Rap in the Real World

A comment on your cover stories on Snoop Doggy Dogg and gangsta rap (“The Saga of Snoop Doggy Dogg,” Nov. 7):

It’s not the beauty of the “Sunflower” that makes it art; it’s Van Gogh’s interpretation of that flower that makes it art.

So it is with rap. It’s the style of the rap that is the art, not the lyrical content. Gangsta rap does not create the lifestyle; it merely reflects it.

I too have concerns about the lyrical content of any song that is played on the radio. I don’t believe that any song that is inappropriate for the general listening audience should be played, rap or no rap.

Focus on the Family’s Robert DeMoss is quoted as saying that “it’s a sad statement about society that alleged criminals can end up serving as role models for our kids.” I agree, but it is alleged criminals like Richard Nixon, Oliver North, Michael Milken and Charles Keating who are serving as those role models. And that is a definite negative.

Unfortunately, African Americans have a tendency to emulate their white counterparts, if you will.

Some of the anger in our youth is a product of the knowledge that the white guys, no matter how crooked, get off--the black guys don’t. This very situation creates the lifestyle that is glorified in gangsta rap. Which leads us back to square one.

ROSEMARY C. WATSON

Los Angeles

*

You mention that rising star Snoop Doggy Dogg is from a dangerous section of eastern Long Beach. You also quoted a police official who said that “on a danger scale of 1 to 10, Long Beach rates about a 9.” Obviously, these statements give the city a bad rap.

Though the article was informative, the above statements are inaccurate. The Eastside is considered the nicest part of California’s fifth-largest city. Though much of it is middle class, there is a great deal of wealth in the Eastside, including the area that surrounds the university.

If members of the media would visit our city for reasons other than to report on isolated gang shootings, they would realize that there are many lovely communities in Los Angeles County’s southernmost town.

JOHN CANALIS

Long Beach

*

I don’t get it. Why is the story of a 22-year-old alleged criminal, who also sings, referred to as a “saga”? I have always assumed that a saga was referenced to a heroic act. Something to be admired. What has this man done that is heroic? Why should he be admired?

As I read through the article, I got the feeling that I was supposed to feel sorry for Snoop Doggy Dogg. He sold drugs and associated with the Crips because of the neighborhood he grew up in. He had his photo taken while brandishing a pistol because a photographer told him to. Did he drive his Jeep away from a murder scene because his bodyguard made him? Whatever happened to taking responsibility for your own actions?

Snoop says his mother raised him and his brothers on her own. Good for her. So did my mother (I have four brothers). She also taught us a few things--like “you reap what you sow” and “when you lie down with dogs, you get fleas.” I think it’s time that people stopped blaming others for their problems and started taking responsibility for the choices they have made for themselves.

DENNIS A. EQUITZ

Paramount

*

I was horrified to discover an artist charged with murder on the cover of Sunday Calendar. Prevention is the key to reducing crime in our society, and within that concept, we must teach kids that violence is not acceptable and we must not make criminals (even alleged ones) role models for kids.

To publicize a rapper charged with murder is to tell kids that violence is OK. It’s cool. You can even get on the cover of the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.

BRENDA REISWERG

Los Angeles