Critical Hip-Hop Pedagogy: A Bridge For Communication In The Classroom

The idea of understanding that certain cultures like (African American) and (Latino/a) can communicate in a way that is understandable and relatable for them does not surprise me at all. As a teacher, I can see what Danny Martinez (2015) is talking about in his observations. Teenagers and youth in general have always communicated in ways that sometimes adults can’t understand and therefore they question the validity of the language that is being used. However, this language is functional and dominant for many teenagers and adolescents growing up. I believe that it truly has to do with the culture and demographics of their upbringing. I think it is interesting and clear when Martinez states that “students’ non-dominant language practices continue to be indicators of their low academic achievement by their …show more content…
After reading A.A Akoms’ article Critical Hip Hop Pedagogy as a Form of Liberatory Praxis, I can agree with the importance of understanding how “hip-hop culture” can create a bridge for communication in the classroom. I also believe the hip-hop is a way in which some cultures communicate and express themselves. It is for this reason that teacher’s academic institutions should place value in it in order to engage students who dwell and a part of this culture. Akom (2009) states: “through engagement in real world issues that shape their daily lives such as environmental racism, police brutality, school safety, school closure, tracking, and racial profiling, youth learn to move past victimization and confront unjust social economic conditions.”(p. 7). After reading this, I wonder, if hip-hop can influence and reach students in the classroom in ways that can help them establish their own opinions and perspectives on “social issues” and “critical reformative theories,” why not use it the