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Politics & Government
Congress to Hold Hearings on Hip Hop Misogyny
posted on Sep 6, 2007
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| Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) |
Members of Congress plan to grill top major label executives about the "stereotypes and degradation" of women --- particularly African- American women in rap videos and lyrics. The hearing, called "From Imus to Industry: The Business of Stereotypes and Degradation," is being organized by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Illinois), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, and is tentatively scheduled for September 25.
"I want to engage not just the music industry but the entertainment industry at large to be part of a solution," Rush told the Associated Press.
"I want to talk to executives at these conglomerates who've never taken a public position on what they produce."
The list of industry witnesses reportedly includes Universal Music CEO Doug Morris,
Warner Music chief Edgar Bronfman Jr., and Philippe Dauman of Viacom.
Master P -- a rapper who began his career as a gangsta rapper but has
since focused on positive messages and images in his music -- is the
only artist confirmed to attend thus far. The entire witness list is
still being developed.
The hearing itself has not been formally announced. That announcement is expected a week before the scheduled hearings.
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