Readers Speak Up in Defense of Rap Music

You ask whether rap is responsible for kids being violent. No. It is the tissue of lies that is the American Dream that is to blame.

Before the 1960s, kids believed that everyone could attain the good life if they just worked hard and played fair.

It is becoming clear to more and more kids now that while everyone theoretically may have an equal chance to compete, there is no way our top-heavy economy can support all, or even most, comers in the lifestyle to which the privileged few have become accustomed.

The Times’ study of the demographics of last year’s civil unrest confirms my point with the headline, “Most Looters Endured Lives of Crime, Poverty.”

Rap, like all art, is made possible--and necessary--by the culture.

GERALD JONES

Los Angeles