Discussion topics and concepts

¶ … sub-culture that I can think of that had a different value system other than that demonstrated in mainstream America was the so-called hip hop culture. I refer to this culture and its value system in the past tense despite the fact that it is still existent today. However, its value system has become decidedly mainstream, and is the same version of capitalist conformity that is largely found throughout the corporate world. Yet, during the early part of the previous decade, this culture's regard for conformity was drastically different than it is now, and from contemporary, mainstream America's regard for it as well.

Individuality was celebrated in hip hop culture at the beginning of last decade. Conformity was looked down upon by many within this subculture. Hip hop culture is most eminently evinced in the music and visual representation of rappers, who create the music upon which this urban, New York inspired street culture is based. Each rap artist used to have his own unique identity that comprised virtually everything about him or her. There may have been some similarities in the way they dressed, but their overall styles were unique, their voices were different, their flows were distinct, and the texture and feel of their songs stood out.

In fact, there was an unspoken code of aesthetics in which these mores were championed. Attempts to blatantly sound like another rap artists (or to utilize someone's name or fame to bolster one's career) were maligned, derided, and ultimately disrespected. Conformity was considered "biting" or blatantly attempting to steal another's identity. Those using the identity and presence of others were disparaged as employing "gimmicks" in place of talent, and fans and artists alike were disgusted by such attempts and encouraged individuality over conformity.

In light of the research presented in this chapter, there are many reasons that so many Americans do not believe that global warming is actually taking place. One of these reasons pertains to the fact that many Americans are not familiar with the scientific evidence that corroborates the presence of global warming. Several Americans are blissfully ignorant of a number of scientific occurrences taking place in contemporary times. This proclivity is related to the difficult economic climate at present, as well as the fact that most Americans simply want to eat well, take care of their families, and have a good time when they are not doing these things -- and do not care about too much else.

Additionally, Americans can always contrast their own knowledge and research as it pertains to their lives with that of the scientific evidence alluded to in the research in this chapter. As such, they are more likely to believe those things which they experience in their daily lives more so than that which they read or hear about in the media. For example, in numerous parts of the country, it has gotten progressively colder. I have relatives in California who talk all the time about how it used to get really hot in the summers when they were children, and now that they are adults the climate has gotten progressively colder -- both in the summertime and wintertime. These people are more likely to base their opinions based on the things they have experienced other than that of abstract entity which may be based on scientific research.