In this weeks reading, Ch 3, author Richard Rodriguez focuses on Chicano/Latino Rap culture “…seeking to address the politics of masculinity and working class identity in relation to the family and Chicano nationalism as mobilizing forces within a contemporary popular culture frame” (96). Rodriguez discusses how Chicano rap and hip hop culture perpetuate this idea of heteropatriarchy (sexism and homophobia) in the community. He critiques various Chicano rappers, notably Kid Frost’s music, showing how the lyrics are ethnically and male centered, marginalizing other communities of color, gay community, and women. One example that Rodriguez uses to prove his claim that Chicano/Latino Rap is rooted in heteropatriarchy is by comparing Kid Frost’s lyrical content with Corky Gonzales’ poem, “I Am Joaquin,” noting the similarities of how both works are directly associated with Chicano Nationalism and how both steadily use “La Raza” as a mechanism to bring male unity, which gives us a sense that this unity is among males, straight males that is, not gays or lesbians, or women-but, hyper masculine men. In short, he shows how Chicano rap culture can be male centered/hyper masculine placing straight males at the center, dangeroulsy not acknowledging women, gay community, or other people of color, placing them in a inferior position.
While he challenges Chicano rap culture and how it perpetuates heteropatriarchy (homophobia and sexism), Rodriguez also acknowledges the importance of rap and hip hop artists who create spaces for discourse addressing the sociopolitical injustices happening in the community. However, as Rodriguez notes, Chicano rap culture doesn’t have to overcompensate when it comes to manhood; they do not need to be hard, or tough gangstas to be a man. Or, when it comes to La Raza, it shouldn’t mean that only the “homies or homeboys or bros” can claim it. La Raza is about men and women uniting together, not just “males, preferably with gansta leanings” (121).
Questions: What are some other examples that Rodriguez uses to address heteropatriarchy in Chicano Rap?
Do you agree that Chicano rap which overcompensates the Chicano identity loses perspective audiences?
Do you agree with Rodriguez position on Chicano Rap???
Do you think Rappers/Hip hop Artists are even conscious of their homophobia and sexism in their music? Or is it simply about the dollars, and they could give a rats a$$ about how it influences our youth or perpetuates these systems of oppression?
Hi Fancis,
I do agree with your statement.
I believe that some artists do not understand the true meaning of “La Raza”, I do believe that “La Raza” should be of uniting our Chicana/o communities and bringing awareness to our certain community.
Hi Francis.
So, I believe that rappers are aware of their homophobia and sexism in their music, but I think they incorporate this in their music to make them money because some of the well known rappers who have been in the industry for years used to rap about important issues. I believe rappers sell out because that is the only way they can make money. They sell out their morals and value perhaps just to appeal to an ignorant audience.
I think music is a great outlet for discourse; however, many people misuse it. Rappers could express what the negativity around us in today’s society, but they decide to just rap about women’s behinds instead.
Hey Francis,
I completely agree with you. “La Raza” does not mean “Los Hombres”. Rapers do not represent Lesbians, Gays and women in a respectful manner because it is not nationalistic in their eyes.
I also completely agree with Carol. Artist do sale out for the money. Music is a world wide source that can be used to spread positivism, equality and peace, but many artist choose not to and want the money instead.