>> ^GenjiKilpatrick:

Music & dance are cultural expressions.
He's expressing his interpretation of the things that are important in his social environment.
It is a distinct cultural thing to go chat up big booty hoes at the Walmart.
Just like it was a distinct cultural thing to chat up wholesome christian girls at a malt shop.
I'm saying that this video & the culture it represents are only 'awful' by your ethnocentric standard.
>> ^legacy0100:
Chasing cheap booty is considered a cultural activity? I think you're way over-thinking this Genji.
It is what it is, a terrible rap video. That's the whole irony of our upvotes, the action is a statement saying that we recognize its awfulness, and not because we support the content.



I like that you made me think about this subject, Genji. You've presented me with a challenge, and forced me to gather my ideas and articulate myself. Thank you for this rare opportunity.

I've reached to the conclusion that you were right Genji, IT IS CULTURE. But it isn't just any culture, it's POVERTY CULTURE. This DOES NOT demand the same type of respect as some other cultures. Not all cultures should be considered equal, and I do believe I have a logical explanation.

So hear me out.

Robbing convenient stores or force raping other men can be considered a culture as well if you happen to live in a very violent ghetto or in prison. That is not a desirable environment to live in, but you would end up developing a subculture that specifically meets the needs of that particular environment. And now some may argue that these subcultures should also be held in the same regards as any other cultures. Well, I can respect the logic and reasoning of how these subcultures came to develop, but I still won't agree with the practices itself.

Let's go back to the contents of the video and its characteristics. Poverty culture generally tends to lean towards public nuisance and aggressively lascivious activities, which are actions that closely reflects our true basic instincts. But celebrating lack of control over your inhibitions and celebrating shopping at Wal-Mart isn't the highest standards one could have about themselves.

I'm sure there's a good reason why the types of dance and lyrics came to popularize in this particular town the video makers came from. And I can certainly understand that it is a culture sprouting from different environment and various life circumstances. But would I be supporting such low standards of self-control and standards of living? Hell no. I have higher living standards. Although everyone enjoys a fine booty rubbing against them, I can control my inhibitions and fight off the urge to dry hump someone in public.

All in all, this video reaks of low-class everything. Do keep in mind that this is not what all African American culture has to offer. This is the poor side of African American culture, just as white American culture would have Jersey Shore and Sarah Palin. I know plenty of African Americans who have much higher standards about themselves and their culture, and often speak out against the exact same thing this rap video is representing, and that is: Low Standards.