Fears Grow “Straight Outta Compton” May Be Glamourising Lifestyles Of Successful Black Men

THERE has been growing concern that the success of the recently released “Straight Outta Compton”, a biopic charting the rise of influential 80s rap group NWA, may spark fresh ambition among young black men who wish to use their talent and determination to succeed in life.

The movie, which grossed $55 million at the US box office over the weekend, tells the story of how MC Ren, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Ice Cube and Eazy-E took their experiences growing up on the streets of Los Angeles and melded it with their musical talent to create a genre-defining sound which propelled them to unprecedented levels of fame and fortune.

No strangers to controversy, NWA have long been the targets of people who claim their lyrics glamourised violence, drug use, and a vocal anti-police sentiment which was not in keeping with the culture of being persecuted and harassed by the law, and keeping your mouth shut about it.

With the release of the movie, fresh fears are growing in many parts of America, with concerns that the story of how five black teenagers managed to become so successful may trigger a fresh wave of young black people not going along with the expectations of a dominant white society.

“We are protesting against this movie, which glamourises the lifestyles of successful black men,” said one man, who was picketing a movie theatre in Michigan which was showing Straight Outta Compton.

“Young black men go to see movies like this, and next thing you know we’ve got a generation of black kids who think they can succeed in life. We find this unacceptable, and irresponsible”.

The Straight Outta Compton soundtrack is available from the drawer in your parents house, along with all the CDs you forgot to bring with you when you moved out.