We talked about Byron Hurt's film, it's narrative structure and how this paralleled the argument over the definition of what is an essay verses, what is an article in the handout students prepared for class. The conclusion was that what made great writing great or gave it longevity was its ability to have implications or ties to universal themes. This is what distinguishes Elements of Style from Rules for Writers. Such elegance gives this grammar book such appeal that it remains on booklists long after its authors have died.
Byron Hurt's film comes narrative and documentary styles as you probably will as you write certain papers; however, there is something about his work that makes it more film and news piece about a topic of current interest. Explorations of manhood and how it is represented in the media is not a new subject; so Hurt joins a long list of contributors to the genre.
Will he maintain currency? We'll see.
We discussed the Initial Planning Sheet from Byron Hurt's perspective, and after the topic, Pam had made a significant point when she said that Hurt's purpose was to question why it is that black manhood is portrayed through violence, homophobia, misogyny, median and though Hurt's work certainly has wide appeal, his intended audience was men like himself, men who listened and silently condoned these norms by unquestionably participating whether that an active or passive participation.
So Hurt's goal was to educate and break sterotypes re: those themes mentioned as perpetuated by black men.
We will get back to Dyson next week We're up to Chapter 4 (I think). We'll certainly be there Thursday, if we aren't so read up to Chapter 5 to be safe. Continue to write your chapter reflections. If students want to share their freewrites here that would be nice, some of your responses are certainly engaging and thought provoking.
Homework due next week is to read four authors on The Essay and respond to one of them with your definition of an essay. I'd like students to post their responses to the author's here after we share on Tuesday, Sept. 25.
We didn't spend a lot of time on Holler because we first finished watching Byron Hurt's film from where we'd left off. As I said in class, you can watch the film on line. I post a link in an earlier post. Also, if you haven't watched Tupac's interview at the Malcolm X Grassroots conference, another post, do so, it's a really treat.
We spoke about the Jena 6. The response in that small town was more than the locals expected. Listen to democracynow.org, hardknock.org at kpfa.org for great interviews and coverage. When one thinks about the fate of young black men today, 11 years after Tupac was killed, and contrast the circumstances that led to his demise, it seems like the circle remains unbroken, but the national response to the travesty of justice in the Jena 6 case is certainly a chink in fiber.
Assignments are due by Monday, Sept. 24 at 12 noon. Send to me via e-mail professorwandasposse@gmail.com. I will be hosting a study session every Monday from 9:10 to 10:50. If any of you have gotten As in English 1A or English 5, please drop by, and you can also drop by for help of course.
There is a special coming on HBO Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 23-24. I couldn't find it in the program schedule, but perhaps you can. If you watch it and write about it, you can get extra credit. Extra credit doesn't take the place of assigned work.
What else?
The concert was canceled so goes our field trip. Have a great weekend.
Oh, thanks Walter for bringing in the CD: Tupac's Greatest Hits. We listened to How Long Will They Mourn Me. There are some great books in the COA library on hip hop. Check the cart, quite a few of them circulate.
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Tupac’s poem Life Through my eyes” shares much of the common ground and themes heard in his 1993 song “Holla If Ya Hear Me”. In the first verse, Tupac discusses his desire: to somehow get black males to bear arms and fight injustice in their neighborhoods. This coincides to the poem, where he talks about the life he lives and leads. Living in poverty, Tupac and his homies were stuck in jail, dealt with murder and violence as a way of life. On the other hand, the lyrics of “Holla If Ya Hear Me” display Tupac’s will to fight for his beliefs, at whatever the cost. In contrast, his poem talks about he wouldn’t be able to cope with himself if he doesn’t put and end to all the discrimination targeted at blacks. Despite the similar themes of the works, the poem illustrates a less rebellious tone and voice. Instead, “Life Through My Eyes” demonstrates a more sensitive tone than the lyrics heard in “Holla Ya Hear Me”. Either way, all of Tupac’s work show his brave ambitions, just like his own mother had.
Personally, I feel Tupac’s “Holla If Ya Hear Me” speaks out to anyone that can relate to his lifestyle and troubles at the time. Through writing music, Tupac thoroughly addresses his will to fight, and get others that feel the same way involved. One of the most influential rappers of our time, Tupac Shakur’s music, “Holla If Ya Hear Me” included, summarizes the harsh realities of life that weren’t addressed much by any of artist.
-Tristan Jazmin
Sabir 9-11 class
here finally someone wrote something! -_-
In his documentary, HIP- Hop Beyond Beats and Rhymes, director Byron Hurt explores the issues of Masculinity that are vividly represented in the Hip-Hop culture, specifically in music videos. The documentary focuses on exploring the core reasons that Masculinity are so easily accepted as part of the culture. Hurt discovered his yearn for educating the community and breaking down these stereotypes after watching BET (Black Entertainment Television) rap music videos. In the documentary rappers are interviewed and challenged independently to break down these stereotypes by educating the viewers with their insight.
The film is introduced with the importance of lyrical content in Hip-Hop or Rap music. Hurt states he began his research on Masculinity in the culture when he realized, "lyrics became unacceptable." In his research and through interviews it becomes clear that manhood is identified by rappers with money, which are strong, dominant, and have many women. Furthermore, manhood can also be displayed through their actual lyrical content. In lyrics, specifically rap battles, a rapper portrays his manhood by feminizing another and or instilling fear in his heart.
The presence of braggadocio and boast is viewed in the songs as well as the personas of the rappers. Hurt explains that this comes from, "a history of the Black man denying their own frailty," to the audience. Hip-hop, according to the documentary was created in the ghetto as a response through systematic violence. This boast is necessary to claim a place in the Hip-Hop society. 50 Cent is a prime example of a rapper who exploited the stereotypes of which Hurt is attempting to break down. In his song, "Many Men," he vividly shows his verbal ability to negotiate violence. In the same album, he attacks rapper Ja Rule by portraying him as a weak and feminine rapper. What was accomplished through this was the end of Ja Rule's career as a respected rapper and 50 Cent becoming one of the top selling artists in the country.
This film is important because of what is seeks out to do. Addressing, educating and breaking down the stereotypes in a culture are the first steps to positive change. By educating young adults in understanding the implications these stereotypes have on society as a whole is imperative. By challenging rap artist to realize the influence they have on these young adults when they personify these stereotypes is critical to the Hip-Hop culture. What Hurt addresses in his documentary is both necessary and refreshing.
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