The word ghettoblaster originated in the U.S, apparently reflecting the belief that such systems are popular in poor inner-city neighborhoodss, especially those populated by black Americans. The term carries a connotation of power and disregard of social rules, shown in the ability to blast music so as to overwhelm those around you, as portrayed in the film Do the Right Thing by director Spike Lee. Dispute over a ghettoblaster was a central role in that movie's culminating riot.
The word is racially inflammatory in some circumstances, but it has also been embraced as as a term of black, urban pride—and, like many such terms, has been adopted by parts of the non-black American community. It is used as the name of at least one magazine and one recording company.