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Let’s Be Honest, Ja Morant Is Not The Only Person Misled By Negative Aspects Of Hip-Hop Culture

There’s a thin line between revealing a reality of violence and promoting it as culture. Ja Morant is willing to risk it all for an image. And “all” means an NBA contract worth $194 million and multiple endorsement deals worth millions. On May 14, a video emerged on Instagram Live which featured Morant and […]
The post Let’s Be Honest, Ja Morant Is Not The Only Person Misled By Negative Aspects Of Hip-Hop Culture first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2023

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There’s a thin line between revealing a reality of violence and promoting it as culture.

Ja Morant is willing to risk it all for an image. And “all” means an NBA contract worth $194 million and multiple endorsement deals worth millions. On May 14, a video emerged on Instagram Live which featured Morant and a friend listening to the song “1.5” from NBA YoungBoy’s latest album, “Richest Opp.”

While rapping the lyrics Morant flashed a gun as his friend attempted to cover the camera. However, Morant’s actions was already recorded and it soon went viral. The NBA and his team, Memphis Grizzlies, took notice and the Grizzlies suspended Morant for all team activities.

A few months ago, Morant was suspended for eight games after he was on Instagram Live holding a gun while at strip club. Following the incident, Morant said that he received counseling and learned from his mistakes. His off the court behavior likely caused him to lose $39 million by missing an All-NBA team selection. Voters were probably turned off by his indiscretions.

However, there appears to be issues deeper than what can be fixed in a few sessions of counseling. It’s likely that he’s dealing with something much deeper and he’s using bravado as a shield. Morant is engulfed by negative aspects of hip-hop culture. At 23, he doesn’t seem mature enough to handle the violent themes of hip-hop without feeling the need to reenact or live vicariously through rap.

For Morant, the lyrics of gun violence, crime, drugs, and sex have influenced him to the point where he is unable to make proper decisions. Or, he’s making the decisions to prove a point.

So if an athlete who is nearly worth a quarter of a billion dollars is unable to experience negative aspects of rap without being influenced, imagine how it’s impacting those who have less to lose.

Hip-hop culture is one of the most powerful forms of art to ever be created. In it’s 50th year, hip-hop culture has reshaped American society in terms of music, style, dance, and language. Major corporations and powerful political figures have used hip-hop as a way to reach the masses.

Prominent fashion brands have gravitated to hip-hop style that can be seen on the runways in Paris. And the language inspired by hip-hop culture has inspired dialogue in Hollywood scripts and most of the memes that have gone viral on social media.

But while the positive aspects of hip-hop has changed the world in many ways, the negative aspects are just as powerful.

When artists rap lyrics that contain violence, sex, and drug use, there are impressionable listeners who feel a need to follow the words of their favorite artists and turn those words into action.

It’s important for artists to have the freedom to express the harsh realities of life. But there’s a thin line between revealing a reality of violence and promoting it as culture.

Morant feels as if he belongs to the culture when holding guns and presenting himself with thug bravado. He wasn’t raised in dire circumstances where he was forced to take on a life of crime for survival. Those who are actually committing crimes for survival would trade places with Morant without thinking twice.

Morant is in a position to become the face of the NBA and change his family’s predicament for generations to come. Even after this ordeal blows over, he’ll likely bounce back and have a successful career.

But for those who are not as fortunate to be worth $294 million, emulating the negative aspects of hip-hop culture will not end with the same support or second chances.

Hip-hop culture is powerful art, but there are negative elements that no one should practice what is preached.

The post Let’s Be Honest, Ja Morant Is Not The Only Person Misled By Negative Aspects Of Hip-Hop Culture appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

The post Let’s Be Honest, Ja Morant Is Not The Only Person Misled By Negative Aspects Of Hip-Hop Culture first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org