Hip Hop Diplomacy

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Permalink Reply by Christina Ann Cole on October 14, 2011 at 2:23pm

Great article!  Hip-hop began in the Bronx, New York in the 1970s.  Since then, it has turned into a global cultural movement that allows youth to express themselves and inspire social change.

 

Permalink Reply by Liz Murphy on November 1, 2011 at 1:43pm

Here's a fun piece about a UK troupe now opening a work of "hip-hop dance theatre" called Some Like It Hip-Hop. Meaty story and an original score cause the reviewer to tip it for international touring: http://win.gs/ruejH1 What kinds of challenges might such a production face on an international tour?

Permalink Reply by Lacey J Cope on November 7, 2011 at 11:51am

Aljazeera published an excellent article over the weekend about the use of hip hop diplomacy by the U.S.!

 

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/10/20111030910182...

 

The article discusses the historical legacy of jazz diplomacy in the 1950s and how the legacy still resonates today through the current Rhythm Road and American Music Abroad programs. Such State Department initiatives showcase all forms of American music, including jazz, bluegrass, hip hop, etc. in an effort to promote the diversity of the country.

 

The article emphasizes hip hop as an especially effective tool of cultural diplomacy because of its international appeal and ability to convey a sense of common suffering and a struggle for equality (all shared qualities with the jazz envoys). These attributes enable discussions and discourse to arise during the cultural envoys, giving performers a chance to serve as ambassadors for democracy and U.S. foreign policy.

 

It is clear that the U.S. values utilizing hip hop in its foreign policy initiatives. In the article, Secretary Clinton is quoted as saying: "Hip hop is America." She also expresses her hope that rap and other musical forms could help "rebuild the image" of the United States.

 

How effective do you think Hip Hop diplomacy is in the advancement of U.S. foreign policy?

 

Permalink Reply by Liz Murphy on November 15, 2011 at 10:55am

In Pakistan this time - hip-hop's in the news again!  Did anyone meet this group in Islamabad?  http://yhoo.it/sR2ZSx