Rise of the

Friday October 20, 2006 - 3:51AM EDT

I sometimes think about what is referred to sometimes as the rise of hip-hop culture. I didn't used to think much of it until after my history of slavery class. In reference to hip hop culture rising to mainstream dominance it makes me feel as if the cultural influences of african american slaves have finnally been recognized. While hip-hop is clearly not representative of all African American culture it is the first time that something recognized as distinctly African American is given equal footing with the rest of recognized dominante culture. While irish and italian influences have long taken their place as mainstream recognized pieces of the american cultural landscape it wasn't until hip-hop that any African American influence were given equal thought. It is almost shameful when you realize how long Africans and their descendants have been apart of america.