Ep 6. Is It Cool to Be Hip?

In season 1 episode 6 of United Shades of America titled "Is It Cool to Be Hip?", host W. Kamau Bell explores the concept of cultural appropriation and its impact on African American culture. The episode begins with Bell attending a hip hop music festival in Atlanta where he interviews festival-goers about their opinions on cultural appropriation and its impact on the music industry.

Bell then meets with several Atlanta-based hip hop artists and entrepreneurs, including Killer Mike and David Banner. They discuss the history of hip hop and how it has been appropriated by mainstream culture. They also talk about the importance of preserving the cultural roots of hip hop and ensuring that African American voices are heard in the industry.

The episode also delves into the world of fashion, with Bell meeting with a designer who creates clothing inspired by African aesthetics. They discuss the issue of cultural appropriation in the fashion industry and how it can be difficult to draw the line between appreciation and exploitation.

Throughout the episode, Bell explores the concept of cultural exchange and how it has been distorted by cultural appropriation. He raises important questions about who has the right to profit from cultural creations and how cultural traditions can be preserved in a globalized world.

Overall, "Is It Cool to Be Hip?" is a thought-provoking episode that encourages viewers to think critically about the ways in which cultural appropriation impacts marginalized communities. Bell's conversations with artists and entrepreneurs shed light on the issues facing the hip hop industry and provide insights into how cultural traditions can be preserved in an ever-changing world.