Hip Hop Artist Speaks: Hurricane Katrina
How do you read the world without words? Communication or the lack their of, appeared to contribute to the problems presented by Hurricane Katrina. Some residence were not sure evacuating procedures, Many Americans along the Gulf Coast were left speechless and those expected to care for them could not read their unspoken pain "The act of learning to read and write has to start from a very comprehensive understanding of the act of reading the world, something which human beings do before reading the words."18 Paulo Freire
When we think about teaching values there is no particular lesson plan guiding us on how to respond to situations, so here we look and analyze the impact of voice from artist Kanye West and Lil Wayne when responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
During a one hour special produced by NBC News Live: Chicago Rapper Kanye West states: "I hate the way they portray us in the media. You see a black family, it says, "they're looting." You see a white family, it says, "They're looking for food." And you know it's been five days (waiting for federal help) because most of the people are black. And even for me to complain about it, I would be a hypocrite because I've tried to turn away from the TV because it's too hard to watch. I've even been shopping before even giving a donation, so now I'm calling my business manager right now to determine the largest amount I'm able to donate. Just imagine if I was down there, and those are my people down there. America is set up to help the poor, the black people, the less well-off, as slow as possible. I mean the Red Cross is doing everything they can. We already realize a lot of people that could help are at war right now, fighting another way--and they've been given the permission to go down and shoot. George bush doesn't care about black people!!"19
In order to deepen students understanding of tone of both artist by asking questions centered around the tone of voice when Kanye uses words like "hate", "I hate they way they portray us in the media" or when Lil Wayne uses phrases like "My whole city's under water, some people still floating' and they wonder why black people still voting."
Lil Wayne New Orleans rapper states in a song titled "Tie My Hands"
"We are at war with the universe, the sky is falling and the only thing that can save us now is sensitivity and compassion. I, Knock on the door, hope isn't home Fate's not around the lucks all gone Don't ask me what's wrong ask me what's right and I'ma tell you what's life, and did you know? I lost everything, but I ain't the only one. First came the hurricane, then the morning sun They try telling me keep my eyes open, my whole city underwater, some people still floatin' And they wonder why black people still voting 'Cause your president still choking. Take away the football team, the basketball team And all we got is me to represent New Orleans. No governor, no help from the mayor, just a steady beating heart and a wish and a prayer20.
Examples of identifying mood and tone are provided here through Spike, Kanye, and Lil Wayne speaking for the voiceless in the face of adversity. Students can analyze their comments and make suggestions for constructive social change. Is it hopeful to demonstrate positive thoughts of optimism when faced with a disaster such as Katrina? With courage born of success achieved in the past "We Shall Overcome" and residents of Katrina will be able to look forward to a future filled with promise and hope.
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