Idle hands are the devil's workshop in France, and hip hop is part of the solution set
Monday, November 28, 2005 at 3:59PM ■"An underclass rebellion: The unrest in France's cities shows that social and policing policy has failed, as well as integration," The Economist, 12 November 2005, p. 24.
■"French rappers are ghetto's social commentators: Politicians accused of ignoring problems might have gotten a clue from the music," by John Leicester, Indianapolis Star, 24 November 2005, p. E8.
Great chart (aren't they always?) in The Economist: showing youth unemployment in the age range of 15 to 24. Italy tops the list at 23%, then Belgium at 22% and France at just over 20%. The EU averages about 18%.
America clocks in at about 11%.
That much time and that much anger needs to find expression. Otherwise the boyz from the hood get too scary. Better to give it a voice, a fashion line, a musical genre, and an acceptable outlet for rebellion.
Legitimize the protest or face the wrath of delinquents. Connect or die.
"As in the United States, French rappers appeal as much to white rich kids as they do to French-born children of immigrants."
Believe the hype. Make it work for you. Or suffer the consequences.
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