Response to Blog- Music and Perception.

This is a response to Abby Lindamood's question "How does music shape our perception of the world?

I have asked this question and pondered this question in a previous blog, and I must say that it stills interests me. The form of music I look at particularly is rap music. Though there are other genres, which I will discuss, I just think about the impact of rap music and I find it really interesting. In rap music, women are referred to as B****es and Whores and are disrespected. Not only does this happen in rap music but this is how some men view women, as objects. I remember doing a project in high school about music and how it influences people and there was this really disgusting song called "Tip Drill" by Nelly. In the song it implies that all women, even "ugly" ones, should be used for sex. It is disgusting because this shapes the mind of our youth and they grow thinking that what is said in the lyrics are correct. Young boys grow up thinking that it is good to treat women like sex objects and women think it is OK to be treated that way and all they have to offer is sex. Rap can also be linked to violence, lack of education (especially the use of slang) and other negative things. If you listen to some rap music it is about "busting a cap in a person" or not looking like a "punk" by using weapons and fighting. This, when seen, make people not understand that things don't work that way. They listen to the lyrics and get caught up in it and automatically want to live that life style. They have the mentality "I am poor and broke and live in the ghetto, so I have to live like what is portrayed in that new song by 50 cent." I don't get rap and don't think I ever will, but I do think it has a negative influence in the perception of people.

Not only rap, but other genres shape our perception on life. Many people think that instead of being a means of expression, music is a guide to live life by. Some artists sings about happy moments and prince charming coming to the rescue and then the perception that the music makes is a hopeful one. Music is strong, and I believe it is underestimated as to how strong it is. It can be used to manipulate, it can be used to enforce things, it does have a stronghold on people. Not only music, but all sorts of media can be looked at as a virus ready to infect the heads of youth, and it is up to an active parental relationship to make sure the child isn't taken over by the media. I have heard my mom say that the television "raised the child" implying that parents weren't there and the TV was the only thing the child had around. Children mimic what they hear and what they see and are quick at doing so.

SO the answer to the question, I think music shapes our perception of the world, by molding our outlook on it. Music indicates how situations should be handled and reflect personality traits that people adapt and start living through. Music is really powerful and can be used for good/ or for bad. My question is: How can we stop music from being a negative example for our children? How can we stop children from mimicking what they hear and see pertaining to music and music videos?