Hip-Hop and Sterotyping

Hip Hop and Stereotyping

            Jason Hinmon transferred out of on University to attend one closer to home.  His reasoning for the transfer does not matter, what does matter is that when he began to attend classes at University of Delaware, he felt that his appearance left him at a disadvantage.  Hinmon felt that his dark complexion and dread-locks was the reason that he had trouble.  On the other hand, was it the lack of an older generations understanding of culture today? 

            “I came to class and my professors didn’t know how to deal with me,” says the 22-year old senior.  “They took one look at me and thought that I was some hip-hop hoodlum who wasn’t interested in being a good student.” Hinmon also stated.  (Evelyn, 2008)  The student was also heard saying that he nearly dropped out.  Such stereotyping seems to be common among college students.  And rightfully so.  While Hinmon may have been a good student, the look he possessed spoke in volumes.

            Dr. Earl Midgette, the director of the Institute for the Study of Minority Issues at the historically Black North Carolina Central University feels that seeing these students around campus with the ability to recite rap lyrics instead of something they may need for an exam could be cause for professors to easily stereotype.    Midgette also said, “Some of these same students you won’t see back on campus next semester.” 

            Is it fair to judge these students based simply on their choice of music?  Some undergraduates say, “They see hip-hop’s squalid influence on some of their peers.” (Evelyn, 2008)  One student, Kholiswa Laird, stated that it upsets her when people complain that they are unable to get a job, yet they go to the interview with big gold medallions and baggy pants.  Yet, the 18-year old freshman continues, they feel “like they are selling out if they’re selling out if they wear proper clothes.” 

            In the past, as well as in the future, music has, and will influence the culture around us.  In the sixties and seventies, the influence appeared in bell-bottom pants and afros.  In the eighties, everybody wore one glove like Michael Jackson; or lacey ones like Madonna.  Today, students listen to hip-hop and wear clothes like the entertainers.  Nothing has changed, except for the professors and administrators ability to see past the “look” and into the mind of the student.

            What educators, as well as the general public need to understand is that today’s culture is much like that of years before.  The music may have changed, the clothing style has changed, but the message that these students are sending is the same.  In the past, as one aged, they learned how to balance their love of culture, in any sense, with the world around them.  Perhaps, it is time for professors to learn about culture today.                                          

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