An Extremely Brief Insight Into the Social Media Age

An attempt at a normative theory of the social media age:

1. How have social networks changed the relationship between creators and their audiences?

• Social networks have enabled creators to get their messages and expressions to their audiences in a more efficient and engaging manner.  Social networks have also created a wider variety of expressive outlets for creators to present their information to their audiences.

2. How has the computer and digital technology changed the way we tell stories?

• The computer age has revolutionized the not only the way we tell stories but what audiences we can get the stories to. With computers and digital technology stories are more in depth, detailed, yet briefer than they were before.

3. How has storytelling and the written word changed in the digital age?

• Storytelling has become much more prominent than it was before the digital age. In the modern world many people have blogs and/or a social media platform, therefore everyone is telling a story through some type of digital medium.  The written word has gone from print to type very quickly. This is due to the fact that not only is the digital word more efficient but it is also cheaper.

Hip Hop for the People

Due to the events in Ferguson, MO, coupled with the killing of 4 other unarmed black men by police this summer, the hip-hop community has been in an uproar. A myriad of Hip-Hop artists are speaking out with politically driven lyrics that are both inspiring  and enlightening. Hip-Hops unwavering support of the cause has brought many to the understanding of the struggles black americans are faced with.

From Trinidad James's "Mr. Officer" to G-Unit's "Ahhh Sh*t", artists from across hip-hops broad spectrum are giving their lyrical responses to the tragedies of this summer.

The Game said  "I wanted to do my part in bringing awareness to it, so that at the end of the day that I can sleep well knowing that I used my voice correctly."

Whether it be through their music or by using their power in the media to raise awareness, the hip-hop community continues to stand in complete solidarity with the victims and all who support them. Many Hip-Hop artists are also involved in the demonstrations and marches. J. Cole had visited Ferguson recently to pay his respects to the deceased Michael Brown and Brown's family. Nelly was also seen with demonstrators in Ferguson, MO August 18th urging them to protest peacefully. Nelly has also set up a scholarship fund in Michael Brown's name.

Rappers are making their voices heard in the way rap/hip-hop was intended: for the oppressed and against injustice.

T.I  recently said  "We are the voice for those without a voice, our messages reach the ears of people who most common men in America can't reach, and I think that has to be used to the advantage and the greater good of the masses."

The slew of killings by police officers this summer has been reprehensible to say the least. It is refreshing to know that hip-hop has not completely lost its way and is still able to remain that voice for the voiceless during a crisis, such as what has transpired in Ferguson, MO.  Hip-Hop is still, at its core, the ever-changing voice of the oppressed people

The following are links to some recent releases by hip hop artists inspired by the violence of this summer:

https://soundcloud.com/michaelmillions/michael-millions-6-prod-namebrand

https://soundcloud.com/empiredistribution/the-game-dont-shoot-ft-rick-ross-2-chainz-diddy-fabolous-wale-dj-khaled-swizz-beatz

https://soundcloud.com/masonbetha-1/ma-e-politically-incorrect

https://soundcloud.com/trinidad-jame/mr-officer-prod-keywane

https://soundcloud.com/50_cent/g-unit-ahhh-shit