June 2005

Hiphop Appreciation

by Kable Reid

Inspired by Hiphop appreciation week during the 3rd week of May, I decided to share a bit of information with all of you Hiphop hippies here in Minnesota. Hiphop is a movement that should not be taken lightly. KRS-ONE has developed a document as sort of a Hiphop Constitution. It is about the growing of a young culture into a responsible positive force that is breaking away from negativity. It is the first of its kind and is made by some of the original forefathers of Hiphop along with KRS-ONE as not only the front man but as the founder. So I give to you the vision that he brings to our growing “Hiphop Kulture”. The goal is to encourage people to help end the negativity surrounding Hiphop by using the guidelines of what he calls The Hiphop Declaration Of Peace.

The Hiphop Declaration Of Peace

This Hiphop Declaration of Peace guides Hiphop Kulture toward freedom from violence, and establishes advice and protection for the existence and development of our Hiphop community. Through the overstandings of this Hiphop Declaration of Peace, we establish a foundation of health, love, awareness, wealth, peace and prosperity for ourselves, our children and their children's children, forever.

This is for the purpose of establishing a respectable international framework by which Hiphop Kulture may achieve and contribute to a lasting peace in the world. We the founders, pioneers, inventors, artists, photographers, authors, teachers, and other kultural contributors of Hiphop Kulture, ordain and decree, the manifestation of this Hiphop Declaration of Peace.

For the clarification of Hiphop's meaning and purpose, or when the intention of Hiphop is questioned, or when disputes between parties arise, Hiphoppas shall have access to the advice of this document, the "Hiphop Declaration of Peace," as guidance, advice and protection.

First Overstanding

Hiphop is the name of our collective consciousness. It is commonly expressed through Breakin, Emceein, Graf, Deejayin, Beatboxin, Street Fashion, Street Language, Street Knowledge and Street Entrepreneurialism or Street Trade. Wherever and whenever the elements and expressions of Hiphop Kulture manifest, this Hiphop Declaration of Peace shall advise its use and interpretation.

Second Overstanding

Hiphop Kulture respects the dignity and sanctity of life, without discrimination or prejudice. We shall consider it our duty to protect the development of life, over and before our individual free choice to destroy it or seek to alter its natural development.

Third Overstanding

Hiphop Kulture respects the laws and agreements of its Kulture, its country, its institutions, and those it does business with. Hiphop does not irresponsibly break laws.

Fourth Overstanding

Hiphop Kulture encourages womanhood, manhood, sisterhood, brotherhood and family. We are also conscious not to bring any disrespect to the dignity and reputation of our ancestors.

Fifth Overstanding

The right to define and educate ourselves shall be encouraged, developed, preserved, protected and promoted as a means toward peace and prosperity.

Sixth Overstanding

Hiphop honors no relationship, person, event, act, or otherwise, wherein the preservation and further development of Hiphop's Kulture, principles and elements are not considered nor respected. Hiphop Kulture does not participate in activities that clearly destroy its ability to productively exist.

Seventh Overstanding

The elements of Hiphop Kulture may be traded for money, honor, power, respect, food and other resources. However, Hiphop's Kulture is never for sale - nor can it be bought. It is the priceless principle of our self-empowerment.

Eighth Overstanding

Companies, corporations, non and not-for-profit organizations, as well as individuals and groups that are clearly benefiting from the use, interpretation and/or exploitation of Hiphop, and the expressions and terminologies of Hiphop; shall be encouraged to commission and/or employ a certified Hiphop specialist to answer sensitive kultural questions, and guide businesses, cities and countries through the principles and proper presentations of Hiphop Kulture to the world.

Ninth Overstanding

Every third week in May, Hiphoppas shall be encouraged to remember its ancestors and appreciate the elements, principles and history of Hiphop.

Tenth Overstanding

Hiphop is the name of our collective consciousness. As a conscious way of life we recognize our influence on society, especially on children, and we shall forever keep the rights and welfare of both in mind.

Eleventh Overstanding

Within the collective Hiphop consciousness there are no competing races, tribes, countries, religions, occupations, cultures, nor languages. All are one in consciousness. Hiphop Kulture is one multi-skilled, multi-cultural, multi-racial people.

Twelfth Overstanding

Hiphop Kulture does not intentionally participate in any form of hate, deceit, or theft at any time. At no time shall Hiphop engage in any violent war within itself.

Thirteenth Overstanding

Hiphop Kulture rejects the immature impulse for unwarranted acts of violence, and always seeks diplomatic, non-violent strategies first in the settlement of all disputes. Revolution is preserved as a final solution, when all other means of diplomatic negotiation has failed repeatedly.

Fourteenth Overstanding

Hiphoppas respect nature wherever we are on this planet as well as on others.

Fifteenth Overstanding

Hiphop holds sacred our duty to contribute to our survival and salvation as a human race on planet Earth. Native American culture teaches us to respect Mother Earth as our mother.

Sixteenth Overstanding

No one should be a self-proclaimed Hiphop pioneer or "legend" unless they can prove with facts and/or witnesses to their credibility and contributions to Hiphop Kulture.

Seventeenth Overstanding

Hiphop is shown the highest respect when Hiphoppas respect each other. Hiphop Kulture is preserved, nurtured and developed when Hiphoppas preserve, nurture and develop one another.

Eighteenth Overstanding

For the purpose of promoting, interpreting and defending the principles of the Hiphop Declaration of Peace; Hiphop Kulture shall maintain a healthy, caring, fully aware, and wealthy central Hiphop committee. Such committee shall be made up of seven dedicated Hiphoppas invested with the power to promote, interpret and defend the principles of the Hiphop Declaration of Peace.

So there you have it! Through this type of conduct we will see a very successful and respected Hiphop Kulture right here in Minnesota!

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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