The Rap on Rap

"You're looking at a guy who teaches inner-city kids and who is telling you face to face that he has problems with kids based upon the rap music" (Bill O'Reilly, "The O'Reilly factor"). American TV and radio talk show host Bill O'Reilly along with many other media outlets have heavily criticized rap artists for glorifying violence and promoting bad behavior. Critics argue that kids listening to rap music will adopt their 'gangsta' personas, demote women, and adopt bad behavior. However, musicians sing or write songs about their experiences and rappers are not any different. The content of…