Film Screening of "Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes"

Student union 335

Hip-hop birthed in the 1970s in New York City began as movement of cultural expression. Today, hip hop is considered “mainstream” and has been criticized for its excessive violence, hypemasculinity, and homophobia. “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes”, by film maker Byron Hurt, takes a critical look at hip hop and its impact on society’s perceptions of Black men. Hurt, a fan of hip hop, tackles tough questions about how hip hop is shaping our culture. The film screening will be moderated by a researcher and professor with expertise in Black male identity and resilience. After the screening, participants will be led in a dialogue on topics such as conforming to narrow definitions of manhood, stereotypical roles and images of Black men, and hip hop as a vehicle for consciousness raising. The dialogue will be facilitated by members of the moderator’s research team. Facilitators will also share their experiences using hip hop in a community and school-based intervention designed to promote critical consciousness and resilience in young Black men. This screening directly addresses the conference’s subtheme of masculinity, idea, and media. The screening would be beneficial for all participants, particularly high school and college students.