For years, connections have been drawn between hip hop music and violence across North America. Of course, you and EYE both know that true hip hop causes social awareness rather than violent tendencies. Also, hip hop culture acts as a social barometer. Thus, as social unrest grows, we can expect to see this change reflected in the music. Still, private factions and government officials have gained public approval by promoting the belief that hip hop, or other alternative art forms, cause violent tendencies.

EYE would imagine the majority of our readers don't share this short-sightedness, and EYE am not here to argue with dinosaurs about whether or not they're extinct. Instead, EYE wonder ... how does music, specifically hip hop music, become hopelessly intertwined with issues of violence? Why does hip hop remain the number one target of this onsluaght when the sickest atrocities are performed by such famous non-Headz as Paul Bernardo and Jeffrey Dahmer? Are the powers-that-be and the lemmings-that-obey REALLY too ignorant to see that the true causes of violence are the backwards policies implemented by governments to feed their own greed? What is at the heart of this misconception?

Rebellious uprisings (violent or not) are made necessary by the social and economic oppression of peoples by governments. A system can only push people so far before they are forced to react. Frustration cumulates to the point that the oppressed are forced to lash out against the system which holds them hostage - often in a violent manner. But there are very few who are able to cultivate this anger and use it to create art. For this they should be praised. Instead the blame for societal decay is shifted onto their shoulders. The creative expression of the events and emotions which they see and feel daily is twisted into the promotion of a lifestyle that noone would choose to experience.

And why? Quite simply, so that you and EYE can blame the silenced and rest easy. If we are aware that these societal problems existed BEFORE hip hop gained public notoriety, then we must admit that the blame lies elsewhere. If OUR elected government is responsible for the ruinous state of our cities, then we too must share the guilt. In order to save us this inconvenience, the voice of the people is blamed for the state of the people, and the priviledged are untouched.

Art captures truth. Those who are unable to accept responsibility in the face of bitter truth remain composed by blaming the messenger for the message. These people need to replace deep-seeded self-preservation with open concern for societal well-being. We all need to appreciate the importance of seeking and understanding the truth in our quest for enlightenment.