A Doctor in Australia claims that rap music plays
a role in substance abuse in Aboriginal communities. Dr. Rob Parker, who is
the acting director of psychiatry with Top End Mental Health, said that although
data shows that Marijuana smoking eventually leads to depression, music was
also among the factors.
"I think there’s particular symbolism in
respect to black empowerment, black culture in the United States and in the
West Indies in respect of Rastafarian music and rap music, which has a strong
association between substance abuse and music and black empowerment issues,"
Parker told ABC News.
Parker made his comments following revelations
that one community of almost 1,000 people suffered 30 suicide attempts that
were linked to marijuana, within a one month period.