be made over night.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of what i have learnt in England and how this class has impacted my knowledge - I think that my view before this class was pretty naive. Since being at university, i have taken a large interest in African American studies, but as i have been taught by English teachers, i feel i only achieved basic level knowledge. From my experience here, i feel that many students would know a similar amount about the local community as me, therefore it is important to develop courses which integrate with the surrounding area, rather than focus on just individual development.
I have so much to say about authenticity.
ReplyDeleteThe black community and really an oppressed group is going to be in dire need of authenticity not only out of respect but, out of necessity. It's a power thing. When someone/thing else holds the power, especially an entity that has errored in the past, their is much fear of deceit and deception. This is why a fine balance of transparency, while not being patronizing or condescending is called for. For many this balance is difficult to find. WHy? because they like their power and it makes them feel good. What is needed is humility. In order for systemic authenticity, those with power must be infinitely humble.
Black studies dept, who are often under pressure to stay funded and respected might interchange bravado and intellectual prowess with humility. It is a survival mechanism often times fighting a power battle themselves. The great thing about hiphop philosophy is that it allows for self determination and humility at the same time. By continuing to interface with the black community at large who are also fighting power battles forces unite to assist each in their respective power battles. Hip hop philosophy was created by black folks for black folks and their allies. Hip Hop's roots allows for black studies departments to determine self not only with in academia but in the contemporary historical moment.
I love the idea that black studies via hip hop can bring authenticity to academia. I have always strived in my clinical and research career to be authentic. And have been CONSISTENTLY misunderstood.
In fact, Since my research focuses on black studies, I try to base myself in the AFro dept here TAing and getting a grad concentration. Unfortunately I have learned that this pathway to authenticity leaves somethings to be desired. Being involved in the Black studies dept as is, allows for authenticity within academia but not full authenticity with the black community. I am very thankful for DR.P's community inquiry model and class experience. It showed me a possibility of how things can be and made me want to work hard toward changing the academy.
As James said, there is a vast difference in the way we have been taught out here in comparison to back in England, and I also agree with him as he suggests there seems to be a bigger sense of community amongst African American's in the 1960s. The education I have received on Hip Hop since being out in American has been a more first hand view. I feel I have been properly immersed in the culture and spirit of it, getting to the root of many problems in lack studies today and the impact that Hip Hop can have on those problems. I would say I've had a relatively extensive and full education of topics such as the Civil Rights Movement, Slavery and African Americans during the post reconstruction period back in England because of the wealth of material surrounding those subjects, however, when it comes to learning about Hip Hop in England, it is significantly more reserved.I think there is a large lack of material and information available on the topic and I also think that when learning about a topic like Hip Hop, a first hand experience and engagement is necessary as Hip Hop isn't just a musical genre, it's a way of life, and I don't think that can be properly encapsulated by watching power point presentations.
ReplyDeleteFirst, as it relates to the course I think it provided well- knowledge. I am referring to the multiple experiences that we were able to learn from. We definitely had some great dialogues in the course, but I believe many of the jewels came from engagement with the local community and the campus. I almost feel like the course should have a different title, one that speaks explicitly to civic engagement and using directly what you learn. Reflecting on the different class outings it was true to Dr. P's Philosophy, providing engagement in politics, education with a focus on community.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, a statement that stood out to me is Brigitte's statement "I HATE this notion of research in the community and scholarship taking place outside of it- it simply makes no sense if it is not directly applied." This statement stood out to me for multiple reasons. The first, being the idea that research and scholarship are divorced. They are definitely not divorced and should not be viewed as such. I think she was getting at the lack of research being used to benefit the community in which it was conducted. Some research does that but not all. Another thing about this statement that was powerful is that scholarship takes place outside of the community. I think a great example of this was last week when we actually held class in the community we have discussed in so many courses. I think it is possible to create this type of research and scholarship. It has become our task to do work that dismantles that notion and brings to the forefront its importance.
Going back to the new Jim crow, it's so easy to see the way the system works,like a well oiled machine to herd as many of our black men and women to prison. The 17 year old boy involved in the shooting at Bristol place after we left if facing attempted murders w intent to kill. Another life down the drain. I think that African American studies has got to get down to the root of this thing and address the systemic causes of the dispair and desperation found in these distressed community. Hip hop can be a aluable
ReplyDeleteValuable tool it serves as a platform to push certain agendas, however since its controlled currently by those who's agendas are different from ours that too much change. I agree with Maria, when she says that the academy has lost its authenticity with the black community. I think part of the solution is for black studies to begin to develop its own identity separate fron the academy
ReplyDeleteOverall, this class provided me with a more community based, first hand understanding of the policies and procedures that I have been exposed to as a graduate student within EPOL. With that being said, I truly appreciate the opportunity to engage with the local community in order to affirm or negate any notions I had about certain ideals in regards to making a difference within the "hood". Last week, I was able to develop a new understanding of the benefits of not focusing my interactions within a certain area to a certain type of individual, which is evident by Dr. P's "authenticity" of having us interact with the "thugs" on the corner. Ultimately, the benefit of this interaction was us being forewarned of what was to come, when we could have become victims within the confides of a space in which we were unfamiliar.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Hannah and James, I am slowly buying into this idea that "integration" has resulted in the lack of unity within the black community due to the individual desire to attain the American dream. Yet, I believe that this is not an issue only found within the "Black Community" but found in all communities throughout America. Unfortunately, every individual is faced with the issue of where their loyalty lies based on their own convictions. Recently, I was taught that addressing a "Black Agenda" has always resulted in better conditions for all that share similar oppression with African-Americans.
As far as How Black Studies can “keep it 100” by doing what it is already doing, like I’ve been saying all semester is that the only way for the Black Studies dept. to do what it wants is to get some of these alums to start donating back to the school. The Black Studies dept. needs to realize that it holds the key to the future, college prepares and find some way to use that to influence these High school kids into a different mind state. Black Studies departments also to revisit its roots and hustle or as we in the post generational hip-hop say “trap” and starting getting they paper right by whatever means available. Like Brigitte pointed out that in the book as well as the hood being authentic matters and people know if you not real or if you are so whatever the black studies department decides to do it should stick true to itself otherwise no one will respect it, and in Hip-Hop that is fatal.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I wasn't present at the Bristol Park meeting, I immediately heard about what took place. The urgency itself hit so close to home because my peers were there and I was supposed to be. Thankfully, none of us were hurt; however, I find it hard to think of ways to efficiently help as well. Black men and women today have lost their sense of value and morals have been mislead to believe that they're path of destruction is already chosen for them. Public Enemy were firm believers in the notion that "it takes a nation of millions to hold us back" as a generation of true Hip-Hop. If Black studies wants to be true to the game, it has to actively raise awareness that nowadays, we are the nation holding our own selves back. As Alisia said, Black Studies departments need to get to the nitty gritty and find their way to the black community whether they have the academy's complete support or not.
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