March 19, 2008
“Writing is a way for me to figure out why something bothers me.
A way for me to understand why I have certain reactions to things”
said film and music critic, Ernest Hardy who spoke to a crowd of 30
students and faculty about the status of hip hop culture and how he
believes it has evolved over the years since its inception into
mainstream America. Hardy was invited to speak by St. John’s
College First Year
Writing Professor Tisa Bryant, as part of the Learning Communities
program on Thursday, March 6, in the University Center Lounge
at the Queens campus of St. John’s University.
Photo
Gallery
Professor Bryant’s course “Writing Culture, Identity and Style”
is part of the first year writing curriculum of the English
Department and is closely related to the themes Hardy discussed
during his lecture, “It was important that students know how few
writers of color publish pop culture reviews and essays in
mainstream magazines and newspapers, and are not limited to hip hop
and R&B, but write about film, visual art and alternative music
from around the world.”
The sponsor for the event, the Learning Communities program, is
a vehicle for students to engage with other students and faculty
through programs and events outside of the classroom. “It is very
important for students to build relationships with faculty in order
to be successful in college, and with the help of events and
programs offered by Learning Communities, we are creating
opportunities for students to make those connections from the
moment they enter college” said Jacqueline Grogan, Director of the
Learning Communities Program.
Ernest Hardy’s interests lie in the underground hip hop movement
and the way in which subcultures are formed in the hip hop
community. He elaborated on his work, describing himself as “more
of a writer with a critical form than a critic.” He read excerpts
from his book Blood Beats: Vol. 1 Demos, Remixes & Extended
Versions critiquing artists from Lil’ Kim to Tupac. Following
his reading, Hardy said that the intention of his critiques are not
to bash the artists, but to get his readers to start conversations
about how many of the world’s issues are related to the questions
people have about identity. Professor Bryant expounded on why she
felt it was important to invite Hardy to read his work to St.
John’s students, “I’m grateful for the opportunity not only to
expose students to Ernest’s work, but to give them access to him,
hang out, talk. He’s a positive example of how writing critically
can help one explore and understand their culture, without
sacrificing enjoyment or respect.”
Hardy spoke about what inspires him to write and that when he
knows he is most inspired when he begins to ask a lot of questions.
He proceeded to then ask the audience to be active listeners and
speak out if something he said brought about any questions or
concerns.
“Hip hop is a culture whereas rap is the vocal form of that
culture,” he responded when a student asked what he thought was the
difference between rap and hip hop. In a very engaging conversation
after the reading was over, students enthusiastically asked Hardy
his opinions on topics ranging from whether or not hip hop is dead
to whether or not he enjoyed the movie Juno. The conversation
between Hardy and the audience evolved into an open dialogue where
some students were even able to share their individual experiences
with hip hop.
The combination of Hardy’s quiet voice and his powerful words to
the students that “It is now up to you to be brave and courageous
and think outside the box,” heightened the impact of his
message---that when society forces a person into a mold and makes
it difficult to be an individual, he or she must work to be
free.