An Analysis of Tupac Shakur
Kahlil M. Green
Howard University
Introduction In selecting a historical figure to analyze, there lied the need to evaluate an individual who possessed multiple roles in society. In addition, it was essential to select theorists/theories that could capture the impact of the historical figure’s developmental factors, as well. It was under this consideration, that Tupac Amaru Shakur appeared to be the optimal historical figure. As the theorists D.W. Winnicott and Clayton P. Alderfer, would provide theories Object Relations and Existence, Relatedness, and Growth theory (ERG). D.W. Winnicott’s Object Relations Theory will examine the relationships Tupac had with his parents …show more content…
Clayton P. Alderfer’s, ERG Theory explores how Tupac’s constant struggle to appease his basic “existence” ,“relatedness”, kept him in a regressive state, as well as him reaching towards self-actualization.
History of the Historical Figure
Prior to examining Tupac Shakur’s developmental factors and major conflicts in his personality, there was first an investigation of his historical background. According to Makaveli.com, Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996) was a highly influential, best-selling American hip hop artist, considered by many to be one of the greatest and most legendary rappers of all time. The themes in Tupac’s music concerned growing up around violence, hardships in ghettos, racial inequality, and sometimes his feuds with fellow rappers in the United States. MTV’s 22 Greatest MCs countdown also listed Tupac as their number 1 MC, as voted by the viewers.” Understanding the origin someone’s of names and how they got …show more content…
The Shakur’s lived on Greenmount Ave. in East Baltimore. There, Tupac was teased because of his looks, name, and lack of trendy clothing. It was is in Baltimore, Tupac was accepted to the Baltimore School for the Arts. It was here he began to thrive and enjoy his classes. Classes like studying theater, ballet, and other arts. It was at this point Shakur became acquainted and close friends with fellow classmate Jada Pinkett. Despite his age, Shakur was blunt on the subject of racial equality. His teachers remembered him as being a very gifted student. He was an avid reader, delving into books on eastern religions, and even entire encyclopedia sets. Hiding his love of literature from his peers, he gained the respect of his peers by acting like a tough guy. Shakur composed his first rap in Baltimore under the name “MC New York”. The song was about gun control and was inspired by the fatal shooting of one of his close friends. Two years later, a drug-addicted Afeni was having trouble finding work. She moved the family again to live with a family friend in Marin City, California. Tupac described this period as “where I got off track”. He showed disdain for law enforcement, being hassled occasionally for playing music loudly. In August of 1988, Shakur’s stepfather Mutulu was sentenced to sixty years in prison for armed robbery after being on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list for several years. Shakur