Welcome to "Gen Z: Inclusive Voice"
A playlist crafted to align with the 'On Becoming Myself' digital dissertation project. This collection illustrates the author's cultural adaptability and expression, speaking authentically in the voice of Generation Z. As digital natives, Gen Zers communicate visually and audibly, often using song lyrics as a backdrop to images or memes to express their feelings.
These expressions typically rely on widely shared music content that is not sanitized. While lyrics laced with profanity or vulgarity are common, they are not always 100% reflective of the exact words a Gen Zer might use. Instead, these songs are used to convey the general thoughts, feelings, and moods inherent in the lyrics.
As the author of this playlist, I must clarify that I do not use profanity or endorse these exact words. However, in keeping with this cultural mode of expression, the aim is to come as close as possible to conveying the general emotions and sentiments found in the song lyrics.
On Becoming Myself: An Autoethnographic Experience
Abstract
Cosmic Journey...Let's Go
Preface
Acknowledgement
Prologue
Disclaimer
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Background
On Becoming Myself in My Personal History: CONFIDENT
On Becoming Myself in Higher Education: "BABY SHARK"
Living Through the Myth of a Colorblind, 'Post-racial' Era: Spaceship Coupe
Statement of the Problem: Drown
Purpose of the Study: I C U
Research Questions
Theoretical Framework:
Significance of the Study
“The visual is essentially a giant metaphor to represent Nas’ unwillingness to conform to the industry standards or be caged in because of his beliefs. No matter the scenario he will be who he is and no prison is strong enough to contain him,” he states.
https://thesource.com/2021/10/15/lil-nas-x-gives-meaning-behind-industry-baby/
"King Von, was an American rapper born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Which is sometimes referred to as Chiraq for its similarities to Iraq in its murder rate and extremely high levels of gun violence....
Growing up, Von was allegedly a member of the Black Disciples, or BD’s, street gang. And was given the nickname “grandson” because “When I was in jail… I reminded people of King David.” King David is referring to David Barksdale, the founder of the Black Disciples. He explained that in jail people said he reminded them of the gang leader in how he handled himself in the streets. And also mentioned that people told him they shared a similar demeanor as well."
https://medium.com/@matt1199/the-story-of-king-von-57b7ff2c78fd
"MGK knows how to impress all types of people at his shows — from those who just want to hear music, those who want to watch him stage dive and to those who see him as their idol. He knows that people take his music to heart, and that is something that keeps him going....
The messages and stories that MGK tells through his music have brought together thousands of people who stand with MGK and continue to share his message.
For many people MGK is someone to look to for motivation, for others they say they wouldn’t be alive without his music.""
General Method
Limitations
Delimitations
CHAPTER 2
'Lit' Reviews
The Black "Exception"
Politics and Voting for the Devil: Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud
"Culture Vultures" and "The Last Great Rap Beef"
Yemi Abiade of BBC News said the feud "entertained the entire world, enhancing the legacies of two generational rap artists" and claimed that "rap music wins, yet again." [148] Laurence Ralph wrote in The New York Times that the winners were both Kendrick Lamar and old-school hip hop.[149]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake%E2%80%93Kendrick_Lamar_feud
How Kendrick Lamar Challenged Drake’s Cultural Identity In ‘Not Like Us’
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s public rivalry does more than entertain — it serves as a microcosm for larger discussions in hip-hop. Their fight for supremacy, entangled with both competitive flair and personal issues, brings into focus Drake's often criticized path into hip-hop — challenging hip-hop enthusiasts to consider the authenticity of cultural entry points.
Hip-hop, as a cultural form created by African Americans, incorporates a variety of diasporic influences from African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latino cultures. However, its foundational roots remain in African American culture. Ideally, practitioners of hip-hop are members of these communities who not only shape the unique experience associated with hip-hop but also carry the responsibility of curating its customs and trends.
One of the glaring matters unfolding from the lyrical combat between Kendrick Lamar and Drake revolves around racial identity and one's degree of connection to Blackness. This initiates a larger, perhaps uncomfortable conversation, especially for enthusiasts of the “Family Matters” rapper. For hip-hop purists who prioritize potent lyrical content that embodies the genre's Black American aesthetic, the strength of one’s connection to Blackness is key to assessing an artist's proficiency.
CHAPTER 3
Methodology
BLUE CHIPS
"So, what is a Blue-Chip Stock?"
If you play poker, it’s exactly what it sounds like. In poker, blue chips are the chips with the highest value. In the same way, blue-chip stocks are the stocks with the highest value....
THEY’RE THE TYPES OF STOCKS YOU KEEP AND HOLD AND SEE THEM GROW IN VALUE OVER TIME.
These are safe investments...
Ethical Conundrums
Chapter 4
Becoming 'Woke': I C U
Pre-Encounter
Encounter:
Immersion/Emersion:
- Recycling:
Prove It
Internalization
Internalization/Commitment
CHAPTER 5
Lessons Learned
- Waking Up to the Bitter Truth
Spiritual Lessons
Recommendations
Never Judge a Book by It's Cover
Epilogue
References
Appendices
About the Author
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