Posted by TexasChic on October 20, 2005, at 19:50:49
In reply to Question for Texas Chick, posted by lynn971 on October 19, 2005, at 19:30:05
Just to let you know a little bit about my background, I was raised Church of Christ in a VERY strict household. I was not allowed to question any part of it, much less decide if it was what I truly believed. I broke away as soon as I was able.
I do however have a moral code for myself that includes trying my best to cause no harm to other people, and maybe impart a little happiness if at all possible. Its kind of a karma thing, although I think of it more as a philosophy than something spiritual. I'm still studying that though - I'm a work in progress. I also have a strong belief in respecting other people's beliefs. It always amazes me the way people don't mind having an opinion forced on others, as long as it THEIR opinion.
Anyway, I didn't want to misrepresent myself to you. I wanted you to know who was giving you advice about your daughter.
Hip-hop music does have very offensive lyrics and often objectifies women. Its kind of like a formula - guys sing about sex and women, and women sing about getting guys to buy them anything they want. I think of it like its a game between the sexes, with each taking turns making fun of each other. I feel as an adult, I can listen to it and find it humorous without it affecting my selfworth. I don't know if 13 is quiet old enough to do that yet.
On the other hand, I listened to some really raunchy stuff in High School (ever heard of 2LiveCrew?) and when I listen to it now, I just can't believe it. I also can't believe how many songs I still know all the words to!!! The thing is, teenagers are all about shock value, and I think that's why we listened to it, but really didn't give the meaning of the words much thought.
I think its a hard line to draw and I don't envy parents of teenagers. One thing you might consider is, on the radio they bleep out all the bad words (for the most part). I don't know if you can get cd's like that, but it might be something to look into.
Another alternative is to discuss it with your daughter so that she knows your views about it, that its NOT REALITY and that its not okay with you for her to repeat those things. It would all depend on your daughter's maturity and how comfortable you feel about exposing her to that. (Although, it sounds like she listens to it already!)
Anyway, I hope I helped somewhat. As you can see I can go on and on about things I have absolutely no authority over. So take it for what its worth. I'm just a person who likes to contemplate psychology and why people behave as they do.
-T
poster:TexasChic
thread:569019
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20050817/msgs/569486.html