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?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Truly Listening
As I continued to read the book I chose for my book review, the more insight I must say I gained on music and Life. I learned the capability of music and what music is individual of everything else. Music is art and vibrations. It isn't just heard, it is felt. I remember making these points in an earlier blog, but this book I read just reinforces those points.
In the book the two main characters go to a natural park to just sit and listen to the animals. One of the main characters makes the point that it is a shame that the animals who are in sync with each other and hear each other don't have ears and humans who do have ears only listen to what they want. They were listening to the crickets and frogs "talk" to each other through a synchronized language, and as the crickets chirped the frog was quiet and vice-versa. As humans, we don't truly listen. We think we master a subject, we think we know all about music and we use guides and teachers, and lessons to teach us about music, and we just stop listening to MUSIC. Music is alive and exists in everyone, but instead of listening we just try and "create" music and turn it into a profit. When the animals in the forest listen, they feel the vibrations, the music flows through them and I believe this is how humans should let music affect them. Let music or whatever your passionate about be apart of your body. Don't put any effort into trying to be perfect, just flow with the passion, experience your passion.
Feel and live the realness of music (or your other passion) and let it surround your body. When doing something, when living something it shouldn't be one-sided and viewed just how you want to view it. in the case of music, one should appreciate it and not let expressing music turn into a chore. Many artists had rough lives and in order to express themselves, they turned to music. They expressed themselves through music and did so because it made them feel better and they were able to live their life through music. Once becoming famous, they lose music because it becomes all about making money and keeping up with the new style, and how many gigs they could book in a month, and how many awards they are nominated for /win. They are no longer interested in music for music, music isn't what they live through. Music has become a daily chore, something to do just to be famous and get the newest Lexus. Think about it, how do you think this is affecting music? Is turning music from a means of expression and life into a business killing music? If music could talk, what would she say?
In the book the two main characters go to a natural park to just sit and listen to the animals. One of the main characters makes the point that it is a shame that the animals who are in sync with each other and hear each other don't have ears and humans who do have ears only listen to what they want. They were listening to the crickets and frogs "talk" to each other through a synchronized language, and as the crickets chirped the frog was quiet and vice-versa. As humans, we don't truly listen. We think we master a subject, we think we know all about music and we use guides and teachers, and lessons to teach us about music, and we just stop listening to MUSIC. Music is alive and exists in everyone, but instead of listening we just try and "create" music and turn it into a profit. When the animals in the forest listen, they feel the vibrations, the music flows through them and I believe this is how humans should let music affect them. Let music or whatever your passionate about be apart of your body. Don't put any effort into trying to be perfect, just flow with the passion, experience your passion.
Feel and live the realness of music (or your other passion) and let it surround your body. When doing something, when living something it shouldn't be one-sided and viewed just how you want to view it. in the case of music, one should appreciate it and not let expressing music turn into a chore. Many artists had rough lives and in order to express themselves, they turned to music. They expressed themselves through music and did so because it made them feel better and they were able to live their life through music. Once becoming famous, they lose music because it becomes all about making money and keeping up with the new style, and how many gigs they could book in a month, and how many awards they are nominated for /win. They are no longer interested in music for music, music isn't what they live through. Music has become a daily chore, something to do just to be famous and get the newest Lexus. Think about it, how do you think this is affecting music? Is turning music from a means of expression and life into a business killing music? If music could talk, what would she say?
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