How Hip-Hop Pushes Against Respectability Politics for Black Women

Respectability politics, a long-standing burden on Black women, imposes societal expectations for them to conform to certain behavioral norms in order to gain social acceptance and mobility. These expectations are deeply rooted in the discrimination and stereotypes that Black women face daily. However, Hip-Hop culture has emerged as a powerful counter-narrative, challenging these restrictions and empowering Black women to embrace their true identities, regardless of societal pressures.

Historically, Hip-Hop has been a platform for Black culture, providing a space for self-expression and social critique. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Ice Spice have played a key role in dismantling respectability politics. These artists use two major strategies to resist these societal expectations: critiquing traditional femininity and embracing their "ratchetness." By doing so, they reject the restrictive norms imposed on Black women and carve out space for empowerment.

Critiquing Traditional Femininity

One of the most significant ways Hip-Hop challenges respectability politics is through the critique of traditional femininity. Female artists like Lil' Kim, Trina, and Ashanti were pioneers in reshaping femininity within Hip-Hop. Today, artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Ice Spice continue to reject the conventional, "respectable" image of Black womanhood that demands modesty, obedience, and submission. Instead, they proudly embrace their sexuality and sexual freedom, using their art and public personas to celebrate their autonomy.

Songs like "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion and "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B exemplify this shift. These tracks not only uplift female sexuality but also celebrate personal agency. By doing so, they challenge the patriarchal norms that have historically sought to control Black women’s bodies and voices. These artists use their lyrics and personas to redefine femininity and empower other Black women to do the same.

Embracing "Ratchetness" as Empowerment

In addition to rejecting traditional femininity, many contemporary Hip-Hop artists embrace and celebrate "ratchetness"—a term that signifies defying societal expectations and embracing non-normative self-expression. Artists like Sexxy Red, Saweetie, City Girls, and Ice Spice have popularized "ratchetness" as a form of liberation and empowerment. In particular, "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion challenges the stigma around sex work and celebrates sexual agency and pleasure.

Megan Thee Stallion's "Thot Shit" is another prime example. In this anthem, she reclaims the derogatory term "thot" and transforms it into a symbol of pride and empowerment. The lyrics, such as "I don't give a f*** 'bout a blog tryna bash me, I'm the shit per the Recording Academy," illustrate Megan's unapologetic approach to her sexuality and her defiance against societal judgment.

The Rise of Sexxy Red and the Rejection of Gender Norms

Sexxy Red is a breakout artist whose unapologetic embrace of "ratchetness" has made waves in Hip-Hop. Her track "Pound Town" directly challenges societal expectations for Black women to conform to traditional gender roles. Through her bold persona and lyrics, Red asserts her autonomy over her sexuality, and her success challenges the idea that Black women should be modest or submissive.

The Role of Hip-Hop in Black Female Identity Development

Hip-Hop has long been a place for Black women to challenge societal constraints and construct their own gender and racial identities. As Payne (2013) argues, Hip-Hop provides young Black girls with a space to explore and redefine femininity on their own terms. While some critiques of Hip-Hop point to the hypersexualization and objectification of Black women, there is no denying the positive impact it has had on Black female self-expression. Hip-Hop offers Black women a platform to celebrate their authenticity, often in ways that mainstream society refuses to acknowledge.

Despite the risks, such as the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, Hip-Hop has become a space where Black women can not only critique traditional norms but also empower themselves and others. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Sexxy Red use their music and public personas to promote agency, celebrate diverse identities, and reject restrictive societal standards.

Conclusion: Hip-Hop as a Tool for Liberation

Hip-Hop has played an undeniable role in challenging respectability politics and empowering Black women to live authentically. Through their music, these artists redefine femininity, embrace their sexuality, and celebrate their individuality. Tracks like "Bodak Yellow," "Savage," and "Pound Town" highlight the power of self-expression and the liberation of Black women from societal constraints.

While there are valid concerns about the objectification of Black women in Hip-Hop, the genre’s role in fostering Black female identity development cannot be understated. Hip-Hop offers a space for Black women to assert their agency, challenge societal expectations, and build counternarratives to the stereotypes that have long limited their representation. In this way, Hip-Hop continues to be an essential tool for Black women to craft their authentic identities and inspire future generations to do the same.

The Commodification and Policing of Black Voices in Hip-Hop

Introduction

Tupac Shakur once said, "Every time I speak I want the truth to come out. Every time I speak I want to shiver the world." This powerful statement captures the essence of hip-hop—a genre that has long served as an uncensored platform for Black voices. From its birth in the 1970s, hip-hop was a form of resistance, a way for underrepresented groups to share their experiences and goals. However, as hip-hop evolved from a grassroots cultural movement to a billion-dollar industry, it became entangled in the forces of capitalist commodification and societal policing.

These external pressures have distorted the true message of hip-hop and contributed to the exploitation and discrimination of Black artists. What was once a platform for cultural autonomy and systemic resistance has become a battleground. Through the criminalization of Black men and the hypersexualization of Black women, hip-hop reflects the ongoing struggle for Black voices to remain authentic amidst economic forces and societal control.

The Birth of Hip-Hop and Its Evolution

Hip-hop originated in the Bronx during the 1970s, born out of socioeconomic unrest and a need for marginalized communities to express their stories. It began as a form of resistance against institutional racism and oppression, providing a voice for the voiceless. At its core, hip-hop was about empowerment, culture, and the raw expression of lived experiences.

As hip-hop grew, it transcended its roots to become a global cultural phenomenon. Its influence spread worldwide, shaping trends, fashion, and attitudes, while also evolving into a multi-billion-dollar industry. This commercial growth, however, has come at a cost: the core message of hip-hop has been diluted, and its cultural value commodified for profit. What was once an art form rooted in political resistance is now often reduced to a product for mass consumption.

Capitalist Commodification of Black Voices

In the world of hip-hop, the intersection of capitalism and culture is especially dangerous for Black artists. The industry exploits the cultural capital of hip-hop, transforming compelling narratives into profit-driven commodities. Instead of amplifying the voices of Black artists, the capitalist machine often distorts their stories to cater to mainstream desires and market demands.

For Black men, this often means their art is framed through the lens of criminality. Hip-hop’s raw and unfiltered expressions, which speak to struggles with systemic racism, are commodified and criminalized. The media and legal systems use their music and public persona to reinforce societal biases, turning their work into an instrument of control and surveillance.

The Hypersexualization of Black Women

On the other hand, Black women in hip-hop are subjected to a different form of exploitation. As the genre grew in popularity, the image of the "sexually liberated" Black woman became a mainstream trope. This hypersexualization not only strips Black women of their humanity but also limits their artistic expression. Their voices are often commodified to appeal to male fantasies, reinforcing stereotypes of the "exotic" and "other."

The objectification of Black women in hip-hop is not a new phenomenon; it has been embedded in the industry since its inception. But as hip-hop became more commercialized, this objectification has been amplified. Black women are often forced into roles that prioritize their physicality over their talent or intellectual contributions, reducing them to sexualized figures that serve the economic interests of the industry.

The Criminalization of Black Men

At the same time, Black men in hip-hop face the ongoing criminalization of their art. From the imagery in their music videos to the lyrical content of their songs, Black male hip-hop artists are frequently depicted as dangerous, violent, and criminal. This representation plays into the wider societal narrative that criminalizes Black men, using their art as proof of their guilt.

The criminalization of Black men through hip-hop not only harms the artists but also perpetuates negative stereotypes in the broader public consciousness. The music, which originally served as a form of resistance, becomes weaponized to reinforce existing prejudices. Instead of being viewed as cultural expressions, their lyrics and imagery are twisted into evidence of criminal behavior.

Hip-Hop as a Battlefield for Cultural Autonomy

These issues—the commodification of Black voices and the societal policing of Black artists—demonstrate that hip-hop is not just an art form but a battlefield for cultural autonomy and resistance. Black artists have long fought to maintain control over their narratives in a world that profits off their struggles. While capitalism and societal policing have attempted to silence and manipulate their voices, hip-hop continues to be a powerful force for self-expression and cultural change.

The tension between maintaining authenticity and navigating the commercial and societal pressures of the industry is an ongoing struggle. However, hip-hop remains a vital space where Black voices, despite these challenges, continue to resist, innovate, and define their own stories.

Conclusion

The capitalist commodification and societal policing of Black voices in hip-hop are deeply intertwined. From the hypersexualization of Black women to the criminalization of Black men, the industry continues to exploit and distort the cultural capital of hip-hop for profit. Yet, despite these forces, hip-hop remains a powerful tool for resistance, cultural expression, and social commentary. To support Black musicians and uphold the core principles of hip-hop, we must advocate for more authentic, empowering representations of Black artists that prioritize their voices and stories over economic exploitation. Only then can hip-hop return to its roots as a platform for resistance and empowerment.

Normani’s “Dopamine” Drop: A Masterclass in Fan Engagement

Normani's "Dopamine" drop is a masterclass in fan engagement and building anticipation 📈

The wait is finally over! After years cultivating a dedicated fandom, Normani has announced her highly-anticipated debut album "Dopamine". The creativity doesn't stop at the music – her presave campaign (cleverly titled "wheresthedamnalbum.com") is a perfect example of how to lean into audience sentiment and turn a playful demand into a marketing powerhouse.

Turning Anticipation Into Connection

As an inclusive entertainment specialist, I'm fascinated by this strategy for several reasons:

🎧 Authenticity Wins: Normani's campaign acknowledges the long wait with a wink and a nod, building a sense of shared inside joke with her fans. This reinforces a genuine relationship rather than treating the release like a purely transactional event.

🎧 Representation Matters: As someone passionate about DEI in entertainment, I love how this empowers fans. Artists from marginalized communities often face different expectations than their mainstream counterparts. By turning fan frustration into fuel for hype, Normani subtly addresses this disparity.

🎧 The Power of Fandom: Social media, and the memes born from it, are a strong force in the music industry. Normani's move showcases the potential to turn the fandom experience into a collaborative, ongoing promotional campaign.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on Normani's album drop strategy? Share your insights below!

Unintended Exclusions: Navigating Career Opportunities as a Black Student

Let's delve into a critical aspect of our professional landscape that often remains unseen—the unintended barriers hindering the career paths of Black students. As a second-year student majoring in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Bentley University, my journey sheds light on a noteworthy trend that deserves our collective attention: opportunities exclusively tailored for students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

🎓 Beyond the HBCU Bubble

While HBCUs play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and personal journeys of many Black students, my experience at Bentley University has been uniquely impactful. Bentley became my academic home as I pursued my DEI major, finding a profound sense of community through the Black United Body group.

🚧 The Unintended Consequence

However, there's a challenge that demands our attention. Many opportunities, from internships to community career support efforts, carry the caveat, "HBCU students only." It's disheartening to think that initiatives meant to uplift inadvertently exclude a significant portion of the Black student population based on their choice of educational institution.

🤔 Why Does This Happen?

Now, let's explore why this trend persists. Is it a lack of awareness, a misunderstanding of the diverse paths Black students take, or perhaps something else entirely? One perspective could be that individuals from HBCUs may genuinely want to extend a helping hand to those who share a similar background. While this intention is admirable, it's crucial to recognize that the exclusivity unintentionally leaves out a significant portion of the Black student community, including myself. So, how do we navigate this well-intentioned yet exclusionary trend?  

💡 Solutions in Dialogue & Understanding the Framework

I believe in the power of open dialogue to bring about change. How can we make diversity initiatives truly inclusive? Can we advocate for a more nuanced approach that accommodates the various educational journeys pursued by Black students?  Moreover, I'm keen to explore the theoretical framework and evidence underpinning this trend. As a student experiencing this, I'm eager to enhance my understanding and ensure my strategies are informed by a comprehensive perspective. If you have insights or knowledge on this matter, or if you can point me to relevant resources, I'd greatly appreciate it.

💬 Join the Conversation

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Have you faced similar challenges or witnessed them in action? How can we collectively break down these barriers? Let's make this post a hub for constructive discussion.

Gender, Socioeconomic Status & Intersectionality

The Intersection of Gender & Socioeconomic Status: Impact on Women's Lives

Gender and socioeconomic status are associated since many issues revolving around gender are related to society's expectations of women. Society expects women to have children and get married and struggles to support those who don't follow traditional norms. When speaking about gender and socioeconomic status, much of the time the relationship that women have with poverty is being spoken about. In the capitalistic world that we live in, most of the time, your socioeconomic status determines your quality of life. This fact is specifically true for women, and as a result, it affects the lives of children and families as well. It has been long documented that the inequalities and inequities in wealth and quality of life for women. There is a negative relationship between socioeconomic status and gender which unfairly disadvantages women because the pay gap contributes to the poverty rate, the decline in marriages has contributed to social stratification, and the feminization of poverty is linked to the number of single moms living within the US.

Unveiling the Gender Pay Gap: A Contributor to the Feminization of Poverty

The gender pay gap refers to the gap in the number of cents working women receive to every dollar working men receive. Generally, women earn 82 cents for every dollar that a man makes (Bleiweis). This number goes down drastically depending on the race of the women with Black women earning 64 cents, and Hispanic women earning 57 cents (Khattar et al.). The pay gap truly does contribute to the feminization of poverty and has a severe impact on families. Around 60% of women would earn more money if they were paid the same amount as men who are the same age with similar education and hours of work.

One of the most disenfranchised groups is single mothers, and by closing the wage gap, around two-thirds of working single moms would receive a pay increase. Working to close the wage gap wouldn't only benefit women, it would also benefit their families, especially their children. Approximately 25.8 million children would benefit from their children receiving equal pay. Achieving equal pay would cut the very high poverty rate for working single mothers by nearly half from 28.9% to 14.5%. Additionally, the number of children with working moms living in poverty would drop from 5.6 million to 3.1 million. Increasing the pay of women would not only help individuals. It would help the United States economy as well. If women received equal pay, the US economy would have produced an additional income of 512.6 billion dollars (Milli et al.). In 2019, 64% of children in single-parent households were Black (COUNT). So much of a person's socioeconomic status is dependent on the intersectionality of their identity and the life that they were born into.

The reason for the wage gap is a highly debated topic. However, it is undeniable that the wage gap is related to the time away from work that women dedicate to their children. This includes both long breaks from work for maternity leave and short breaks that take away from what corporate America deems a good employee. The structural-functional view would conclude that this is simply natural and that this is the way that it is intended. The structural-functional theory sees problems as natural, almost necessary, due to the current structure of society and how fast it changes. This theory would believe that this issue is a result of a functioning society that has "worked" for years without disruption. The social-conflict view would deem the expectations of women oppressive and unfair in comparison to their male counterparts. Society expects women to have children and take time off to take care of them yet punishes them for doing that exact thing.

Marriage Decline and Child Poverty: A Social Conflict Perspective

Sociologists have recently documented a decline in the number of marriages taking place. Since 1990, the number of births outside of marriage in the United States has jumped from 28% to 40% (Wildsmith et al.). Research suggests that the growth of child poverty from the 1970s to the 1990s was driven by the rise of single-parent households during this period. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the number of children living in single-parent households doubled from 12% to 25%. This study also indicated that more than half of the increase in child poverty over this time frame can be connected to the decline of stable marriage in America (Wilcox). In Social Problems, it is stated that 84% of single-parent households, where the parent is a woman, are in poverty (Macionis 394-395). The social conflict theory believes that the current standards for what a family should look like reinforce patriarchal views and economic inequality.

The connection between poverty and marriage is associated with the number of single-parent households. Unmarried moms have higher rates of poverty than married women with children, without children, and unmarried women without children (Bleiweis et al.). In the United States, about a quarter of children live with one parent. This is more than three times the number of children around the world who live with one parent (Kramer). This leads one to believe that this is an issue with the structure of the American government and our society. This gap may be due to traditions or widespread beliefs, but it is important to remember the support that should be available for an exceedingly large group of people like single-parent households. The structural-functional view would suggest that family problems stem from sudden changes in the traditional family structure. Followers of this theory believe that these problems threaten the family's stability and weaken society.

Education, Single Motherhood, and Poverty: An Intersectional Analysis

The relationship between single mothers and poverty is closely linked to education level. In 2016, it was found that women who did not finish high school or obtain a GED were more than six times as likely to give birth out of wedlock. Once again, intersectionality dictates life outcomes because the relationship between education and nonmarital childbearing varies by race and ethnicity (Wildsmith et al.). Just 13% of single moms with a bachelor's degree live in poverty. In comparison, 41% of single moms with a high school diploma live in poverty. By making education more accessible, poverty among all single mothers would decline. In 2016, a study proved that if just one in four single moms with a high school education or some college had earned a college degree, "poverty among all single mothers would have declined by more than three times the rate seen over the last decade (Cruse et al.)."

It is proven that single mothers with college degrees are much less likely to live in poverty. A social conflict view would say that this is unfair due to the increasing cost of higher education. The current education system is inaccessible to many due to its cost which leaves behind many people who desperately need it. On the other hand, the structural-functional view believes that part of the function of the current education system is that it sorts and separates students based on their merit. Followers of the structural-functional theory believe that not everyone can attend college and that only the best of the best can.

Addressing Inequality: Closing the Gender Pay Gap & Enhancing Educational Accessibility

Women are unfairly socioeconomically disadvantaged due to the pay gap contributing to the poverty rate, the decline in marriages, and the increase in unmarried mothers. The connection between socioeconomic status and gender does not stand alone as much of it has to do with intersectionality. When analyzing the connection between gender and socioeconomic status, it is important to remember the role that intersectionality plays. A singular individual's identity can be intersectional and will determine some of the outcomes of their life. For many women, their race, ethnicity, and level of education have a lot of say in terms of their socioeconomic status. The structural-functional view of gender inequality applies expectations to the roles that men and women can perform based on their gender and level of education. The functionalist perspective believes that traditional gender roles contribute to the stability of society. On the other hand, the social conflict theory argues that the only reason gender roles still exist is to allow men, "the dominant group," to maintain their power and status. The conflict perspective advocates for a balance of power between genders. Of the 38.1 million people living in poverty in 2018, 56 percent of those people were women (Bleiweis et al.). It is undeniable that there is an inequality in the poverty rate of women. To help reduce the inequality of the poverty rate, it is important to work towards closing the pay gap and making education more accessible. Both issues help to reduce the female poverty rate, but also should be equitable and help women from all backgrounds with intersecting identities.

The Criminalization of Rap Music

In recent years, we have seen some of the biggest rap artists of the generation like Young Thug, Gunna, Tay K, and others get arrested. In addition to the recent uptick in the connection between rap artists and prison, there is also a trend of utilizing the rapper’s lyrics against them during their trial. Courts have stayed out of the matter when it comes to deciding if utilizing the defendant’s art is legal or ethical, but it poses a question, nonetheless. Does the criminalization of rap music interfere with first amendment rights?

Historical Precedence: The Intersection of Rap Lyrics & Legal Proceedings

The first amendment allows for freedom of speech, religion, press, and to assemble; but recently it seems like artistic works are not included in these freedoms. One of the first instances where rap lyrics were used during a trial was during Snoop Dogg’s murder trial that took place in 1996 in Los Angeles. To persuade the jury, the prosecution utilized lyrics from Snoop Dogg’s hit single “Deep Cover” to indicate guilt and wrongdoing. However, it turns out that this song was created for a movie soundtrack where killing a police officer was the main storyline and plot point. Luckily, in this case, Snoop Dogg was acquitted. However, since then, “researchers estimate that more than 500 cases over the past 30 years have shown prosecutors using rap lyrics against defendants at trial” (Bellware, 2022).

In the present-day, this is still going on and is happening much more frequently. Taymor McIntyre, who is better known as Texas rapper Tay-K, found himself having the music video and lyrics to his hit song, “The Race,” used as a key piece of evidence in his capital murder trial. This song launched his career, but it also helped him to get sentenced to 55 years in prison. In the song, the rapper seems to rap about his motive for escaping house arrest and his participation in the crime. Tay K raps: “We was plottin', y'all was tryna get the pack in / Get the pack in, you get robbed for a fraction (McIntyre 0:54-1:00).” This also happened to Brooklyn rapper Ackquille Pollard, better known as Bobby Shmurda in 2014. He was arrested partly due to the lyrics in the rapper’s street anthem, “Hot N*gga.” In the song, one of the lyrics is “Mitch caught a body about a week ago, (Pollard 2:14-2:18)” which the prosecution claimed referred to an attempted murder allegedly carried out by Shmurda’s real-life accomplice Deshain “Mitch” Cockett prior to the release of the song (Dowd, 2019).

Racial Bias and Perceptions: Unpacking the Complex Relationship Between Rap Music & the Legal System

The recent history of the criminalization of rap music has been heavily influenced by the identities of the artists and defendants, specifically their race. Race and the legal system have always had a tumultuous relationship due to implicit bias and things of that nature. In particular, the reputation of rap music and its proximity to Black culture results in bias when interpreting the law because rap music is judged through the tainted lens of a Black stereotypes, there is a lack of artistic works aside from rap being used as evidence, and music is left up to interpretation with only the artist knowing the true meaning of the piece.

One may believe that there are racial implications in the use of lyrics in court due to the perception of rap music and the stereotypes associated with it. One standing problem within the court system is the biases that jurors hold and the influence that they have on the lives and freedom of the defendants. A social scientist named Carrie Fried conducted a study that asked participants to read lyrics and identify if they were from rap or country songs when they were folk songs. Through this study, Fried concluded that rap music is viewed and judged through the tainted lens of Black stereotypes, which include traits such as violence, hostility, and aggression. In both this study and courts, rap lyrics are significantly more likely to be perceived as dangerous and offensive because of their roots in Black culture (Vining 15).

A study by the University of California Irvine that took place in 2016 asked two groups of participants to read the same set of violent lyrics. One group was told that the lyrics were from a country song, and the other group was told that they were rap lyrics. The participants were asked to rate whether they found the lyrics offensive. They were also asked whether they thought the lyrics were fictional or based on the writer’s experience. When participants were told that the lyrics were rap, they judged the lyrics to be more offensive and true to life (Dunbar et al., 2016). It is biases like these that interfere with the interpretation of rap lyrics. Judges would not be able to infer the influence that the label of rap music, sometimes not even the lyrics themselves, has on the jurors’ decisions. The study also concluded that even describing the lyrics as rap music is enough to “induce negative evaluations.”

Artistic Expression on Trial: Challenges & Unfairness in the Courtroom

One of the main reasons that utilizing rap lyrics in the courtroom is unfair due to the connection to race is the lack of use of lyrics from other genres in the courtroom. A researcher from the New York Times and Type Investigations named Jaeah Lee was able to investigate the rates of non-rap lyrics being used in the courtroom. Lee declares that she was only to find four examples of non-rap artistic works since 1950. Of these four cases, three of them were thrown out and the other ended in a conviction that was overturned (Lee). There is an obvious connection between rap and race due to its roots in Black culture.

A study held by the California State University: Los Angeles presented 134 students with one of four scenarios about a young man. They were then asked to rate their impressions of him across nine personality traits. These traits included: “caring-uncaring,” “gentle-rough” and “capable of murder-not capable of murder.” The first scenario described “an 18-year-old African American male high school senior, a track champion with a good academic record who made extra money by singing at local parties (Fischoff 4-5).” The second scenario described the same person but added that “he is on trial accused of murdering a former girlfriend who was still in love with him but has repeatedly declared that he is innocent of the charges (Fischoff 4-5).” The murder was not mentioned to the third cohort, but instead asked the subjects were asked to read a set of rap lyrics that the young man wrote. The fourth mentioned both the murder and the lyrics.

The study found that the participants who read only about the lyrics reacted more negatively to the young man than the group who had read only about the alleged murder. “Clearly,” he wrote, “participants were more put off by the rap lyrics than by the murder charges (Fischoff 8).” If learning simply that a person creates rap music and viewing their lyrics invokes a negative reaction, how can that not interfere with the decisions of the jurors?

Within art, there is always the overhanging issue of interpretation. Firstly, only the artist can know their true intentions in creating the artwork and the true meaning behind it. It is unfair to both the defendant and the juror to try to interpret what the artwork means when it is only known to the defendant. The jurors are forced to make decisions, and most of them happen without thinking; and because of this it allows unconscious bias to slip in. It is extremely common for jurors to deal with unconscious bias regarding race, gender, sexuality, etc. However, the lack of understanding that they might have for rap and art makes it more likely that the jurors would revert to biases that they hold related to race and rap music.

Sometimes there is quite literal misinterpretations due to the use of African American Vernacular English, or AAVE, which is common in rap music. In recent years especially, Black culture has created a vast amount of new vocabulary terms which are often used in rap songs. For example, in 2014, a 17-year-old Tommy Munsdwell Canady was charged with the first-degree intentional homicide and armed robbery of 19-year-old Sèmar McClain. Canady’s rap lyrics were used in his trial. The 17-year-old tried to inform his lawyer that the prosecution had misheard his song and that an isolated vocal track on his computer would prove he did not say the name of the victim. Investigators heard “catch Semar slipping.” However, Canady says that the actual lyrics were “catch a mawg slippin.” This is a slang reference to someone on the opposing side, also known as an “opp.” He had also used this phrase in at least one other song.

In many cases where rap lyrics are used to aid the prosecution, the lyrics often lack context and fairness. In the case of Canady, his attorney pointed out that many of the lyrics presented “did not match the facts of the murder.” This included a reference to blood on his sneakers, “a big Glock with 50 in it,” and an “opp car,” which means a car belonging to a rival. The court would later recognize that in the excerpts presented that there were “other lyrics that do not bear a resemblance to this crime (Lee).”

Another crucial piece of injustice in the use of rap lyrics in court is the misunderstanding of what character evidence is. In the US legal system, the rules of evidence are supposed to prohibit and prevent the presentation of “character evidence.” Character evidence is anything that reveals past wrongs of the defendant or that attacks them. This is done to prevent biasing jurors. Legal scholars have declared the use of rap lyrics in Mr. Canady’s case an example of racialized character evidence. Racialized character evidence is any “details or personal traits prosecutors can use in an insidious way, playing up racial stereotypes to imply guilt (Lee).”

One of the main reasons that the issue of the criminalization of rap music came to light was because of a book written by Andrea L. Dennis and Erik Nielson titled Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America. The book was able to compile a list of 500 trials in which rap lyrics had been used as evidence. Following the release of the book in 2019, researchers were able to track down 200 court documents— including their race, how lyrics were used against them, and the outcomes of their cases. Of the group of defendants that were identified, and where their race and gender were accessible, “roughly three-quarters of the defendants were African American men (Lee).”

In that same study, researchers were able to discover that the number of people prosecuted using rap lyrics doubled. In the years between 1990 and 2005, the researchers were able to discover 50 people who were prosecuted using rap lyrics. However, in the 15 years that followed, the researchers were able to find 100 people (Lee). There is an obvious inequity in the use of these lyrics which can be associated which racial bias. The evidence of rap lyrics being used in court cases in some way could be linked to bias or prejudice.

Due to its connection to Black culture and the connotation of rap music, the use of rap lyrics in court results in bias when interpreting the law and a lack of equity across the legal system. Recent years have proven that there tends to be an unjust relationship between people of color and the U.S. system due to discrimination. The use of rap lyrics is just another sector of prejudice. Beyond blatant bias against rap and Black culture, there is also inequality in the rate of use of artist works in court cases for defendants who are not people of color.

Legislative Solutions: California's Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act as a Turning Point

This issue is currently coming to light, once again, due to rap lyrics being used in a case more prominent than all the others. On May 9, 2022, Grammy Award-winning rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested on conspiracy and street gang activity charges. His indictment heavily leaned on his lyrics, music videos, and social media posts. Young Thug is “hip-hop superstar from Atlanta with three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, has been credited with shaping the contemporary sound of rap (Lang).” Williams wasnamed in an 88-page formal accusation along with 27 other people associated with his record label Young Stoner Life, or YSL Records. This also included his protégé— the rapper Gunna, whose real name Sergio Kitchens. The indictment included “56 counts of racketeering charges dating back to 2013 (Lang).” This included “accusations of possession of drugs and illegalfirearms, armed robbery, assault, and attempted murder (Lang).”

Williams, who has been denied bond twice, has personally spoken out about the use of rap lyrics in court cases. In June, at Hot 97’s Summer Jam, Williams made a pre-recorded audio statement where he thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to sign a Change.org petition. The petition was started by music industry executives Kevin Lilles and Julie Greenwald. The petition denounces the use of rap lyrics in criminal cases (Lang). Williams had the following to say in his statement: “You know, this isn’t about just me or YSL. I always use my music as a form of artistic expression, and I see now that Black artists and rappers don’t have that freedom. Everybody please sign the Protect Black Art petition and keep praying for us. I love you all (“Protect Black Art”).”

In the state where this issue first rose to prominence with the case of Snoop Dogg, California, steps are being taken against this injustice. California has recently become the first state to create barriers on including a party’s “creative output” in court evidence. This includes things like rapper’s lyrics and music videos. Judges in California must now ask, before allowing rap lyrics into evidence, “whether there is sufficient proof that the artistic expression is directly part of the criminal act on trial (Bellware).” On September 30, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act into law. This took place during an online ceremony which was attended by many generations of hip-hop artists. This included: Killer Mike, Too Short, Meek Mill, Tyga, Saweetie, E-40, and Ty Dolla Sign (Bellware).

As California has set the trend, it is up to the other states to follow. This development is a major step for the landscape of hip-hop music and artistic expression in general. By signing acts like these, creatives can feel comfortable expressing themselves with the fear of unfair prosecution. At least two of the results of this act are that artists will get a new sense of freedom and the court system loses some of the possibility of bias being present. This is a win for both civilians and for the government, which should be looking to be functioning successfully. Developing legislation is the solution to this matter, but the action is left to the legislators. Hopefully, through unity and communal support rappers and other artists can join together to stop the unfair trials caused by artistic works being used in court.

The Diversity of Abbott Elementary

The Impact of Workplace Belonging on Job Satisfaction & Retention at Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary offers a unique perspective on how an inclusive and welcoming organizational culture can work to improve job satisfaction and staff retention. The diversity of the faculty and staff brings in unique perspectives and experiences which helps Abbott to improve its creativity and innovation. Abbott has created a strong culture of belonging and inclusion which develops a sense of community and support among the staff. This has led to high levels of job satisfaction and staff retention. The school has faced challenges with maintaining high job satisfaction and retention rates due to being underfunded and dealing with competition for tenured teachers from other schools. However, their focus on cultivating a supportive culture has been effective against these obstacles.

The success of Abbott Elementary’s diverse and inclusive workplace is a great example of the benefits of prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) in organizational behavior. DEI&B works to highlight and acknowledge the unique talents and perspectives of everyone, so that they feel valued, respected, and included. This fosters creativity, greater innovation, and better decision-making. Even though Abbott showcases strong diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) efforts, there is still room for improvement. The school still faces challenges like underfunding, exclusion of younger employees, and the fight to retain tenured employees. On the other hand, there are many opportunities for growth such as developing a mentorship program, promoting cultural awareness, and increasing the external recognition of their DEI efforts. As the world becomes more diverse and inclusive, organizations are starting to do their part to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Abbott Elementary is an ideal representation of how developing an inclusive culture that emphasizes belonging can improve job satisfaction and staff retention.

Unveiling the Misconceptions around Workplace Diversity and the Significance of Genuine Inclusion

Diversity in the workplace tends to be a very misunderstood topic. The term diversity refers solely to the presence of a variety of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives on a team or within an organization. A major misconception about diversity is that just the presence of diverse individuals can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. The McKinsey report explains that diversity in the workforce alone is not enough to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. It also reports that companies with above-average leadership diversity perform better financially (Dixon-Fyle et al., 2020). It is possible to have a diverse workforce where those individuals feel included or as if they belong. Diversity often does contribute to inclusion and belonging. However, it is not guaranteed that because there is diversity among the workers it will automatically translate into a more equitable workplace. Despite the rise in DEI&B efforts, McKinsey's Global Survey examined the feelings of authenticity and belonging of 2,030 U.S. adult employees (Bailinson et al., 2020) and found that 35% of employees still feel like their organizations are not putting in enough effort to create a diverse and inclusive environment. In comparison, those who said their organizations are putting in enough effort are 1.9 times more likely to feel very included. It is now expected of organizations to focus on diversifying their workforce while also making sure that they are creating an inclusive environment as well.

It is crucial to view equity, inclusion, and belonging as partners of diversity to improve workplace culture. Inclusion requires creating policies, practices, and a culture that is equitable and considerate of all employees and their identities. Belonging takes inclusion one step further by focusing on its emotional and psychological aspects. Inclusion and belonging work together to improve job satisfaction and employee retention. They work to create a community amongst the employees which results in them feeling more engaged and motivated. BetterUp surveyed 1,789 full-time U.S. adult employees and conducted experiments with 2,000 live participants to better understand the effect of exclusion (Kellerman & Reece, 2019). The study found that belonging and job satisfaction have a direct correlation. Belonging increased job satisfaction by 56%. Belonging also resulted in a 50% drop in turnover risk and a 75% drop in sick days.

The Crucial Interplay of Belonging, Job Satisfaction, and Employee Retention

A majority of the staff of Abbott Elementary are teachers, meaning that workplace belonging is especially important. It is so important that teachers feel supported and connected to their colleagues, so they can thrive. If there is no sense of belonging, teachers can feel isolated, stressed, and overwhelmed. For teachers of color specifically, this feeling may be intensified due to additional barriers and challenges in the workplace. Teachers who feel a sense of belonging have higher job satisfaction and stay educators for longer. Riley (2017) argues that if school leaders understand the importance of place and belonging, they can improve the school culture and academic outcomes. At Abbott Elementary, they put a strong focus on workplace belonging because they realize that it is a necessary piece of creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. This helps Abbott to help retain talented educators and make sure they feel valued and supported in their work. A commitment to workplace belonging results in higher job satisfaction, better academic outcomes, and a more inclusive culture overall.

One of Abbott Elementary’s biggest strengths is its diverse student body and staff. The diversity of the student body and staff brings different points of view and experiences to the school. The diversity of Abbott works to develop cross-cultural understanding and empathy in students and staff. Additionally, the diverse student body and staff create an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Abbott Elementary also places a strong emphasis on belonging and job satisfaction. Natural workplace friendships and connections among the staff of teachers at Abbott Elementary indicate their strong sense of belonging and job satisfaction. This sense of belonging and job satisfaction helps create a safe and enjoyable work environment for everyone. By developing this sense of belonging and job satisfaction, they are creating a positive and inclusive work environment for the teachers and staff. This positive work environment leads to a better overall learning experience for the students at Abbott Elementary.

Abbott Elementary's DEI&B Landscape: Balancing Progress and Challenges

Unfortunately, Abbott Elementary is limited in its resources and opportunities due to being underfunded by the school district. This can affect the retention of their teachers, the academic achievement of the students, and their access to DEI&B resources. Another weakness is that younger employees can sometimes feel excluded by their peers. Young employees do not have as much experience as long-time employees. They can tend to feel intimidated and compare themselves to other employees; which could affect their justice perceptions and feelings of belonging. Younger employees may also feel that they can’t talk to long-time employees because they are not “equal” or at the same level. Abbott also remains vulnerable to losing their tenured employees, who play a crucial role in driving the school's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging effort to better-funded schools. Even though Abbott has shown a lot of progress in the DEI&B sphere, they are not receiving proper recognition for their success. Abbott’s natural progress in DEI&B is a great representation of the school’s dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment regardless of its resources.

Achinstein et al. (2010) notes that retaining teachers of color is a vital issue, particularly in hard-to-staff schools. Abbott Elementary, which would be labeled as a hard-to-staff school needs to address its issue of retaining its employees of color. One way they can address this problem is by implementing a mentorship program. The staff at Abbott Elementary is very unique with a significant proportion of their staff being people of color, specifically Black.Making sure Abbott Elementary retains these important staff members is essential because opposing schools have already attempted to take these teachers away. One way to improve employee retention, career development, and job satisfaction, is by having Abbott Elementary create a mentorship program. This recommendation is supported by research that found that out of 2,030 employees, those with at least one sponsor or mentor are 1.6 times more likely to feel very included in their organization (Bailison et al., 2020). This program can provide younger staff with a new insight and perspective from more experienced co-workers. The main way Abbott Elementary can enhance career development, increase job satisfaction, and retain a higher amount of employees of color is by creating a mentorship program. The school district could bring guidance, support, and professional development opportunities by developing a new program to allow new employees of color to work together with experienced co-workers. They can learn from their surroundings and their co-workers.

Strategies for Strengthening DEI&B Efforts at Abbott Elementary

By implementing cultural exchange programs, Abbott Elementary could enhance its DEI&B efforts. This program can provide both staff and students with multiple benefits. Cultural exchange programs can improve communication and cultural competence (Can & Wu, 2020). Cultural exchange programs can allow employees to comfortably share their culture with the members of their workplace, such as cultural traditions, practices, and values. This would help employees to foster a sense of belonging within Abbott Elementary and build strong relationships with co-workers (Scott & Mumford, 2007).

Cultural exchange programs can positively impact the recruitment and retention of BIPOC employees, and help foster innovation and creativity in the school’s community (Marin & Navarro, 2010). Abbott Elementary, with the help of cultural exchange programs, can create a learning environment that consists of inclusivity and support for its staff and students. This would enhance the overall well-being and academic achievement of their students. These programs can also help staff members better understand and appreciate diversity; therefore enhancing empathy. The cultural exchange program could include cultural events, guest speakers, or creating lesson plans centered around diverse perspectives and experiences. Overall, incorporating a cultural exchange program is a valuable step towards improving the DEI&B efforts at Abbott Elementary and creating a school community focused on inclusivity and belonging.

Chiu (2022) notes that funding DEI&B efforts is increasingly recognized as a need. It is not just in schools where the need for funding is being called for as investors are being to realize the market potential of these initiatives. To improve Abbott's DEI&B efforts, a solid strategic plan should be created. A mission statement, that depicts Abbott’s commitment to DEI&B efforts, would serve as the foundation for the plan. This would help Abbott Elementary to identify its reasoning for developing this plan, which would help them stay focused and committed to its goals.

The plan would also require that specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals and objectives be established to guide the school's DEI&B efforts. To make sure that the objectives and goals can be met, it is important to identify the necessary resources. This includes financial, human, and technological resources. Since Abbott is a public school, funded by the school district, they might be forced to make a plea to the school department for additional funding for these initiatives. It is worth noting that the staff has already been actively engaged in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their workplace and classrooms. Therefore, their work should be recognized and rewarded by the school department. This would include allocating funding towards their DEI&B initiatives and publicly recognizing the staff members as DEI&B champions. This would show the school department's commitment to promoting DEI&B in education.

Overall, understanding how workplace belonging can positively impact an organization's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging climate is crucial. It is necessary to make sure that there is a sense of belonging among employees because it results in a supportive and inclusive work environment. This is so important because it promotes employee retention, creativity, and innovation. Through Abbott Elementary, it has been documented that when it comes to DEI&B practices, a strong commitment, proper funding, and resources are essential to their success. In conclusion, in order to promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture, it is crucial that effective, strategic DEI&B efforts are at the forefront.

The Role Social Media Plays in Cultural Appropriation …and Exploitation

What Is Black Culture

Due to the accessibility of social media, millions and millions of people have been exposed to Black culture, and some have tried to engage in it as if it is their own. Without knowing, most social media users participate in, or engage with, social media trends developed by Black culture.

Black culture is the music we listen to, the clothes we wear, the language we use, and more. Black culture is shared by Black folx due to the similarities within the experience they have due to being Black in the United States of America. Black culture naturally creates a safe space for Black people to be ... Black.

Black culture is derived from the joy that being Black brings to Black people. It is built on innovation and resilience. It influences different aspects of our personality, looks, fashion, foods, and general identity.

African American Vernacular English (AAVE)

One of the most egregious acts of Black culture appropriation that takes place is the use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Along with the appropriation of our vocabulary, some also invoke an accent that has been labeled a “blaccent” in order to seem as if they are Black without dealing with the oppression that Black people face.

So many non-Black people are use either a real or imagined proximity to Black Americans and their culture. This is normally to seem cool, sexy, popular, or threatening. Influencers can make profit off Black culture without having to deal with racism and oppression in the same ways Black people do. There has been a significant increase in the appropriation of Black culture, specifically African American Vernacular English, which has allowed for non-Black people to profit off of a culture that is not their own.

Cultural Exploitation: No Credit & No Profit

One of the most common examples of cultural exploitation is language appropriation. Bhad Bhabie, who first went viral after appearing on a 2016 episode of Dr. Phil, copied this exact same formula to get famous. She spoke in a “blaccent,” used AAVE, wore long press-on nails, and gold bamboo hoop earrings. She claimed she was “from the streets,” but what she really meant was she abusing Black culture for her own gain.

Bhad Bhabie, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli, was able to capitalize on her appearance on Dr. Phil by popularizing her catchphrase, “Cash me ousside, howbow dah?!” Since then, Bregoli has been able to amass over 16.2 million followers on Instagram. She is now 19 years old and has a net worth of $20 million. She also signed a million dollar makeup deal and made $50 million on OnlyFans in one year. She was able to gain so much money, fame, and fortune off of a single moment that went viral where she appropriated Black culture.

Appropriation’s Intersection with Stereotypes

A common scenario on social media is when non-Black people think they’ve found a new phrase, custom, or fashion trend, but Black people point out that it is actually a cultural practice. In the same vain, it has become common place that AAVE terms and sentence structures get falsely attributed to millennials, college students, fandoms, and etc. This is a blatant attempt to try and strip away elements of Black culture and claim it as their own.

When Bregoli said that she was, “from the streets,” it means that she was portraying her interpretation of many urban, working-poor Black people. These are the people who are “from the streets,” as she called it. These are the people that the public have considered to be the sole identity of Black American communities as a whole. These are the stereotypes that fuel cultural appropriation.

Companies & Cultural Exploitation: IS CULTURE UP FOR SALE?

One of the major detriments of social media is how undermonetized it is for people of color. Black creators create engaging content that resonates with their audience and could possibly set the next trends. However, due to the accessibility of this content, when non-Black people take credit for this content and capitalize on it, they are able to make entire careers off of Black culture.

This is not only the fault of social media consumers, but also the fault of these social media companies. Following the murder of George Floyd, TikTok apologized for the censorship and content suppression that Black users faced on the app.

Promoting Appropriation

TikTok’s rise to prominence was significantly helped by Black creatives, whose trends, dances and challenge ideas were repackaged by white creators, boosting those creators to fame and fortune.

Many Black content creators reported their content appearing below similar, white-created content in search results. Additionally, they also said that their videos were getting only a handful of views when based on their following, they'd be expected to receive more attention. Users also said their content, whether it be dance videos or videos addressing racism, were sometimes removed without explanation.

TikTok, as a company, decided to leave Black culture and creators in the dust when they truly have a lot to thank Black culture for. They decided to suppress the people that helped them get to where they are today and help to boost the content that was appropriated. TikTok is proof that even a company can engage in cultural exploitation.

Appropriation of Aesthetics

The aesthetics of Black culture are often appropriated through the act of blackfishing and having a hairstyle rooted in Blackness. However, this also takes place on social media. On TikTok it has become very common for white creators to repackage beauty practices and recipes from marginalized cultures.

This involves high profile White creators renaming something that has roots in BIPOC peoples’ lives and culture and sharing it as a new trend. This is all without acknowledging its history or culture.

#CLEANGIRLAESTHETIC

For example, one of the most recent trends on TikTok is the ‘#CleanGirlAesthetic.’ The “aesthetic” includes a slicked back ponytails and buns, gold jewelry, and a glossy lip. This is part of a trend that has begun to romanticizes and feminizes productivity and self-care. Truth is ... this style has long been a staple for women in Black and Brown communities.

It isn’t an issue when non-Black and non-Brown women are using the ‘clean girl aesthetic.’ The problem is that the aesthetic is being treated like it was created by white women. Before being labeled as the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic,’ wearing gold hoops, a slick-back bun, and lip gloss was considered ghetto rather than classy like — it is now.

Even in one of the most popular movies ever, Sex and the City, the main character, Carrie Bradshaw, makes multiple jokes about gold jewelry being ghetto.

D’Amelio's Roll In The Dough

Another great example of this is the case of Charlie D’Amelio. D’Amelio is an 18 year-old who blew up on TikTok after doing the “renegade” dance. This dance was created by Jalaiah Harmon to the song ‘Lottery’ by artist K Camp.

Since doing the dance, D’Amelio has received multiple brand deals, her own clothing collaborations, launched a perfume, has a show on Hulu with her family, and won Dancing with the Stars.

On the flip side, Harmon, the creator of the dance, didn’treceive anything until news outlets began to report that she was the creator of the famous dance. It is important to note that Jalaiah is a young Black girl, while D’Amelio is white.

Appropriation vs. Appreciation: WHAT DOES CREDT HAVE TO DO WITH THIS?

The difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation is the credit. Cultural appropriation, and exploitation, has always been prevalent on social media apps since their creation and is rarely taken seriously. Cultural appropriation can feel demeaning because it seems like something sacred or important isn’t cared about.

Throughout history, BIPOC individuals have had their culture taken from them and have been placed into racist systems that don’t allow for them to connect with their culture. As a result, they have had to cultivate their own culture and values to remind them of their ancestry and when that is taken, the impact is damaging to the community. Whether it be on purpose or accidental, cultural appropriation strips someone, and a community, of their identity, history, and struggle.

It is on both the companies and consumers to do their best to stop and avoid cultural appropriation. This can happen when companies work to make sure that cultures are accurately represented. This includes creating space for non-BIPOC individuals to learn from those involved in the culture that these trends originate from.

Ideally, non-BIPOC individuals would engage meaningfully with these marginalized communities regularly to be able to discern when a trend is rooted in a certain culture. This would allow them to recognize language and trends that were created by Black people before using it incorrectly or taking credit for it. Simply put, the way to fix this issue is to give credit and recognize the origin of items that you borrow or promote from other cultures, especially on social media. Google is just a click away.