Paul Palango

While many contend that rap music is a harmless form of entertainment and artistic expression, others argue that its violent content, degradation of women, and glorification of the gang lifestyle contribute to juvenile involvement in gangs and gang-related crime. In the following viewpoint, freelance journalist Paul Palango describes one teenage girl’s descent into gang membership and prostitution. According to Palango, she maintains that the lyrics in rap music encouraged her involvement with gangs and contributed to her rebellion and delinquency.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What was the first clue to the changes in Kathleen?
2. How does the author define the term “disinhibited”?
3. According to Carey MacLellan, how do delinquent girls differ from delinquent boys"

What first scares many parents is the music. Their daughter...