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.

    • @circularfish@beehaw.orgM
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      811 months ago

      Speaking of civility, I think you are both coming from a well meaning place and are making interesting points, but you are starting to make different points. It is even likely you are visualizing two totally different interactions when you are typing out your replies.

      I could be wrong about that, but what is clear is that there is a lot of “you this” and “you that” in the discussion. As this is the nice Lemmy instance, please depersonalize the interaction or consider disengaging.

        • @circularfish@beehaw.orgM
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          411 months 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.