LDOC can do better

Some students are uneasy about Last Day of Classes headliner Travis Porter’s sexist and demeaning lyrics. The rap group will perform despite the protests, but its morally questionable lyrics remain cause for concern. Misogyny and violence pervade popular rap lyrics, but does their ubiquity justify their inclusion in the LDOC lineup? Or rather, does the normalization of these messages exemplify what is so concerning about Travis Porter’s invitation?

Individuals respond to media messages, and demeaning lyrics can have a detrimental effect on the decisions we make in our daily lives. Although people ultimately make their own decisions in the bedroom, workplace and classroom, art and media often set the norms that govern our attitudes and behaviors. When Travis Porter raps “Stop talking, suck some, you’re f—ing up the vibe” on LDOC, it will not incite students to rape, but when outrageous lyrics are framed by the glitz and sexiness of popular artists, the ideas become normalized. No matter how critical and discriminating we think we are, we internalize these messages. A “new normal” that trivializes sexual assault inevitably skews our personal moral compasses and feeds into a broader rape culture.

LDOC is meant to be an inclusive, community celebration for all students. Travis Porter’s lyrics and messages conflict with this aim —not because they might offend a certain subset of students, but because they are at odds with the University’s commitment to inclusivity and respect. On LDOC, students will face a choice when Travis Porter gets on stage: Ignore the lyrics while tacitly accepting their normalcy, or leave. No performance should present this lose-lose situation, no matter how popular the artist is.

Free and even offensive speech has an important place in intellectual events like academic lectures, where it can spark meaningful discussion among thoughtful participants. LDOC, however, is not this type of event. It is unlikely that students will take a break from their booze-filled revelries to discuss sexism and media messages when Travis Porter performs. The event facilitates celebration, not critical discussion of culturally controversial topics. If anything, the atmosphere lowers listeners’ guard to potentially destructive messages.

It is not the University’s duty to eradicate offensive lyrics from the music industry. But the LDOC committee has an interest in ensuring that the event does not undermine the University’s core values or the many campus initiatives devoted to reducing gender violence. Traditionally, the LDOC committee has sought performers who are popular, talented and within its budget. In future years, the committee should consider the social content of the artist’s vision. It should also justify its selections to the student body on this basis.

We trust that a broad conception of social acceptability is enough to guide the LDOC committee without unduly constraining its choices. The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, for example, may contain offensive words, but, when understood in the context of his broader vision, may also forward progressive and thoughtful social commentary. Context matters, and the LDOC committee is fully equipped to decide what crosses the line. What matters is that they take the artists’ content­—not just their sound and reputation—into consideration.