Pop culture, especially through music, powerfully shapes how teens see themselves and the world. From songs with suggestive lyrics to those that glamorize risky behavior, the messages in popular music can deeply influence teen identity, attitudes, and choices.

Our workshop uses popular music, with a focus on hip-hop, to facilitate meaningful dialogue between youth and adults, including their parents, about the influence of music and pop culture on identity, behavior, and values. During the workshop, participants will analyze, compare, and contrast the themes and messages in music from the past and today, including early hip-hop music from 50 years ago with positive messages, and discuss how pop culture and societal changes have influenced these messages. Participants are encouraged to share their perspectives on the power of lyrics to shape attitudes and behaviors. At the end of the workshop, students, adults, and families develop their own lyrics that convey a message they want to hear and share with each other.