On Friday night, Hanna Strong was filmed using racial and homophobic language, but she should not be at blame — the entire student body is at fault partially through the music we listen to and welcome on campus.

University Union, a student-run organization, provides us with the most anticipated days of the school year, Juice Jam and Mayfest, but our beloved music events also play a major role in promoting racism and homophobia.

Before you get your knickers in a twist, hear me out: In the past two years, Syracuse University has seen Schoolboy Q, Ace Hood, A$AP Ferg, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, Trey Songz, Earl Sweatshirt, Joey Badass, Kid Ink and many more hip-hop and rap artists. This type of music influences anyone that is willing to listen, and there is no “acceptable” form of hip-hop or rap. We only lengthen racism and homophobia’s longevity by inviting these artists to perform at our school and in part, we have become part of the cycle.

Throwing the N-word around is never okay, whether it’s used as a racist slur or as a term of endearment. There is no “reclaimed” version of the N-word. It carries the same negative connotation coming from white people’s lips as it does from a black person’s. It also makes no difference if the “er” is replaced with an “a.” The same rules apply for the words “f*ggot” and “gay.” They are not interchangeable terms for weak or lame.

Don’t get me wrong, I pop, lock and drop it just as much as the next chick and I am just as guilty as she is, but I listen to music with enlightened ears. We have the power to destroy the racist and hetero-normative constructs presented in hip-hop and rap. I respect the genre and appreciate it as art form. I’m not saying we should get rid of it, but we should recognize the importance of looking at music’s influence with critical eyes.

I see an opportunity to begin speaking out against racism and homophobia perpetuated on campus — this is it. The entire student body uses offensive language — unlike the rest of us, Hanna just got caught doing it.

This movement begins with us. Speak up.

Teresa Sabga
Senior, magazine major and women’s and gender studies minor

 

Published on September 11, 2014 at 12:20 am