Tupac
Tupac is considered by many teenagers as the dominant figure in the genre of hip hop music.
It therefore seems necessary for me to comment on this pose because it would have already been viewed by many teenagers, if not on posters on their bedroom walls to represent their favorite rap artist.
Clothing- Tupac is pictured wearing a beanie/ wolly hat, which would seem unoffensive to most of society.
However, because he has no clothes on his upper body many would regard this person as intimidating. In some respects because he is not wearing any clothes on the top half of his body it draws attention to the hat ontop of his head. Do you think there was a purpose for this? Or just because this is how he feels most comfortable or to conform to the stereotypical dress of a 'gangster.'Chain- Many hip hop idols like to display their wealth however it has now gone from one extreem to another in modern society. Hip hop artists not only are pictured posing with 'bling' (urban terminology) but now have encrusted diamonds moulded onto utensils such as glasses. So by Tupac originally posing with just a think silver chain to promote his wealth he has inspired many others in his line of work to carry on this tradition to a further extent.
So, if hip hop artists themselves are influenced by what others in the same line of work have achieved, this of course is going to have an impact on teenagers who look up to particular hip hop artists as their idols.
Physique- Tupac's body is toned/ muscular which portrays an element of strength which allows him to have a high defense mechansim whilst his figure could also act as a deterrrent for potential attackers. However, if his physique acts as a deterrent why does he need to protect himself even further by carrying a gun? (tucked into his jeans)
His shape also conforms to the stereotype of a 'typical hip hop artist.'
Tatoos- Also displays strength to an extent, but the meaning of the words printed across his stomach is more interesting to examine. 'Thug Life' with the letters all in upper case exaggerates Tupac's own hardship endured throughout his life. So by writing these words, Tupac has ultimately portrayed his whole lifestyle to the public and his fans, as if to promote this type of lifestyle as attractive.
Gesture- Tupac's derogative hand gestures simply protrays swearing as acceptable for many vulnerable teenagers that will be easily influenced.
Gun- The positioning of Tupac's weapon reinforces the dominant ideology in society "keep your most sacred posessions close to you at all times." Whilst Tupac is trying to express the importance of his weapon to him, the belt strapped around his waist, holding in the gun is also suggestive of the significance of the weapon. As if he would be lost without it, Tupac's belt secures his gun in a fixed position.
Do you agree or disagree with my comments?
Do you have anything to add to my analysis?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
An analysis of the hip hop artist's pose
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6 comments:
i think hip hip origniated as a way of expression for the young black youth culture in new york and certainly had positive effects on the society. Hip hop was,for many, a way to express emotions and dreams which led people away from gun crimes and violence. Maybe a question could be....Why do you think hip hop has gone from this to the opposite extreme of glamourising gun crime. teenagers obviously look up to their icons/idols and want to be them, act like them, talk like them ,dress like them etc. And when theyve done all that they take it further, and copy what they do, what they own ie guns. i giuess they think its cool??. hope that makes sense!! not sure it does
I disagree with your comments on Tupac's physique/defence mechanism.
Firstly his defence mechanism isn't his body as he knows he is small weighing under 136lbs. His defence mechanism is HIS MIND. A famous quote he wrote to emphasise this
"I aint big, I aint buff
I aint Diesel, But F*** with me
And pop goes the weasel."
He's fully aware of his size, therefore the need to carry a gun is not just for the sake of it, but as part of his lifestyle.
"Live by the gun
Die by the gun."
Unappropriate Hand gesture
His hand gesture would suggest an unsuitable behaviour which may seem like he is being offensive to the public. In contrast to his lyrics, it may seem his swearing could be directed to the American Government.
"It's funny how
When it rains it pours,
The government has money for wars
But can't feed the poor."
These lyrics show his disgust about the government.
Well, i find this one really hard, but interesting.
Judging by the display of violent,tough, dominant and 'secure' character in the picture especially the fourth,i find it more of a cry for attention
''see what i/we have got''
''i/we are taught no one messes with me/us''
Then the false sense of fame, success and security the picture portrays.
A crave for 'fame' and audience from rivals and potential fans, hip hop is the medium of achieving that goal.
The picture also exhibits a sense of security, with a deadly warning to any potential enemies.
Teenagers need security and a belonging and are attracted to anything providing a sense of security and belonging like the picture shows.
The reality is many of the individuals portrayed in hip hop are/weere actually involved in gun crime and are/where gangstas.
If they where not involved you would wonder how they came to posses guns in the in the first place let alone the wealth?
But there is always a question on how to pass the message to rivals,hip hop comes in handy to show their success.
The grill also is a sign of wealth, i would believe most of the wealth is actually got from drug related deals within gangs.
In effect there is business rivalry among the gangs, and hip hop plays a 'messengers' role in announcing the success and profits.
Teenagers seek wealth and success, when that is portrayed in hip hop they feel compelled to follow suit.
In effect hip hop glamorises gun culture and crime.
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