Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is an ordained Baptist minister. Dr. Dyson taught at numerous universities and is now currently teaching in Georgetown University. He teaches theology, English, and African-American studies. Dr. Dyson has written fourteen books and has been named by Ebony as one of the hundred most influential black Americans. “Dr. Dyson is a leading scholar on hip-hop music and the culture that surrounds it, as well as its roots in Africa and Africa-American cultures and influence on American popular culture” (wikipedia.com). Dr. Dyson wrote his book Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur in 2001, on the fifth anniversary of Tupac Shakur’s death.
The first thing that pops up in my mind whenever I hear the name Tupac Shakur is that he was a rapper, he probably belong in a gang, and he was killed in the 1990s. What Dr. Dyson wrote in his book about Tupac Shakur is almost the complete opposite of my opinion. Dr. Dyson described Tupac as an intellectual person, who actually has something to say, with an “appetite” for reading; from Nietzsche to Homer. Dr. Dyson stated that Tupac, before becoming famous, shared arguments about the impact of race and class on all American people as well as his mother’s life, who is a former Black Panther.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
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2 comments:
It is interesting how first impressions aren't always correct. I sort of thought the same thing about Tupac, but I have realized over time that every one has some kind of unique complexity to their personalities. I have also heard that it is a proven fact that within the first three seconds of even seeing someone, you already have a preconcieved judgement of their character without even knowing them. And so, it is interesting to know that Tupac was a well-rounded, multi-talented individual. It is a shame that his life ended so quickly.
You are not the only one who thought Tupac was nothing more then a gangster rapper. Contrary to many people beliefs he was very well educated. Due to the lifestyle that he lived many of the contributions that he did went over looked and often times unnoticed. Hopefully more people will read Dyson’s book and discover and understand how unique and talented Tupac Shakur was.
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