“The Miseducation of Hip-Hop – Discrimination in Education”
The dilemma presented in Jamilah Evelyn’s essay is one in which both sides of the debate can be understood. The example he used of Jason Hinmon’s experience, where he was discriminated against due to his manner of dress, is representative of what many young people face when trying to express themselves and show their individuality. It would seem that since America is a free country and people are free to dress as they wish, that discrimination against a person for their clothing choices would not occur, but it does. Eleanor Roosevelt said “With freedom comes responsibility.” This is so true. When choosing to wear clothing that provokes others to form a stereotyped opinion, one must also accept the responsibility for those actions. When looking at this issue from Dr. Midgette’s point of view, it seems understandable that he would expect higher education students to dress a little more professionally. It could even be argued that certain clothing is inappropriate to wear to college in the way that wearing a bathing suit to the mall or a tuxedo to a gym is inappropriate. Dr. Midgette probably feels that Hinmon should dress more professionally when going to class in order to prepare him for the real world where he will be expected to dress in a certain way.
Reference:
Evelyn, J. (2008). The miseducation of hip-hop – discrimination in education. In L. Gray-
Rosendale (Ed.), Pop perspectives readings to critique contemporary culture (pp. 451-453). New York: McGraw-Hill
