There has been an increase of Ghost spottings in da Boogie Down Bronx, the Dirty South, Killadephia, Strong Island, St. Louie, and other hoods. According to a poll conducted in 2005 by the Gallup Organization, about 32% of Americans believe in the existence of Ghosts. Americans also believe most of the Ghost spottings in the hood are at the Ballot Box, Black Colleges, and in the Black Family. These Ghost they are talking about are youth apathy and Black Men. Why, because the lack of the more regular occurrence of their association with political or civic, and education. As a result, being Ghost usually attributes to their hood or race becoming a discarnate cultural and political entity. However, there is a glim of hope. Maybe the phenomena of political terms in the hood's language used in flyers and rap graphics online can represent a change of mindset. Watch as alot of BP, and MS banners claim terms such as "Mogal", "Take Over", and "We Run". Are these claims spontaneous or do they imply self-consciousness in our hoods? It seems it is mostly used to express participation in Hip Hop, and not political activities. Socialpsychologist Edwards (1992) defines vernacular as a local culture determined by the connectedness to a certain neighbourhood. While some in Hip Hop are only concerned with the terms, others in Hip Hop are taking actions to put true meaning to those terms. Many Rappers maintain connectedness to their hoods by setting up Foundations. But if you are claiming "Worldwide Take Over" then you need to have connectedness that is a concerted effort designed to achieve some result, typically from government authorities. That is why I formed my Organization Rock Star Politics(MYSPACE.COM/DANADUM......www.blackplanet.co/rockstarpolitics) for the up and coming who are beyond the local causual use of terms. (Please contact me, I will be happy to help you and your local cause. Also, send me all info about things going on in your hood so I can get the word out!) You may be surprised to know that many rappers and athletes are connected with the political inside game. Most top rappers CEO's wage their political bets by donating thousands to potential Presidential candidates on both sides of the isle, just in case! Why, because that is how you really become a "Shot Caller" beyond the Hip Hop term. Rappers are now doing more business deals. They face the same policy impacts and hurdles as other Industries. For example, If JZ's clothing line is hot in the hood and he wants to take it worldwide and the government officials in China are holding him up from reaching a market of a billion consumers, he can pick up the phone and get his political action team to the halls of Congress and get them to change the law or twist some diplomatic arms in China. That is what donations to candidates gets you! Love it or hate it, that is the hustle. it is not illegal, it's called Lobbying. If you don't think it is right, then get your team on the hill to fight back. I don't care what side you are on-D/R, just show your face in the place and don't let the hood be Ghost! Hip Hop at the White House was Ghost until I got my foot in the door. I worked at Capitol Hill and I never saw Black people call or visit the Hill to meet with a Congressman! GHOST! Hillary, Obama, and Rudy understands that all politics are local, it is time for local hoods to go beyond the casual use of terms as "Blowing Up", "Take Over", and "Worldwide" to terms of real meaning and connectedness to politics! Then, it will end the Ghost spotting.
Dana Jr.
rockstarpolitics@hotmail.com
WATCH THIS VIDEO! ME AT CITY HALL IN DC. NOBODY IS THERE
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I enjoyed reading your perspective, but it will probably fall on blind eyes. Most people that get involved in blogging are not associated with the hood, which means your eloquently stated platform will most likely not reach the people who really need to hear it. Don't get me wrong, I certainly applaud your efforts with Rockstar politics, and I understand you have to work it from the inside-out and outside -in. However, how many people are actually responding to your posts and getting involved?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice if established and up and coming hip hop artists get together on a regular basis to discuss the issues of the hood and make strategic plans to improve the conditions. These plans would also include discussions about the lyrical content in hip hop. Not as a police, by any means, but as a responsibility. Artists need to understand that along with the fame comes a social responsibility. PERIOD!!!! There are so many stories to tell and lives to remember, but so few opportunities to be on blast. Therefore, they should have the creative freedom to be a voice for themselves and others, but also maintain a social responsibility by setting the pace towards a more positive outcome. Too many artists think it's all about them and their sad stories, but don't recognize that they are one of many worldwide. I wish that making it in hip-hop also included the social responsibility. Then, will I expect that more hip hop artists will expand their meaning of "world wide takeover", which would also move the masses in the hood.
Dana, I respect your efforts and I hope you continue to make a difference.
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