2008 Woodie Awards
Shows question values
Erin Kelly
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: News
Northeastern's Council for University Programs (CUP) works hard to bring a variety of different speakers, performers and artists like Lisa Lampanelli and David Coleman to the Northeastern campus, CUP members said. Yet some of these performers, like Ludacris and Tucker Max, may highlight a history of controversial issues within their lyrics and texts.
Tucker Max, who spoke in front of a sold-out crowd in Blackman auditorium March 24, is the author of "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," and writes a blog detailing his craziest sexual encounters and drunkest moments. His post titles include "The Blowjob Follies" and "Tucker tries buttsex; hilarity does not ensue."
Ludacris, who will perform at the Springfest concert at Matthews Arena April 12, is a rapper with albums and songs containing lyrics that throw the terms "bitch" and "ho" around loosely.
Degrading lyrics, while spoken freely in rap music, have an impact on women and young girl's self-image, said Claire Harwell, director of the Campus Center for Violence Against Women.
"I think it's important for people to realize [rap music] has a significant impact on young girls' self-image when they listen to a lot of rap and hip-hop with this kind of misogyny," Harwell said. "It is a reason to be concerned about those lyrics because they are not harmless, fun lyrics where we can ignore the content."
Ludacris' lyrics reflect what is happening within society, Harwell said.
"I think Ludacris reflects what is happening in a broader society, and frankly, it's what sells. So he chooses to refer to women as "bitches" and "hos," because [society is] willing to buy that," Harwell said.
Some students, like freshman nursing major Natalia Dematteo, finds these performances offensive.
"Some of the people [who come] are so repulsive. I cringe every time I hear some of Ludacris' songs, especially the song 'What's Your Fantasy,'" she said.
Others think people who feel that way are being too sensitive.
Tucker Max, who spoke in front of a sold-out crowd in Blackman auditorium March 24, is the author of "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," and writes a blog detailing his craziest sexual encounters and drunkest moments. His post titles include "The Blowjob Follies" and "Tucker tries buttsex; hilarity does not ensue."
Ludacris, who will perform at the Springfest concert at Matthews Arena April 12, is a rapper with albums and songs containing lyrics that throw the terms "bitch" and "ho" around loosely.
Degrading lyrics, while spoken freely in rap music, have an impact on women and young girl's self-image, said Claire Harwell, director of the Campus Center for Violence Against Women.
"I think it's important for people to realize [rap music] has a significant impact on young girls' self-image when they listen to a lot of rap and hip-hop with this kind of misogyny," Harwell said. "It is a reason to be concerned about those lyrics because they are not harmless, fun lyrics where we can ignore the content."
Ludacris' lyrics reflect what is happening within society, Harwell said.
"I think Ludacris reflects what is happening in a broader society, and frankly, it's what sells. So he chooses to refer to women as "bitches" and "hos," because [society is] willing to buy that," Harwell said.
Some students, like freshman nursing major Natalia Dematteo, finds these performances offensive.
"Some of the people [who come] are so repulsive. I cringe every time I hear some of Ludacris' songs, especially the song 'What's Your Fantasy,'" she said.
Others think people who feel that way are being too sensitive.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Amanda
posted 3/31/08 @ 11:37 AM EST
I think CUP and the organizations it partners with do a great job with programming. So what if they are mildly offensive- you don't have to go. Other students go and have an awesome time. (Continued…)
Marcus
posted 3/31/08 @ 11:46 AM EST
I thought we were supposed to grow out of this shit in high school?
If you don't like something, then DON'T DO/LISTEN TO/BE A PART OF IT. That's the nice part about living here. (Continued…)
Eric
posted 3/31/08 @ 12:42 PM EST
Ludacris: Why not? He is a cultural icon.
Tucker Max: Who invited him? Not only a liar of epic proportions, but also so dated. Is it still 2005?
john
posted 4/03/08 @ 11:23 AM EST
this article makes me laugh. if you are offended, crawl back into your hole. otherwise, welcome to the real world erin.
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