Radical Rap - Does It Further Ethnic Division

Author(s): Aust, C. F., Hoffman, K. D., Love, C. C., Ordman, V. L., Pope, J. T., Seigler, P. D., Gibson, R. J.

Journal/Book: Basic Appl Soc Psychol. 1995; 16: 365 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642-1487. Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc. 1-25.

Abstract: African-American and White high-school students were exposed to a series of music videos featuring (a) popular rock, (b) nonpolitical rap, or (c) radical political rap. They recorded their enjoyment after exposure. In a purportedly unrelated subsequent study, the students, after assessment of their self-esteem, took part in a mock student-government election. African-American and White candidates presented ethnically (a) liberal, (b) neutral, or (c) radical platforms. It was found that African-American students enjoyed rap more than rock, whereas White students enjoyed rock more than rap. More important, musical genres were without consequence for the self-esteem of African-American students. Self-esteem of White students was marginally affected: Compared to exposure to rock, it was higher after exposure to rap, but only with regard to scholastic abilities. Musical genres were also without consequence for African-American students' support of candidates. In contrast, White students' candidate support was significantly affected: After exposure to radical political rap, White students gave more support to a White, ethnically radical candidate than after exposure to nonpolitical rap or popular rock. Radical political rap thus appeared to motivate White adolescents to support efforts toward racial harmony and to oppose White-supremacy agendas. At the same time, a positive effect of radical political rap on ethnic consciousness and on feelings of ethnic solidarity could not be demonstrated for African-American adolescents.

Note: Article D Zillmann, Univ Alabama, Coll Commun, 478 Reese Phifer Hall, Box 870172, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 USA

Keyword(s): MUSIC VIDEOS; SELF-ESTEEM; VIOLENCE

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