Why Have My Parents Freaked Out Over Hip Hop?

It’s understandable why you might feel frustrated by your parents' reaction to hip hop, especially when you've noticed that many people around you seem to embrace the genre without hesitation. However, it’s important to recognize that your parents' concerns aren't unique or irrational. Hip hop, like any other form of culture and art, carries a wide range of subcultures and narratives that may not align with everyone's personal experiences and values.

While it might not be about convincing your parents to change their opinion, you do have some strategies at your disposal to help them understand and appreciate hip hop in a way that may lessen their concerns. For one, you could try introducing them to the genre through the works of artists that focus on more positive and uplifting messages. This might include artists like Giveon, Khalid, Summer Walker, and Jhene Aiko, who are known for their soulful, mellow, and often introspective songs that can be more palatable for a wider audience, including those who might be wary of the genre.

Historical Context

Their concern isn’t isolated to the present; parents from the 1990s and earlier also felt the same way about hip hop when it was first made popular. In fact, it's a regular occurrence throughout history for older generations to express skepticism about the music and art of the younger generation. It’s all part of the generational divide, and it will likely persist as long as there are new forms of media and culture emerging each generation.

A lot can be learned from the past, and you can use that to your advantage by calmly explaining that this is a natural part of the generational process. Share stories or examples of how parental concerns over new music and art forms have been common and often unjustified over the years. Highlighting these points can help them see that their concerns may be more rooted in tradition and media portrayal rather than the actual substance of the music.

Personal Experiences and Preference

What your parents may not realize is that you are free to have your own preferences in music and art, just as they are free to have their own. It’s essential to respect their perspectives, but it’s equally crucial to establish your own. Your parents might acknowledge that they come from a different era where certain forms of music were viewed differently. This acknowledgment can help them understand that your preferences could stem from different experiences and contexts.

Additionally, talking about your personal experiences with hip hop—what draws you to it, how it makes you feel, and what messages you find in the music—can be a powerful tool. Share stories or discuss influential artists and their messages. This approach can make it easier for them to relate to you and see the value in hip hop beyond just the music itself.

Practical Solutions

While you can’t make them like something they don’t naturally resonate with, you can employ some practical solutions to minimize their discomfort. For instance, listening to hip hop together can be a great way to start a dialogue. Pick a few songs or even a playlist and sit down with your parents to discuss the music and its messages. This can be a way to demonstrate the positive aspects of the genre and make it less overwhelming or alien.

Moreover, educating yourself about the genre and its cultural significance can help you communicate more effectively with your parents. Understanding the historical and contemporary contexts of hip hop can give you more confidence and nuance in your conversations with them.

Ultimately, the key to resolving a generational difference is patience, understanding, and open communication. While you might not be able to completely convince them to 'chill' regarding hip hop, you can help them see the value in it in a way that respects their concerns and opens a dialogue for mutual understanding.