"X Ought to Stand For Something"

This generation of young people, have created, defined, and sustained a musical and cultural movement, that for the last 10-15 years has profoundly impacted the urban and mainstream agenda of our society. Many predicted the early demise of that culture known as Hip-Hop. But they were wrong. It just keeps rolling along and shows no signs of abatement. It is a culture, generally loathed by members of older generations. Baggy pants, gansta rap, disrespect for societal norms and a seeming lack of ambition are some of the qualities associated with this culture. They are labeled generation X. The X gives the impression of a lost or misguided generation of young people. You may ask, how does this situation relate to music education in grades K-12?

I believe, many of us who are mature, responsible adults, have X'd out a whole generation of young people. I recall, when I was a student in elementary, junior high, and senior high school, in New York City. Every school had a music program, after school center, track team, basketball team, and student government organization. Today, these programs are the exception, rather than the rule. Many argue, quite convincingly, there isn't enough money to sustain these programs, in today's economy. Yet, when these same people are asked, if their children study music in school, the answer is a quiet yes. Two standards exist in American education. One standard for the affluent and suburban communities of America, and a different standard for those people living in the ghetto's and barrios of America. In a recent conversation, a much younger colleague, very innocently stated, "I grew up in an affluent suburb of Long Island. There were more new musical instruments, than there were students interested in learning to play them." I don't condemn these fortunate few or their parents and teachers who understood the value of music and the arts in the lives of their children. I just want the same for all our children.

If we look further, we can see, we've X'd out two parent households. I'm in no way condemning single parent households, God knows most do the best they can for their children and against tremendous odds. However, studies have shown, that children from two parent households have a better chance of succeeding in today's complex society. Young people see adults who can't or won't commit to one another in record numbers. This instability wreaks havoc on their frail egos and devastates their feelings of security and purpose in the world. As educators we constantly attempt to mend abandoned, neglected and broken young people. Then one wonders, why some young people are so rude, wild, and dangerous?

We've X'd out male accountability and responsibility. That's why the "Million Man March" and groups like "The Promise Keepers" struck such a responsive chord with men throughout America.

We've X'd out religious and morale training. In the 70's we replaced civic responsibility and morale training with the "me generation" and "doing our own thing." In the 80's, seeking personal wealth became the thing. Now tin the 90's personal fitness and New Age mysticism are all the rage, and in the minds of many, God is dead! However, I sincerely believe, God is not dead, and we have paid, and will continue to pay a serious price for our foolish ways.

We've X'd out opportunity for our young people. In New York City, music teachers need fund raising skills and political savvy to maintain and develop music programs. Most politicians, chancellors, mayors, district superintendents, and principals don't really understand the tremendous impact instrumental arts programs can have on the lives of young people. In too many other cases, racism rears its ugly head. I attended elementary, junior, and senior high schools in the 60's in New York City. There were music programs in every school. The student population was predominately white. Twenty years later the majority student population in New York City is African American and Hispanic, and most music programs have been systematically eliminated. The powers that be, have clearly demonstrated through their actions, that our present day students don't need a strong cultural education. That's just something they can do without.

What has been the response of today's young people, labeled "Generation X?" Well, they've done some X'ing of their own. It manifests itself through graffiti, teen suicide, teen pregnancy, increased violence and killing. Our children have turned their backs on all the social norms and civility most of us hold dear and desire in our society. Musically, they've invented and sustained a style of music that features words, sounds, and rhythm. In most cases that's all they had to work with. They've defined what they like in clothes and language, and most of it we find offensive to our sensibilities. We just don't understand why many of them, have such foul mouths and choose to look and behave like hard-core criminals.

My theme for this afternoon has been "X Ought to Stand for Something" and it does. It stands for abandonment. The abandonment of a whole generation of adults, to the artistic development of our young people. Remember, its not what we say, but what each of us individually has not done, that our children have responded to. Judging from the evidence, we as a society have failed our young people miserably.

The good news is these children, we've X'd out of our lives in so many ways, have a thirst for music and learning that is astounding. I entered a school with no music or arts program and in six months was able with the support of the principal, teachers, and parents, to stir the souls and imaginations of the students, teachers and parents in that culturally under served community. That my friends is the power one possesses when one effectively uses the unique healing and affirming powers of music. Use it to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Finally, we must X out indifference and apathy. We know and can clearly see what an ugly society they breed. We need to commit time, money and resources to the cultural education of our young people, and X out excuses. Most of all, each one of us needs to give a piece of ourselves to these young people presently coming up in our elementary, junior, and high schools. So that things won't continue down this same dismal road. Let's take responsibility, not render excuses. Let's get extremely busy championing the artistic development of our children, in the political and social arena. We've seen the alternative and should ask ourselves is this what we want? I for one say no way, and I'll be checking in and not X'ing out our young people. Will you join me? Thank you for your time and your ear, and remember you, I mean each of you, can and must make a difference in the musical lives of our young people. Starting right now! Thank you!