I think this was the basis of the ban of Hip Hop in China. In fact, I am almost certain this was the reason. Essentially what the Chinese government is saying to their people. mainly the youth is, we don’t you walking around looking and acting like niggas. If you read the orders from Gao Changli, he is emphasizing the worldly perception of Black people. The opinion that we are not “noble.” The opinion that we have no “morals.” The opinion we are lowly and have “no class.” These are the positions that have been expressed and documented in the US Constitution by our slave masters. That we are savage and below human. That we are only property.
Some may argue that the behavior of our people may warrant this perception. That when you see a bunch of young Black kids in a video with their shirt off and holding guns that it gives that impression. That when you see women dancing naked in the videos it is lowly. Or when you hear about the murder rates with our community, that we have no morals. I argue it is more of expression than reality. The truth is, although depicts reality, it is still an art form. And that art form has a wide spectrum of beliefs and layers within the culture. It is very similar to what goes in societies around the world. Yes there is ratchetness and stupidity. However there is enlighten minds, innovation and intelligence.
So when you see something like this come from the government of China, you see the ignorance that still exists against Black people. You see that the negative perceptions that have existed, are still there. I’m sure the cutoff of Hip Hop in China will affect the artists within the culture on some capacity. But not a s much as it will hurt those people within their country who benefit from it. When the late great Prodigy from Mobb Deep once said “P Dub Shines regardless,” the same can be said about our culture. No matter the obstacles or barriers, Hip Hop will shine regardless.