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Until tonight, I had never listened to any of rapper 50 Cent’s music. I know, I’m not a very supportive neighbor. Otherwise known as Curtis James Jackson III, 50 Cent owns a gigantic house in our school district, and I’d never taken the time to get to know his work. (By the way, he never brought us brownies or otherwise welcomed us to the neighborhood when we moved in, so I guess we’re even.)
But I caught this inspirational/disturbing video of a mini-concert he gave for a group of kids at a Boys and Girls Club in New York, and immediately thought (because I’m a dork): Is his music really appropriate for school-age kids?
After reading the lyrics to a half dozen of his songs, I can confidently say that no, 10-year-old kids should really not be listening to songs about %$^&*, @#$%^ and @*^%$.
Yes, the adorable kids looked thrilled to have the celebrity show up and entertain them during their after school program. But just because they liked it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. My own 10-year-old kid would live on a diet of Sour Patch Kids and Coca-Cola if given the option.
I admire the work of the Boys and Girls Clubs, and have volunteered to be a judge in a writing contest the Hartford chapter held in recent years. There’s no question that the organization’s efforts are immensely valuable. But 50 Cent? I’m not convinced that he’s the best role model for kids.
Maybe if he’d at least come by with a fruit basket ...