HSAN is Taking Back Responsibility

HSAN is Taking Back Responsibility
AMW i.e. Talent: Andrea M. White
April 1, 2007


Perhaps we should call it “The Imus Effect,” weeks following the notoriously controversial and racially insensitive comments from the famous shock-jock; the African-American community has taken notice and action. There has been a tremendous amount of dialog, locally and nationally regarding African-American responsibility. Russell Simmons and Ben Chavis of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, have released a statement in correlation to the organization’s theme, “Taking Back Responsibility.”

In the statement, HSAN has confirmed they have been in contact with the broadcasting and recording industries in light of the recent discussions regarding corporate responsibility linked to lyrics in rap and R&B music. HSAN has requested that the words “bitch”, “ho” and “nigger” be removed/bleeped/deleted from lyrics, and that they be treated the same as other “extreme curse words.” Along with this request, HSAN has requested the formation of the Coalition of Broadcast Standards which would consist of leaders from the radio, television and recording industry who would serve to recommend a number of standards in visual and lyrical content. The last recommendation from HSAN is that there be an establishment of an artist mentoring program which would establish forums for artists, fans, and industry leaders to promote positive change throughout the music, television and recording industries.



HSAN has said that they are, in no way, trying to stifle the rights of the First Amendment and free speech, “HSAN reaffirms, therefore, that there should not be any government regulation or public policy that should ever violate the First Amendment. With freedom of expression, however, comes responsibility.”

The “Imus Effect” has definitely forced the African-American community to take a hard look at ourselves and this flower we call the Hip-hop culture, which has blossomed almost uncontrollably. African-Americans must remember that music has held a powerful place in the hearts of our communities and our culture. It is important to understand that Hip-hop is at its idealistic fork-in-the-road, and right now it can choose any path. As African-Americans, we must make certain that our flower chooses the right path; we must make changes and incorporate our own personal responsibilities to force Caucasian corporate America to cease using our forms of creativity against us. But most importantly, we must make certain that we are maintaining our own levels of respect and admiration for our own art forms and communities.