Critique 4: We're Not Role Models

I have mixed opinions on this topic of hip hop's relationship with the notion of role models. On one hand I believe that rappers know they are being watched and looked up to by younger generations and need to be responsible for that. What rappers say goes into kid's mind like a sponge and rappers sometimes may need to censor themselves when they know their audiance. The things rappers speak about are "bad" not things a kid should be listening to at all. However, it is not the rappers job to make sure kids don't replicate what they are talking about in their songs and prevent them from doing drugs or going to jail. Rapers rap for a living, it is their career and how they put food on the table. If they censor themselves they risk losing some of that or gaining some, but it is not the rappers job to make sure the kid doesn't copy what they say. Like 50 cent says in Hip Hop Wars " Watch what I do, Not what I say"...I love this quote and I think it perfectly describes they way children should be seeing hip hop artists. In 50 cent's case, he is a very successful business man who have made a very nice life for himself by following his dreams and expressing himself through music. Kids should look up t that, not the details of the lyrics and hat his songs support. Also, it is their guardian's responsibility to censor the television if they don't like what is being hown. The parents need to step in and either not let the kids watch it or educate them on what is going on.