I have to write an essay for a school and I want to write about how I admire rap/hip-hop culture. Would this be looked down upon?
My parents think that writing about rap/hip-hop culture is not the way to go and prestigious schools would not like a student who follows rap culture.
Any thoughts? Would it be acceptable to write about hip-hop?
Have you ever walked into a prestigious BS dorm? All you hear is rap/hip -hop.
What is the first rule for writing? Write what you know- right? So, if you’re comfortable with a topic (and know it) chances are the essay will work. But as a parent, I’d like to hear choices- at least two different essay topics you have thought through from beginning to end so I’d feel confidant you’re headed in the right direction.
I’m also a BS parent and much to my chagrin, I’m quite familiar with Childish Gambino and a lot of other artists. I actually know many albums by heart. ( Don’t ask me how this happened because I don’t know 
) But I’m sure most dorm parents, AO’s and faculty ( reading apps ) do, too! So - I seriously doubt people at a BS reading your hip-hop/ rap essay will faint or think negatively. It may turn out to be an exceptional essay that shows passion and creativity. And- if this type of music is something that you love and admire- why not?
Just do your parents a favor: Tell them where you’re going with it and get them onboard. That way when you submit it, everyone is all in and comfortable. I say give it a whirl.
I agree with PhotographerMom. You need a subject that motivates you and if that’s hip hop/rap, go for it. And btw, parents tend to be behind the curve as to what’s going on at boarding schools. The buildings may be from the 19th century and the alumni from the 20th but the day to day is very much in the contemporary culture.
AOs are not going to fault you for your topic, regardless of what you choose; they want to see what you do with it. Do you make a coherent argument? Is your writing lucid and engaging? Is your thinking original or do you fall back on clichés? Can they get a glimpse of the real you?
My biggest advice would be to just be yourself. Let your personality shine in your essays!
@rokraii- Just to clarify: I’m not saying I want to hear what other ideas (for essays) you have- I just understand where your parents are coming from.
Good luck and I’m sure you’ll do a great job.
Put another way: if you write what you know and about what you like, then you can be sure the admissions decision is truly based on who you are. Would you want to be at a school where you couldn’t ever be the real you?
I agree with the above. If a school doesn’t accept you because you expressed your true self, then that’s probably not the right school for you.
My parents are still doubting this topic, saying it is street/lower class culture. What should I do?