I was surfing on Afrobella and found an open letter to Hip Hop. In the comments section I found a link to a petition against degradation in hip hop. I thought I would post a portion of the petition here. Stop by and support these folks. People everywhere are outraged. We just need to be organized for change. They were up to 1256 when I signed.
To: BET, MTV, VH-1, and Mainstream RadioAs members & supporters of the Black community, we the undersigned wish to express our outrage against the numerous rap artists whose lyrics and videos degrade women, Black women in particular, as well as themselves. Their incessant use of the terms ‘nigger', ‘bitch, and ‘ho' degrade the Black community. We also denounce their promotion of drug dealing and the poisonous culture of violence they perpetuate.
We realize freedom of speech is a value held dearly by all in the United States of America. That same freedom of speech which allows these artists to spew their poison is the same freedom that allows us to stand up and say: "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"
We do not advocate censorship. We are advocating responsibility. Know that this promotion of prison culture has affected our youth. We must put the future of the Black community first!
AS SUCH, WE WILL NO LONGER SUPPORT ARTISTS AND MEDIA OUTLETS WHO PROMOTE STEREOTYPICALLY DEMEANING IMAGES OF BLACK WOMEN !!
WE WILL NOT PURCHASE MUSIC THAT CATEGORICALLY INSULTS US!!
WE WILL BOYCOTT BET, MTV, VH-1, MAINSTREAM RADIO, AND ANY OTHER MEDIA OUTLET THAT SUPPORTS AND PROMOTES ARTISTS WHO MALIGN, DEBASE, AND OTHERWISE DISRESPECT BLACK PEOPLE!!
WE ARE SPEAKING OUT AGAINST A CULTURE THAT HAS BEEN HIJACKED AND TURNED INTO A VEHICLE OF HARM AND DEGRADATION OF AN ENTIRE PEOPLE!
In the great tradition of our ancestors who began the Birmingham bus boycott, we will not financially patronize or support any entity that discriminates against us and/or disrespects our people!!
