MeganJerai wrote: ^Black folks originated hip-hop, and most music for that matter, so it does belong to us. Now they are free to borrow and imitate our culture all day long, but don't abuse it and don't give credit when its due.
And they don't have the right to use that word. It's copywrited and patented in my book.
i'm not disputing the fact that hip-hop (and other forms of music) were begun by "us". i just don't like getting into "us" vs. "them" mentalities. america was founded on those ideals and i see a need to go in the opposite diresction. i feel that yes, folks should be given their proper dues, but not in order to alienate us from each other. i see what you're saying about the n-word but it seems like if anyone was going to patent a word, that should be the last one we're proud to take ownership of.