Several prominent Black rappers have recently aligned themselves with conservative politicians and media figures, which the author finds concerning. Rappers like Ice Cube, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne have sat down with Tucker Carlson and supported Donald Trump. However, the author argues that right-wing populism threatens Black communities. While some see these moves as opening dialogue, the author believes shared values around money, religion, and distrust in institutions have brought these unlikely groups together against vulnerable people. As the hip-hop industry has become more commercialized and corporate, rappers have also gained wealth and political influence, but supporting policies that don’t help everyday Black Americans. The author maintains that rap artists have a duty to use their platforms responsibly by advocating for politics that materially improve conditions in Black communities.

  • acastcandream@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    I think you are correct. The issue is he has shifted this into a debate about civility, an intentionally charged word used to attack centrists and conservatives alike, so that my position looks unreasonable. This was very intentional and disruptive on their part. Frankly I should probably just disengage entirely. But I imagine he’ll then attack me for “calls for civility” some more and accuse me of taking my ball and running or whatever. It’s sadly all too predictable when someone display so much hostility and tries to pigeonhole people.

    Either way I’ll just drop it. It’s clearly not productive or nice.

    • circularfish@beehaw.orgM
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      1 year ago

      I am aware of the rhetorical device you are talking about, but I did not read that into the replies to you. Maybe I am just dense. What I do pick up from all corners is a lot of motive attribution without sufficient evidence, which continues with the post above. I think disengagement is a wise move.

      We can all agree that there is a lot of daylight between punching literal Nazis and what to do about Uncle Bob who won’t shut up about border security, and leave it at that.

      • acastcandream@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        We can all agree that there is a lot of daylight between punching literal Nazis and what to do about Uncle Bob who won’t shut up about border security, and leave it at that.

        Not sure the person above agrees but hopefully so.