Senior Project Online Source

“Specific Page Title or Article Title” Experts debate hip-hop's influence on American culture, youth, for better or for worse
Primary Contributor to the Website (if given) (author, editor, producer, etc) Copyright Brigham Young University
Title of the Entire Website (not www.) newsnet
Publisher or Sponsoring Organization of the website (if given)
Date Page was Last Revised Ex: 10 September 2010
Date You Read It Ex: 30 January 2012
<URL address> (ALL of it) http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/55516

The article cites Salome Thomas El, a principle of an elementary and middle school in inner city Philadelphia who said that, “A lot of young people listen to their [rappers’] lyrics and take their word as law,” while being interviewed on “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News about the issue of rap and its effects on children.

Thomas El believes that those that come from a bad past look towards music as a sanctuary for peace because it helps them relive the past and plan a better future by trying, “live what they learn and learn what they live”. Many of these children come from broken homes and are trying to find peace out in the open world.

I can relate to Thomas El quote when he said, “A lot of times he [the rapper] becomes the teacher. He becomes the role model to these young people.” When a depressing mood kicks in I have a set of artist that I know who can lyrically speak to me throught my pain and hopefully increase my self-esteem.

Thought many might not accept what these rappers are putting in kids ears in today’s society, some are trying to send out positive message said Salome Thomas El, “At a certain level we need to listen to what these folks [rap artists] are saying because they are in a sense telling us perhaps what’s wrong in society or they may be telling us what’s good in society,” he said. “So, in a sense, I think it’s all important”.

He also said the innovation involved in rap is “fantastic.” He also said the use of a turntable as an instrument by scratching it and the adoption of the new dance styles mixed with the old styles is “phenomenal."Meaning this style of expressing yourself has been the most popular in today’s youth and it doesn’t seem that it’s going tom fade anytime soon.

*NEW* Senior Project Proposal

Senior Project Proposal

Name: Mamadou Bah

Proposed Topic with Essential Question: How the Evolution of Hip-hop has influenced American culture.

Rationale for Choice: Because the lyrical aspect of hip-hop which is rap is taken by the listeners as law, thus the rapper becomes the listener’s role model through tough times.

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

The lyrical aspect of hip hop which is rapping greatly appeals to my self-esteem. The reason I chose this topic because I can greatly relate to hip-hop.

What do you already know about this subject?

I know that today rap is the most popular genre today’s and it’s the ingredient for hip hop which is everything from dance to fashion of music. It is an artistic form of music that let people expresses them in a positive way. And children are more impacted to it than adults. A lot of young people listen to their [rappers’] lyrics and take their word as law and these rappers become their role models throughout their lives.

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

I’m hoping to learn how these lyrics from rap influence American youth both positively and negatively.

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

What message are these rappers trying to plant in American youth ears?

                                                                                                                                            

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

That there might be negative content that these rappers are speaking in American youth ears.

Senior Project Proposal Sheet

Name: Mamadou Bah

Proposed Topic with Essential Questions: I believe soccer should be more implemented in American society in comparison with foreign contries.

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?
Soccer is a sport I've been in love with since I was a child. I've alwats dreamed playing for big clubs but apparently major clubs can only be found in Europe or South America. I chose it to show how much of a competitive sport it is next to Basketball and Football.

What do you already know about this project?
I know Soccer is an international sport that is known and loved world wide. But America is the only nation holding back it's popularity cause they simply find it "boring' to watch in comparison with American Football and Basketball.

What are you hoping to learn about this subject?
I'm hoping to learn why American people aren't that much involved in Soccer as the world is.

What are you most intrested in regarding this subject?
I'm intrested in showing the class during my presentation of how soccer is not just a game of kickball but involves tactics and techniques. But most importatntly I want to show why it isn't such a "boring" sport.

What potential risk or challenge do you forsee for your project?
i'm afraid that most of the class won't take my message i'll be trying to point out seriously. Meaning that the most dominant sport such as Basketball and Football will always prevail over soccer in America.