Tupac Shakur
Entry 4: Tragic and Byronic Hero Wall of Shame. In Week 1, we learned about tragic heroes (see Week 1 Terms), and this week, we are learning about Byronic heroes (see Week 3 Terms). For this assignment, you will select one of the people/characters from the charts below. Select either a Byronic or a tragic hero. Research the person/character you chose and create a blog entry to illustrate why this person belongs on the Wall of Shame as either a Byronic or tragic hero. Keep in mind that the person/character you chose may not meet all of the criteria shown in the definitions (e.g., your tragic hero may still be alive), but you must be able to make a good case as to why he/she should be considered a tragic or Byronic hero. Your blog post needs to include a picture of the person/character, relevant biographical information from your research cited in correct APA style, and a comparison of your nominee to the definition provided in this course, including any discrepancies you find.
Tupac Shakur
ANSWER
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur died tragically after being shot by an unknown person in a drive-by shooting and the gunman was never arrested. A tragic hero, Tupac’s music was known for addressing contemporary social issues that beleaguered inner cities and is idolized as a symbol of resistance and the fight for justice and equality. He is considered to be one of the most significant hip-hop artists of all time. He helped elevate street hip-hop from a perceived crude compilation to a complex form of art. He was a ghetto poet and one of the most notable music voices even to date. He has been branded a ‘black folk hero’ and ‘modern folk hero’ even by academics.
During his life, Tupac was charged with several criminal cases including the shooting of Qaid Walker-Teal, shooting a police officer, assault, and sexual assault. Most of these cases were settled deferred or dropped (Motavalli, 2019). Tupac’s criminal cases represent a flaw in the hero’s personality and personal life. He would be prominent in the West Coast-East Coast hip-hop rivalry that turned into a feud between artists and fans. Fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G. was one of those to be accused of Tupac’s murder but he was to face murder in a similar way to Shakur’s.
Tupac was the protagonist in the tragedy of his life. He was treated with a sense of awe from his fans and foes alike. The loss of his goodness from his criminal activities and his involvement in the West Coast-East Coast hip-hop rivalry did not prevent him to be seen as a symbol of activism for equality. The misfortune that befell him was through an error of judgment and not through depravity or vice. To date, Tupac remains a hero to many and an icon of resistance and the fight for rights.
References
Motavalli , Z. (2019). The Voice of the voiceless. University West. http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1359385/FULLTEXT01.pdf
