Analysis on "The Miseducation of Hip-Hop--Discrimination in Education"

Unfortunately, the cloths people chose to wear and the way they cut their hair play a big role in first impressions.  Stereotyping is something that will probably not go away.  Whether it is the big baggy paints of today or the long hair of the past, each new generation will have a different style that makes it very easy for someone to stereotype them.  When Jason Hinmon transferred to a new school it is easily understood why he almost dropped out (Evelyn, 2008, p.559).  Professors, white or black and of any age, are at school to help and teach anyone that is willing to put forth effort and try to learn.  Teachers are people also, and they can easily fall victim to stereotyping individuals.  It is there education and ambition to teach people that should overcome this obstacle.  Hinmon should realize this when he makes the choice to dress as he does and overcome the original first impression of his professors. 

When Dr. Thomas Earl Middgette commented, “these rap artists influence the way they dress,” he was speaking imprudent (as cited in Evelyn, 2008, p. 559).  While some people are influenced to want to look like their favorite rap artist, the rappers are no more influential than any other icon in the public eye.  The way somebody dresses is their own personal choice.  Unless it is offensive or distracting others, for good reason, than the way someone dresses should not be a concern.  On the other hand, people do need to realize that clothing choice can have consequences.  If an employer expects someone to dress in appropriate attire for their business, than to think that any other dress should be allowed is wrong.  A business owner has the right to tell their employees what to wear to work, as long as it is not immoral.  Schools should also have the same right.  If a school requires a dress code, than it should be followed; rules are rules whether or not everyone likes them.  This is something that some people just do not understand.  It is a matter of respect, when someone walks into an interview they should be dressed appropriately or not expect to get the job.  Stereotyping someone for the way they dress or what music they listen to is inappropriate, but not following the rules or being disrespectful, earns the stereotyped title.

References

Evelyn J. (2008). Seeing movies and listening to music. In E. Barrosse (Ed.), Pop perspectives

(pp.559-565). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill