“Why Negotiate?”

“How do young African American females negotiate stereotypical representations of African American culture, gender, labor, and sexual values in rap music videos?” (Richardson Pg 791). To evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent or significance of something is the value of something. Values and standards are two very important traits to have. In legal matters negotiating may be a positive choice, but when it comes to representation, modesty, respect and let’s not neglect being our sister’s keeper, we must take a stand and stand for what is right! A common phrase always said is if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything! I don’t plan to allow myself to fall or my sisters; for this reason we must all take a stand! Stand for respect, stand for lady life qualities and attributes, stand for literacy and intelligence! Take a stand! A music video should never define who we are as women or dictate to the world around us who we are and how we act! Instead we should show this in our every day actions and attitudes. We must stop settling for less, we must stop degrading ourselves for money, male attention, or self gratification, we must take a stand! We always hear that when we entered the gates to Spelman we made a choice to change the world! I say take a stand that will inspire a desire for what is right, ignite a fire for respect and dignity and educate others to change the world!!