Hip Hop Videos and Video Vixens
Some rappers who defend Hip Hop Music videos with their raunchy content make a case that its just a video and if its selling music, then no one should complain. Their opponents say that it reflects badly on African-American women and it puts them in a demeaning light. One rapper defended his position by saying we don't make this comparison about white women in raunchy videos. They don't reflect on all white females. That one thing I must agree with. Because, before the Rapper took this position, I said the very same thing. No, these women do not represent me or most African American Women. Yes, they are being exploited, but they are allowing themselves to be exploited.
What these Rappers have to realize and face up to, however, is that these videos are nothing less than soft porn - some of it not so soft. Whatever happen to coming up with a story line - a plot; making an actual short film to music with depth and perception? Is this outside of the realm of their creativity? Their range of creativity is as far as large breasts, large butts, nudity, large bling and grinding motions? That is as far as your imagination goes? And for those who say sex sells, there are still ways to incorporate sexuality into a video without being trashy.
Of course the women are not all victims in this. As I mentioned before, they are allowing themselves to be exploited. Some of these so called Video Vixens have used this as a stepping stone to further their acting or hosting careers. Some have gone on to appear in major films, one is now hosting her own show and another is profiting greatly from a tell-all book about her escapades with these Rappers, most of which are married. She is now speaking out against this profession. However, for most, this is just a dead-end trap of exploitation.
My message to these women is, "have you heard of the internet?" If you are going to make this choice of profession, at least do it your way, play by your own rules. Get a camera, set it up in the privacy of your walls, play some music and shake it like a salt shaker; and you collect the money. I'm sorry , I am not encouraging women to become Internet downloads; but at least, if you are performing in soft porn anyway - do it on your own terms.
Many women take on these video vixen roles out of desperation, some I understand, don't even get paid. They are fooled by self proclaimed producers who tell them that this will launch their acting careers, so performing for free is an investment in their careers. Others do get paid handsomely, but are required to conduct "extra work" after the set closes down. There is nothing wrong with dancing in a video, but most of these videos are right up there (or should I say down there) with porn. This is what most people have a problem with. Some of these lyrics are very catching and children are not only listening to, but are watching these videos which were made to promote these songs.
I agree with the Rapper that these videos are not a reflection of African American women, but at the same time they are soft porn and they must take some responsibility in regards to our kids and the community on a whole. Have some depth and some class for pete's sake!!
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