The Effects of Rap Music on Violent Behavior among African American Teenagers - Research Proposal Example

Research Proposal The Effects of Rap Music on Violent Behavior among African American Teenagers Rap music is gaining popularity and momentum day by day, leaving parents, government officials and health authorities worried about the consequences of watching this form of music genre. This is because; this form of music has some components of aggressiveness and sexual activities in the lyrics and video which can instigate teenagers to perform immoral acts because of fantasizing and role modeling. The beat, rhythm and lyrics of the songs make the listeners listen to the rap songs again and again and make them feel that the content of the songs is the realistic form of the outside world. Many studies have reported various effects of rap music on the adolescents and youth who watch and listen to them. Some of the effects include aggressive behaviors, poor academic performance, health-risk behaviors and suicidal ideation. Of these, aggressive and violent behaviors are very important because, they can have a devastating impact on the society. Rap music has its origins from the African-American community and it is interesting to know what effects this genre of music has on the population from where it has come. Thus this research aims to explore the effects of rap music on the violent behaviour of the African –American teenagers. The study will be a prospective study over 12 months period. The enrolled participants will be asked to record the number of hours they listen to rap music or watch music video and the type of songs they view or listen. After 12 months, the outcomes will be measured. The main outcome that will be measured is violent or aggressive behavior. Other measures which will be measured include academic performance, sexual practices and behavioural problems. The data will be analysed using univariate and covariate analyses. Aims and objectives of the study The study aims to evaluate the effects of rap music on the violent behaviour among African-American teenagers. Background and rationale Music plays a very important role in the lives of humans. It is a ubiquitous form of experience and expression. Music is enjoyed by one and all irrespective of age and sex. While infants giggle and coo in response to lullabies, adolescents adapt to the styles and purposes of variety of genres of music. When rock music was introduced in the 1950s, there was much hue and cry that it would adversely affect the youth. However, currently the criticism is mainly focused on heavy metal and rap music. Rap music is an evolutionary form of African-American music which is influenced by blues and rhythm, contemporary gospel, fusion and bepop (Wingood et al, 2003). The videos of this form of music are gaining enormous popularity and attention and have become a media genre (Wingood et al, 2003). Rap music and videos, especially the gangsta rap have certain violent lyrics and themes pertaining to sex, politics, racism, religion and drug addiction. The content of the lyrics and themes of rap music are a source of disgust and worry to the parents. Young people initially get attracted to the catchy beats of the song and then hear the song again and again. In the process, there is distortion of reality and positive rewards for morally wrong behaviours causing a change in the behaviours of the youngsters. In particular, gangsta rap shows that violence and aggressive behaviour is acceptable and are natural acts in the world. Themes like shooting a 16-year old boy for his jacket, stabbing a fifteen year old lad for his glasses and hitting a seventeen year old with an errant pass for basket ball, communicate wrongly that violence is a normal phenomenon. There is lot of debate as to who is responsible for such profound lyrics and themes in the music. While many musicians like Litchelle blame that the music producers forced them to use strong and aggressive lyrics, many producers too have started to blame the singers for aggressive lyrics. Children who are raised in cultures where rap music is a norm do not find the themes and lyrics in the music abnormal. They get used to seeing violence, guns, knifes and nakedness and they get easily assimilated to such cultures. Rap music media thus influence the children and youth to get adapted to that culture. Review of literature pertaining to the effects of rap music on the youngsters has produced lot of information. Wingood et al (2003) conducted a prospective study to explore the occurrence of health-risk behaviours and also sexually transmitted diseases in African-American young women exposed to rap music. Their study proved the association between increased exposure to rap music and health risk behaviours. Women exposed to increased rap music were more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases. The association between rap music and health-risk behaviour has been explained by many theories, the most popular of which is social cognitive theory. According to this theory, rap music videos make the African-American young girls identify with the themes and characters of the videos kindling a sense of modeling in them. The videos are simple and salient and mainly about sex and violence. They seldom show the long-term adverse effects of such risky behaviours keeping the viewers in dark about the dangers of unhealthy practices (Wingood et al, 2003). Rap music carries messages of rebellion, individuation and anti-establishment attitude (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). Music can influence the thinking of an adolescent through the language and lives of the artists (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). It can be a powerful tool in shaping the morals and ambitions of the budding adult. Each type of music has its own theme type and the adolescent selects his genre influenced by the type of emotion he has towards the society. Rap genres have a good amount of musical prowness. The virtuosity of rhyme and also the exaggeration of volume, rhythm and bass provide intense sensory experience to the listener. However, the themes in most of the rap genres consist of antisocial aspects. Various studies have shown that about 50% of the themes are related to killing, 35.2% to satanism and 7.4% to suicide (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). The lyrics and sound are so mesmerizing that regular listeners tend to listen to the rap for longer time and register the lyrics more easily. This gives input to the musicians and they continue to sustain playing rap. Most of the rap singers are under- 25 (Reddick and Eugene, 2002) and are role-models for teenagers. Those going through adolescence, a stage of struggle for indentity fall prey to the overidealised and dramatized aspects of the singer. As such, adolescence is a difficult period with many biological and psychological changes occurring. The association with music also helps maintain connection with their peers. The performers of rap infact welcome the narcissistic fantasy of omnipotence and dominance by means of exhibitionism, exaggerated lyrics and overstated volume (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). Most of the times, rap music is composed by minorities who have a common historical oppressor and a rage focus. There are many subgenres in rap music, some of which are gangsta rap, "old school" rap, pop rap and rap metal. Gansta rap is the most dangerous form of rap. The lyrics of this form of rap deliver very aggressive messages and represent inner-city life (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). Rap music mobilizes anger and incites action and protest (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). The roots of this form of music are in the inner city gang life. The most common modes of action in rap music are gang war, retribution, resistance to the oppressor and killing for pride (Reddick and Eugene, 2002). The themes of rap are rooted in reality and the ideas stem from the personal experiences of the lyricists or singers. Rap musicians catalog street-life experience and memorialize the people, the gangs and themselves. They become spokesmen for innercity culture which is mainly stuck in poor education, poverty and drug abuse. Rap music is related to minority cultures, mostly the African- American culture, the members of which have many features in common including civil obedience, perseverance and also slave rebellion. Rap music has significant national and global appeal. It is the most controversial genre in music. Previous studies have established the connection between substance abuse and music preferences for rap, electronic dance music, reggae and heavy metal (Mulder et al, 2009). Mulder et al (2009) studied the relationship between nonmainstream music and adolescent smoking and drinking. Their study revealed that rap and hip-hop music preferences were linked to increased smoking and drinking in teenagers. Kroth et al (2008) reported sexual dreams in those who watched rap or hip-hop videos. According to Primack et al (2008), teenagers exposed to degrading type of sexual preferences in music are most likely to get involved in sexual activities at a younger age. Research has shown that songs with degrading sex are mostly rap-type of music. Infact, 64% of degrading lyrics are sung by rap musicians. The lyrics of these songs also referred to violence, substance abuse and weapon carrying (Primack et al, 2008). Iwamoto et al (2007) reported that rap music has profound effects on the psychology and education of college students. According to a research conducted by North and Harqreaves (2006), rap can cause self-injurious thoughts and behaviours among listeners. Anderson et al (2003) reviewed five experiments involving more than 500 colleges and evaluated the effects of seven violent songs by seven musicians and eight nonviolent songs by seven musicians on the psychological aspects of the students. In the experiments, the youths were randomly assigned to view either a violent music video or a nonviolent music video. After viewing the video for 15 minutes, the students were asked to perform various psychological tasks to measure the intensity of aggressiveness in their thoughts and feelings. The students interpreted ambiguously aggressive words in a more aggressive manner after hearing to violent music than when compared to non-violent music. Violent songs also increased the speed at which the aggressive vs., non-aggressive words were read. The researchers delivered that feelings of hostility were promoted by violent songs without provocation and this was not related to the performing artist or arousal aspects of the songs. The researchers concluded that repeated exposure to violent lyrics can result in hostile social environment, although the effect may only be there for a short-time. In the past, many studies have shown that rap music provokes violent behaviour. The results of these studies are important because many people spend lot of time and money on rap music and hence it is important to know whether the music instigates feelings of aggression and violence. Tropeano (2006) conducted yet another study on the effects of rap music on violence. In the study, the researcher found that listening to aggressive music indeed had an effect on aggressive behaviour. The author expressed concern over this aspect with reference to our society as he mentions that "Our society as a whole should consider this a severe problem, especially with all of the school bombings, the high rates of angry, gang affiliated, weapon carrying young people, and the millions of dollars being spent on this violent and degrading (mostly to women) kind of music.” On an average, teenagers spend about 4- 5 hours a day either listening to or watching music videos (www.mediascope.org). “It forms the background of car rides and social gatherings, and it also informs the adolescent about the adult world through the lens of artists’ lives, language and role modeling” (The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter 2003). Copley (2008) evaluated various studies pertaining to the effects of rap music on violent behaviour on the part of listeners. He opined that the studies showed mixed results and that listening to rap music did not necessary instigate violence. Cobb and Boettcher (2007) reported that not all types of rap music and videos have negative effects on the behaviour. Only those with misogynistic themes created misogynistic attitudes, especially towards women. Many experts argue that substance abuse, behavioural problems and sexual promiscuity arise much before the individuals are exposed to rap music. Hence, sometimes, it makes us question as to whether rap music causes violence or those with aggressive minds tend to watch more of rap music. Some are of the opinion that subconscious racism makes one attribute many negative aspects to rap (Copley, 2008). In some regions of France like Marseille, the residents are of the opinion that rap has come to their rescue by preventing rioting which is very common in some areas of Paris. The locals there feel that rap has many positive effects (Copley, 2008). According to Ballard and Dodson (1999), lyrics in rap and heavy metal music promote bigotry, aggression, suicide, violence, drug abuse, homicide and drug use. Effects of rap music are a much debated topic amongst artists, censorship supporters, record companies, federal government and parent groups. Music which contains offensive and aggressive lyrics can give a false impression about the outside world for children and youth. Many rap music themes involve inflammatory comments against women and thus contribute to disrespect and sexual imagery (Brown and Hendee, 1989; qtd. in Samantha et al, 2002). According to a study conducted by Wass, Miller, & Redditt (1991; qtd. in Samantha et al, 2002), preference to destructive themes in rock music was related to destructive behaviour or antisocial activities. Took and Weis (1994; qtd. in Samantha et al, 2002) reported that rap or heavy metal music listening was associated with behavioral problems, below average grades in class, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual activity and arrests. Thus, literature has shown that rap music can have many devastating effects on adolescents which include even violence and aggression. The aim of this research is to study the effects of rap music on African-American teenagers. Hypothesis The hypothesis tested ion this study is “rap music causes violent behaviour amongst African American teenagers.” Inspiration from reflection The observations made by the researcher during clinical practice and field visit placements have inspired him to conduct this research. Violence as a consequence of rap music is an important aspect that warrants merit because many teenagers resort to music and music videos. This aspect has also inspired the author to conduct research. As Burns and Grove (1997) stated, clinical experience frequently gives rise to the identification of a research topic and expands scope for reflection. Reflective practice is essential to clinical practice and provides a retrospective look at current practice and questions the reason for doing so. Thus, it is because of reflection that the author was able to raise questions which prompted to this research study. Materials and methods Methodology is a means of justifying the articles selected for the review. The methodology must be essentially extensive and detailed. Planning is essential for proper methodology. For proper planning, organization of focus question is essential and helps in thorough search for relevant literature. Reviews are labor intensive and require a lot of skill in terms of the searching technique and the actual reviewing (Parahoo, 2006). In due anticipation of a long and involved task, the researcher will keep a log book where important information, results obtained and arising issues will be recorded as when obtained. A mind map will be employed in developing the important facets of the focus question. Mind-map is a visual, non-hierarchical display of similar items. Mind maps help in the creative organization and communication of ideas, in making decisions and in problem solving (Knight, 2002). Setting The study will be conducted over …. years from… to ….. . It will be conducted in …the colleges of the area….. Participants Male and female teenagers of the African American community between the ages 14 to 18 are the participants for the study. The participants will be picked up from colleges which ill be registered for the study. Wingood et al (2003), who studied the effects of rap music on adolescent health, used the same age group which involved teenagers. The participants will be studied prospectively to look into the effects of rap music. Inclusion criteria 1. The teenager must be between 14- 18 years of age group. 2. The teenager must belong to one of the registered colleges. 3. The teenager must belong to African American community. 4. The teenager must be able to give consent. 5. The teenager must not have any severe mental health problems. Exclusion criteria 1. Those below 14 years and above 19 years of age. 2. Those who do not belong to African-American community 3. Those who do not want to give consent or are not in a position to give consent. Measures The predictor variable in the study is the level of exposure to music videos. This will be determined by asking the teenagers to estimate the number of hours they watched rap music videos every week. The characteristics of the music video watched would be recorded, including the type of rap. The other covariates which will be assessed in this study are employment status, involvement in extracurricular activities, participation in family and religious activities, composition of family, family’s receipt of public assistance and parenteral monitoring of whereabouts. Outcomes that will be measured The main outcomes that will be measured is any form of aggressive and violent behaviour at home or in college as recorded by the teenager himself or by the teacher or by the parent or by classmate. Other outcomes that will be measured are alcohol abuse, drug abuse, academic performance, sexual activities and behavioural problems. Statistical analysis The characteristics of music viewing will be analyzed using univariate analyses. The relationship between adolescents’ level of exposure to rap music and the outcomes measured will be subjected to bivariate analyses. Avoidance of bias Bias may be defined as delivery of opinions, values and views as if they were universal without looking at other points of view. In this research, bias could either be introduced by the researchers strong allegiance to their sponsors or could be introduced by the researcher’s own perspectives. There is not much scope for bias from the researcher because he is not affected by the "cause" or "effect" involved in the study. However, his profound preoccupation with the subject could be a potential source of bias. The personal evaluations and values of the researcher can be reflected in the choice of methodology, interpretation of findings and the choice of a research topic and the researcher may select fragments of data which only support his argument. The researchers own perspective and historical context are horizons that may influence interpretation (Kahn, 2000). Implications for practice Since violence and aggressive behaviors which are a threat to the society are rising amongst adolescents, it has become a priority issue to identify factors which predispose to such practices. Previous research has pointed to the fact that rap music has derogatory effects on the teenagers. Such a result from this research can support the government and health authorities’ efforts to minimize rap music viewing. If a strong relationship is found between rap music viewing and aggressive behaviors, then the government can be coaxed to make stringent rules regarding release of unhealthy music albums. References Anderson, C.A., Carnagey, N.L., Eubanks, J. (2003). Exposure to violent media: the effects of songs with violent lyrics on aggressive thoughts and feelings. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(5), 960-971. Ballard, M. E., & Dodson, A. R. (1999). Genre of music and lyrical content: Expectation effects. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 160(4), 476. Burns, N., Grove, S. K., 1997. The Practice of Nursing Research: Conduct, Critique and Utilisation. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co. Cobb, M.D., & Boettcher, III, W.A. (2007). Ambivalent sexism and misogynistic rap music: Does exposure to Eminem increase sexism? Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 37(12), 3025-3042 Copley. J. (2008). Rap Musics Psychological Effects. Research into Mood, Behavior, Crime, Violence and Gender Relations. Retrieved on 17th June, 2009 from http://cognitive-psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/rap_musics_psychological_effects Fitts, M. (2008). "Drop It Like Its Hot" Culture Industry Laborers and Their Persepectives on Rap Music Video Production. Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism, 8(1), 211- 235. Howe, D. (2004). Critics of gangsta rap, put in front of my optical, create more pain inside of my brain. Newstatesman, Columns, dated 27 September, 2004. Iwamoto, D.K., Creswell, J., and Caldwell, L. (2007). Feeling the beat: the meaning of rap music for ethnically diverse Midwestern college students--a phenomenological study. Adolescence, 42(166), 337-51. Kahn, D.L., 2000. Reducing Bias. In: Cohen, M.Z., Kahn, D.L. and Steeves, R.H. (Eds.). Hermeneutic Phenomenological Research: A Practical Guide for Nurse Researchers. London: Sage Publications Inc, 85 – 92. Kroth, J., Lamas, J., Pisca, N., Bourret, K., and Kollath, M. (2008). Retrospective dream components and musical preferences. Psychol Rep.,103(1), 93-6. Mulder, J., Ter Bogt, T.F., Raaijmakers, Q.A., Gabhainn, S.N., Monshouwer, K., and Vollebergh, W.A. (2009). The soundtrack of substance use: music preference and adolescent smoking and drinking. Subst Use Misuse, 44(4), 514-31. Parahoo, L., 2006. Nursing research: Principles, Process, and Issues. London: Macmillan. Primack, B.A., Gold, M.A., Schwarz, E.B., Dalton, M.A. (2008). Degrading and non-degrading sex in popular music: a content analysis. Public Health Rep., 123(5), 593-600. Reddick, B.H., Beresin, E.V. (2002). Rebellious Rhapsody: Metal, Rap, Community, and Individuation. Academic Psychiatry, 26, 51- 59. Samantha, K., Jim. M., Mikr, O., Tanya, S., Chase, R., and Susan, T. (2002). Effects of Rap and heavy Metl music Lyrics on Adolescent Behaviours. Missouri Western State University. Retrieved on 17th June, 2009 from http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/325.php The Brown Child and Adolescent University Behaviour letter. (2003). Study: Violent music increases aggression. 19(6), Retrieved on 17th June, 2009 from http://www.childresearch.net/RESOURCE/NEWS/2003/200306.HTM Tropeano, E. (2006). Does Rap or Rock Music Provoke Violent Behavior? Journal of Undergraduate Psychological Research, 1, 31- 34. Wingood, G.M., DiClemente, R.J., Bernhardt, J.M., Harrington, K., Davies, S.L., and Robillard, A. (2003). A Prospective Study of Exposure to Rap Music Videos and African American Female Adolescents’ Health. American Journal of Public Health, 93(3), 437- 439. Read More