This is what I wrote.
Sound ok?
It took my paper out of formatting when I pasted it.
Rap Lyrics as Evidence? Preposterous!
Eng 101 – 5526
I do not believe that rap lyrics should be used in court as evidence of a crime. One reason for my claim is that just because an individual’s art reflects violence does not necessarily mean that they will commit violence. If this were true then any person that had some sort of art that had any sort of violence could be held accountable for any number of crimes. The writers, producers, and actors for the television show ‘Game of Thrones’ would all be under suspicion constantly.
My second line of reasoning is actually laid out in the article for me. According to the United States Constitution artistic expressions are entitled to protection.
“In anticipation of Mr. Skinner’s case, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey filed an amicus brief arguing that rap lyrics, however unsavory they might be, are “artistic expressions entitled to constitutional protection.””
My third reason is that it is racist because a high majority of rappers are African American. Violent lyrics in songs of other genres are not considered evidence for violence when the genre is more likely to have white artists. “Redneck Crazy” describes a man behaving very questionably even to the point of violence.
“I'm gonna aim my headlights into your bedroom windows
Throw empty beer cans at both of your shadows
I didn't come here to start a fight, but I'm up for anything tonight
You know you broke the wrong heart baby, and drove me redneck crazy”
When one goes drunkenly to a presumably ex-lovers home and starts throwing beer cans at their window they are definitely looking for a fight. But of course, no one thinks that this singer did any of these things. It’s just a song. Which should be the same for Vonte Skinner. He is merely playing a character for his music. It is a way to make sales.
Bibliography
• Nielson, Erik, and Charis E. Kubrin. "Rap Lyrics on Trial." The New York Times. N.p., 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 15 Jan. 2014. <
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/opini ... inion&_r=1>.
• Tyler Farr. “Redneck Crazy.” From the album titled Redneck Crazy. Released September 30th, 2013.