After viewing UPN’s hip-hop drama
"Platinum" it’s apparent that the producers and writers have created
a show based on focusing on the worst elements of hip-hop. Its gangsterism,
misogny, violence, and brutality.
The "Platinum" premiere
episode highlighted the violence and ignorance in hip-hop that has become synonymous
with young people and black culture.
"Platinum" producers
have stated their intentions are to "keep it real." The only thing
they have "kept real" is the glorification of violence and brutality
that hip-hop needs to move away from.
We have lost Tupac, Biggie, Jam
Master Jay and many others to this type of ignorance.
How many more lives will hip-hop
lose before we wake up and realize that these programs masquerading as entertainment
only perpetuate the glorification of violence, alcohol, drug use, and negative
behaviors in hip-hop?
The hip-hop nation needs to realize
that, yes we need to "keep it real." But the shows producers are attempting
to mirror the worst in hip-hop.
You can use the same mirror the
producers of "Platinum" are using to correct what’s wrong in hip-hop
also.
The hip-hop nation should demand
that this show not only use its power to entertain but to make a positive difference
in the way hip-hop is viewed in society.
The hip-hop nation has lost enough
lives through senseless violence. We already have BET, so we don’t need another
channel promoting violence, hip-hop thugs, drug use and booty shaking sisters.