(W)rapping it all up with a quick escape

In a world full of young and highly impressionable teenagers, the things seen in the media about what popular celebrities get up to each day holds a lot of influence over them. When 19-year-old rapper Dieuson Octave, more commonly referred to as Kodak Black, recently received a sentence of up to 120 days in prison, it brought up some serious drama. Black earned a spot behind bars for pleading no consent to two misdemeanor drug charges, but he holds a lot of experience when it comes to facing criminal charges. He reportedly carried out a handful of other crimes before his most recent stunt. Some of these acts include sexual assault, involvement in a robbery, possession of firearms, driving with a suspended license, and attempting to run away from a law enforcement officer.

For teenagers everywhere struggling to make a name for themselves at an early age, Black acts as an idol. While his actions remain extremely deplorable, for the sake of the media, Black manages to repeatedly get off with the bare minimum punishment. Constant exposure to news stories about how he repeatedly evades any serious penalties for his crimes implants the idea that anyone with even the smallest bit of fame becomes immune to any sort of serious penalties for their actions. Not only this, but his exoneration from severe consequences perpetuates reckless behavior in young adults who happen follow him. This injustice occurs not only in Black’s criminal situation, but in several other highly influential figure’s cases as well.

Even behind bars, Black continues to release music, delivering one of the year’s hottest tapes, “Lil B.I.G”. While the tape certainly remains “fire”, one still wonders if perhaps Black should spend his time locked up more wisely. Rather than focusing on spittin’ rhymes, maybe he could better pass the time by reflecting on his actions and considering ways he can make better choices in the future. If not for the sake of his unwaveringly loyal fans, then possibly to save his career with whatever record label still wants him on board.

Aside from giving the tabloids a piece of hot gossip, the young delinquent’s actions should serve as an example to young adults as to what not to do in their free time. While he may have gotten out of most of his transgressions, teens must know that they receive no protection by the title of fame that Black is fortunate enough to have, and that following in his footsteps will set them up for a lifetime of cell time. After all, life proves extraneous enough without the burden of constantly running from the law and struggle to recover from past lapses in judgement. Rather than glorifying his illegalities, the media ought to encourage the youth to learn from his mistakes instead of repeat them.