Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Sexy
People wonder at the materialism of hip hop. It comes from a culture who half a century ago couldn't drink from our water fountains, where a century and a half ago couldn't not work for free for white folk for fear of death. Of course they want money.
People wonder at the "low culture" of hip hop. It comes from a culture where they've been denied education, adequate housing, and wealth. Why shouldn't they want heroes who don't "talk or act white" but still succeed and give the people hope that they can be themselves and still not starve?
To the modern black person hip hop is hope that they can retain their identity without having to remain destitute. Yeah it's become a trope but at its core it's the beating heart and soul of resistance.
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To a lot of people coming from a place where you are consistently told you'd be nothing and seeing people flaunt their success is one of the most inspiring things. It's a middle finger to the oppressors. And it's important. Not just in a braggadocios way, but hip hop is becoming the out and the industry that is black owned and giving minorities opportunities that they never had prior.
Even at that, it's no less superficial or materialistic than the cyber goths who dress up in expensive and extravagant costumes. It's just more honest about it. Materialism isn't just about gold chains, that little fetish for Halloween decorations is materialism too.