Hip Hop In The Classroom

Growing up I was in many different styles of dance however hip hop was always the style of dance that I felt I had the most freedom in. Hip hop, unlike other styles of dance, has no real right way to do a movement, giving students a chance to explore what really works best for them. Since hip hop is so open minded this gives the opportunity for hip hop to be used as a tool for other things. Hip hop is an activity that brings people from all ages together and unites them. Hip hop can be seen in the classroom for “hip hop is a growing presence in the classroom is obvious to any casual observer of the expressionistic style and innovation of young people today” (A.A. Akom, pg.53). Through hip hop one can express themself along with other contemporary issues that can be shown through the style of hip hop. Through A.A. Akom article, they suggest that “academic field of inquiry has been historically marginalized—particularly, however not exclusively, by our cathedrals of “higher” education that we have anointed with the task of training teachers for urban and suburban communities—speaks volumes to just how “mis-educated” our society has become” (A.A. Akom, pg.53). I believe this statement is really saying hip hop has been seen as something that is done by a marginalized group and still has a repetition of that which is not the case and is an activity that is done by everyone. Having these stereotypes attached to hip hop really shows that our society is very mis-educated and has a lot of learning still to learn about hip hop culture and the students who are a part of it. Now in the present day as Akom uses De Leon quote “Hip Hop is the dominant language of youth culture, and those of us who work with young people need to speak their language” (A.A. Akom, pg.53). Hip hop is a way for the youth to be able to express themselves along with being able to communicate with their peers. Having this bond no matter where the person comes from can help them come together and promote social justice and youth activism in the classroom along with other spaces in their community. This is why it is so important for teachers to be educated about hip hop for this is what is connecting the community together and they need to be able to know how to communicate to be able to support. I also think it is an example of why it is so important for teachers to know their students and their interests. For they are able to connect with their students on a more serious note along with being able to give them the resources for them to succeed.

Akom A. (2009). Critical Hip Hop Pedagogy as a Form of Liberatory Praxis. Equity & Excellence in Education, 42(1), 52-66.