CSULB-Ludacris Concert Protest

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Posted by Nathan Jackson in scene politics

February 15, 2008 12:35 PM

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The L.A. Independent Media Center, a non-commercial coalition of media makers and outlets in the Los Angeles area, recently posted a flier on its website regarding a protest of an upcoming performance by rapper Ludacris. The show takes place Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., at Cal State Long Beach in front of the Walter Pyramid.

I love a good protest as much as the next guy. But in the case of L.A. Indy media protesting this Ludacris concert just seems like, well. . .the kind of publicity every rapper dreams of—unless the LAIMC comes up with an interesting way of getting attention that strays from the cliché of uptight rabble rousers shaking their fists.

The internet flier for the protest cites the Southern rhyme-slinger's use of homophobic, misogynistic and violent lyrics against women. This is no new development among recent popular hip-hop artists, although it's a sad but true reality. This leads me to wonder whether it's the venue with which LAIMC disagrees. After all, we can't have our local colleges and students plagued with disgusting displays of X-rated lyrics, overt sexual behavior and shameful degradation in the streets. People have to go to the clubs for that and pay a two-drink minimum.

I say that if folks want to blow their money on this crap, let 'em do it. And you can feel free to dislike Ludacris and not buy his records and think for yourself all you want. That's what makes this country so great.

But above all, it's key to remember that mainstream rappers like Ludacris aren't so much artists as they are brand names held up like banners in the "industry of cool," just waiting for cameras to start buzzing around them. Large protests bring cameras and sound bites, two things that mainstream artists can use to their advantage to keep their names in the media spotlight. I'm sure Luda is enjoying the extra attention this protest is giving him.

Why not crowd his name out of the local news by spending time organizing a big event that actually warrants media attention and brings a positive, educational aspect to women, or inner city kids, on the same day? LAIMC may be indie, but I'm sure it could finagle some big-time publicity if its members really focused their attention on it. I know it sounds a little idealistic, but seriously, whose minds are you going to change by holding a sign when you're standing next to someone at the Pyramid who just paid 45 bucks for a ticket? They'll probably just say "move, bitch, get out the way."

Ultimately, the best way to combat ignorant media spoonfeeding from the entertainment industry is to educate.

Comments (1)

Rockero says:
February 19, 2008 18:50

It would appear that the author has a misunderstanding of what an IMC is and how it is run. The LAIMC, while administered by a dedicated bunch who form a collective, exists primarily as a tool for activists and independent journalists to publish their work and publicize their events. In this case, it wasn't the folks who run the LAIMC who posted the flier, but activists down in Long Beach who have a criticism of Ludacris that they think ought to be heard. They are the ones who are organizing the demonstration, and its purpose is, precisely as the columnist advises, "to educate."

The fact is that purveyors of media, be they news reporters, hip hop artists, novelists, or painters, play a decisive role in defining what kinds of speech and behavior are accepted in any given society. Artists such as Ludacris, whose lyrical motifs include "pimping" (read: "sexually objectifying") women and then hitting them with cars, owe it to their listeners and society in general not to normalize this misogynistic and abusive behavior.

As far as Ludacris benefitting from the media coverage or the reputation as a misogynist, the author couldn't be further off. His lyrics have cost him an appearance on Oprah, who refused to have him on with the rest of the cast of the film Crash, in which Ludacris perpetuated the stereotype of the "Black thug," as well as a lucrative endorsement deal from the likes of Pepsi. He has also attempted to clear his image in the eyes of feminists by claiming that he "loves women" and "has daughters." Unfortunately for him, we weren't willing to give him a pass for his status as a heterosexual father.

We believe strongly in the right to free speech; we're not trying to shut down the concert. But we also believe in activism and education as a means to bring about a more just and egalitarian society, and this is why we'll be out there making out point this Saturday at 7:30, and invite anyone who wants to voice their opinion or engage in dialogue. Hope to see you there!

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