Say What?

Bakari Akil II
July 7, 2002

Recently, while in a restaurant I frequent, an event occurred which deeply affected me. The restaurant has two TVs which broadcast simultaneously while you wait to pick up your order. Usually it's a baseball or basketball game, but that night they were both playing MTV. Hip hop artist Nelly's video, "It's Gettin' Hot in Here", was roaring from the screens.

The video and music is not what disturbed me. It's the sing-a-long voice I heard directly behind me. While Nelly was singing 'It's gettin' hot in here, so take off all your clothes.', a young girl about 9 years old was singing the lyrics word for word and the corresponding chorus, which goes, 'I am gettin' so hot, I want to take my clothes off.'

I usually mind my own business, but I couldn't help turning around and staring in amazement at the little girl and then at her parents, who were sitting in a booth, both with deadpan expressions, looking straight ahead. They neither paid attention to the video or their daughter.

After observing this scene my brain started to work overtime. I witnessed a small child being exposed to something she had no business being exposed to, thoroughly enjoying it while her parents were totally apathetic to the situation.

Now, it has always been my belief that images we are exposed to directly affect us and unfortunately, this was one of those moments where I could see a direct correlation. This child's conduct was not only unbecoming of a young girl, but was influencing her to act in ways that could end up putting her in situations in the future which are not in her best interest, whether she feels that way or not.

By her parents not responding to or correcting her behavior, not only does the child learn that their is nothing wrong with her behavior but that it is also acceptable. This even makes me question if the parents found anything wrong with the child's actions, which would lead to an even more dire analysis if that were true.

If those parents were paying attention or not, or if they cared, I'll never know. However, I can say this. It may be difficult to lower public acceptance of music that denigrates women, glorifies violence, drug use and self destructive behavior but as adults we can let children in our care know that what they are listening to, reciting or acting out is inappropriate, unacceptable and can lead them into a lifestyle that leads to self abasement and destruction.

We can't expect the TV or radio stations to do it!

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