Have rap and hip hop lyrics gone too far?February is Black History month and as part of that the Reel Action club is showing a documentary film ‘Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,’ which details the darker side of the music.

“People listen to rap all the time and that’s why I think it will be a good turnout, and more of an eye-opener then controversial,” said Matt Kimball, president of Reel Action.

The documentary shows how lyrics and the hip hop culture in general are very violent and how they depict women in a highly sexual and inferior light. It also details what the rap artists think of themselves.

“It’s very insulting to both men and women,” said Professor Sanjukta Ghosh, advisor to Reel Action.

The film, according to club officials, is being shown to help educate the Castleton community and really give students – many who are fans of the music — a chance to see the other side.

“The film maker, Byron Hurt, examines why these certain images are shown again and again,” Ghosh said.

Hurt is a fan of the music, but he tries to get to the bottom of why the lyrics and culture are the way they are.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the film and the reactions of the other students because it is a popular genre of music on campus,” said student Sarah DiNello. “When you walk down the hall or outside of a dorm you can always hear rap blasting from a room.”

Castleton isn’t alone in showing the controversial film as part of Black History Month.

“UVM, Middlebury, and St. Michaels are also showing this film,” Ghosh said. “The film is not negative, but thoughtfully critical.”

The film will be shown at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in Herrick Auditorium.

February is Black History month and as part of that the Reel Action club is showing a documentary film ‘Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,’ which details the darker side of the music.

“People listen to rap all the time and that’s why I think it will be a good turnout, and more of an eye-opener then controversial,” said Matt Kimball, president of Reel Action.

The documentary shows how lyrics and the hip hop culture in general are very violent and how they depict women in a highly sexual and inferior light. It also details what the rap artists think of themselves.

“It’s very insulting to both men and women,” said Professor Sanjukta Ghosh, advisor to Reel Action.

The film, according to club officials, is being shown to help educate the Castleton community and really give students – many who are fans of the music — a chance to see the other side.

“The film maker, Byron Hurt, examines why these certain images are shown again and again,” Ghosh said.

Hurt is a fan of the music, but he tries to get to the bottom of why the lyrics and culture are the way they are.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the film and the reactions of the other students because it is a popular genre of music on campus,” said student Sarah DiNello. “When you walk down the hall or outside of a dorm you can always hear rap blasting from a room.”

Castleton isn’t alone in showing the controversial film as part of Black History Month.

“UVM, Middlebury, and St. Michaels are also showing this film,” Ghosh said. “The film is not negative, but thoughtfully critical.”

The film will be shown at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in Herrick Auditorium.