Media

I realized that the impact of the media on hip hop is way bigger than I actually thought. First of all, it "revolutionized" breaking. The term "breakdance" didn't exist until the media came up with it. Now, everyone calls it breakdancing. I personally rdon't like that term and only use it when I really need to (for example if I tell someone that I b-boy or break, and that person has no idea what that means). Another way in which it changed b-boying is that in most cases, the media only shows powermoves. The result of this is that the image people get about breaking is that it's all about headspins, windmills, airflares, etc. which is totally wrong. So much emphasis in this dance is about toprock (introductory "dance" while standing, before going down on the ground), footwork (I think this term should be clear), and STYLE. I also think that upcoming b-boys, who don't know anything about the background of breaking, get the wrong image to start with. They focus immediately on doing powermoves. I've seen way too many people who don't have any tops or footwork. That is just wrong, because it shows the lack of basics, foundation.
The media had a big influence on the music of hip hop too: rap. Almost everyone I talk to distinguishes in music between hip hop and rap. What's wrong with that? It's simple: hip hop = culture, rap = music. I know that nowadays they just use hip hop in the same sense as rap. Probably noone cares about this, but it bothers me. A few weeks ago I had an argument over exactly this thing. A friend of mine said that Eminem's music is rap, and that Gym Class Heroes are hip hop. All I could say is "WHAT??"

Something to think about

I was just reminded by a friend about the song "9 Elements" by KRS-One. Y'all should check it out. It's probably the song that describes hip hop best. For me, the most memorable line from this song is "hip hop is something you live".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGQ0tBfoRVw

Documentary

Here's the best documentary about b-boying, in my opinion. It also includes some history of hip hop. You can't get any better explanation or view about the culture, then from watching this movie. There's 10 parts to it. In total, it probably last a little more than one and a half hour. Seriously, take some time off to watch this movie. It's very educational and essential for the understanding of b-boying, respectively the hip hop culture. It will change your viewpoint about hip hop. And especially about the thing you like calling "breakdancing". Breaking or b-boying is not just about showing off and being able to do cool moves. There's a history and a culture behind it. And without taking the oldschool into consideration, you're just an ignorant human being who thinks he knows hip hop but in reality doesn't know anything. As it says in the movie, "it's like the bible. Eventually you gotta go back to the old scriptures and the original language it was written in." There are many "b-boys" ("" because I don't see them as real b-boys. Explanation follows.) out there who just start dancing because they see it as an opportunity to attract attention. They don't know anything about the dance or about the culture. They only focus on doing hard, "impressive" moves. They don't have knowledge, or soul, and most of all, they don't have any CHARACTER! I don't have any respect for them, and I refuse seeing them as real b-boys. I don't judge dancers by their abilities, but by their mentality. But anyway, long story, short message. I really recommend you watching this movie. It really pays off, and afterwards you'll have a completely different image of hip hop. It's called "The Freshest Kids". Enjoy!
I'm only posting the link to the first part of the movie. I assume you'll manage finding the 9 following parts by yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uizp9UYdKKw