Perceptions of Misogyny in Hip Hop and Rap: What Do the Youths Think?

Abstract

This article presents the results of an exploratory study conducted at a community forum sponsored by a prominent African American church and a historically Black university. These institutions are concerned with negative messages given to African American females about their appearance and their morals. The data presented describe the population of female (68.6%) and male (31.4%) participants ages 18 to 24 and inform us about their perceptions about hip hop and rap music, especially as they relate to misogyny. This study found that listening habits and age were significant in understanding youths' views about misogyny.

KEYWORDS:

• Misogyny
• hip hop and rap music
• African American females

Notes

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Cudore L. Snell, Dean of the School of Social Work, Dean James Donaldson, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, both at Howard University for their support and encouragement to complete this research. A special recognition is extended to the Metropolitan AME Church whose forward thinking and commitment to youth made this a doable project and to Dr. Edgar Tyson for allowing us to use his “RAP” scale. We are grateful for the opportunity.