Anybody who knows me is well aware of my hatred of the willful ignorance also known as rap music.

Pardon me if this offends anyone, but I see absolutely no value in these messages of hate and violence that continually bombard our children’s ears. For the sake of political correctness, I’ve never publicly written about this subject I see as a major influence on the attitudes (mostly negative) of our youth.

But rap “artist” Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, also known as Lil Wayne, recently pushed my buttons to the tune of making me tap keys.

Trampling on and degrading the American Flag, our flag, for the selfish purpose of commercial gain under the guise of making a profound statement, Lil Whoever recently brought my blood to a rolling boil.

I believe in free speech. I believe in protests against the often unethical decisions made by our government. I believe in the right of people to stand up to perceived injustice. But when a guy with obvious dollar signs in his eyes stomps on our flag in a music video as a so-called political statement, spitting in the face of all who have protected that precious symbol of American independence, I believe he should be doing his so-called entertaining overseas.

Quickly, name one rapper who is or was regarded as a positive community asset. Name one rapper whose legacy will be or is one of compassion, patience, empathy, tenderness, and encouragement. Name one rapper who won the Nobel Prize. Name one rapper who mentored children and fostered emotional and spiritual growth.

How many 40-year-old rappers can you name? Now, list all of the rappers who died violently in their twenties.

Our kids are influenced by more than peer pressure and drugs. Their music is an often overlooked but very powerful influence on their psychological development and their resultant attitudes toward life. I challenge you to listen to a typical rap lyric and then answer the following question: Do I feel more like hurting someone or helping someone?

I bet I know the answer.

And the sad thing is, as our kids take this garbage into their heads, it comes out in their actions — and they start to act like Lil Willfully Ignorant.

The greatest attack is the attack of the mind.

Before somebody posts anonymous darts, no, I do not consider rock or country music to have superior messages in their lyrics. Personally, I think the world would be a much better place if everyone tuned in regularly to K-LOVE.

But of all the poisons, Lil Whatshisname and his minions win the brainwashing game, hands down. Willfully ignorant people will always follow other willfully ignorant people.

I just hope we don’t get to the point where it is OK for the willfully ignorant to burn our sacred symbol and still make a profit.

 

Billy Bruce is a freelance writer who lives in Pedro. He can be contacted at hollandkat3@aol.com.