Under most circumstances, I rather enjoy the extremely entertaining style of Michael Eric Dyson. He is indeed one of America's greatest intellectuals. He does however scare me with the way he embraces Hip Hop. Before your forehead starts to wrinkle up, just read the whole post. Hip Hop does have some endearing qualities, especially the whole neo-soul movement. It makes millionaires out of people who might not otherwise become wealthy. It started out as a voice of consciousness in the late 70s. It is a multibillion dollar industry, make no mistake about it. It has ushered in new clothing lines and new ways of dressing, as well as a new venacular. It has seen some of its early stars become movie stars. On the surface, it sounds like another Harlem Renaissance. In reality, it is something quite different.

Its dangerous because the kids in African America idolize a lifestlye that is destined to lead them to a path of destruction and miseducation. There are some rappers who still try to convey positive messages but most fall prey to the utilization of sexual inuendo and often overt objectification of our sisters. Rappers have enough clout that they can change the industry. They no longer have to perpetuate the status quo. Use some sisters and let them keep their clothes on. Diminish the references to pot and "stickin and lickin". Clean up the ridiculously filthy language. Somebody is listening.

Dr. Dyson has the ability to lead the call to cultural change. I am not saying do away with rap. The artist must have the flexibility to be creative, but he or she ought to keep in mind that African American kids are also listening and learning some terrible things at very young ages. Dr. Dyson embraces the word "nigga". I don't care if it is said affectionately, there is something very twisted about taking a word that was meant to demean you and adopting it as your own. Given that weak argument, I guess it would be okay to start referring to women as bitchas. I reject such an argument with the double standards that go along with it.

I don't need to name the rappers by name. You know how many of them have died as a result of bullets to the head and to the chest. I don't have to tell you who's feudin with who. You already know that. At it's best, hip hop is an expression of who we are and our experience as overcomers in American society. At it's worst, it is a perverted image of our culture and heritage as person of African descent in America. No one would question if we can do better. We know that answer. Then why aren't the sisters in the music industry demanding better treatment of women in the music. Why are the African American intellectuals leading the way. Brother Dyson, you have the power...so what is your pleasure? I still believe in you, but I really think you are making the situation worse.

For several years I have observed that African American males enroll in colleges and universities but are often unseen and unheard. The future of Black America is in the hands of the sisters right now. They are graduating from college at higher per centages and in greater overall numbers. This is a call to the brothers. If you believe you know some ideas and ways to motivate other brothers to enroll in college, or even to keep them interested while they are in college, let your voice be heard. Leadership begins here brother. Here and now. Let us hear your voice?