Music is among the most powerful tools of our generation. I have been in a car with people who have strict morals and even more narrow beliefs, but once they plug their phone in and pump the jams, they would come across in the exact opposite light. I know staunch feminists who listen to songs that are so contrary to what they believe it is almost shocking. It’s almost shocking until you understand the power of music.
Music, so long as it is well constructed, undermines our beliefs and thoughts. Songs seem to operate along subconscious lines. The message flies under the radar and can be so well hidden and delivered that we sing along with things of which, if we were made aware, we would be shocked. We can believe anything in the world, but once a catchy beat drops, do you have the wherewithal notice if the lines your singing run counter to your views?
It is vital that we become more aware of the media we are consuming. As the media, we consume has the ability to shift our perceptions and build realities, which are ultimately figment of the imagination. For example, many people have been radicalized by the news because they only watch one channel. Some come to believe, after watching hours of CNN or Fox News, that those on the other side are hell-bent on destroying the government or economy, creating a false atmosphere for tribalistic violence.
I am not that old, and I do not want to come across as a middle-age moralizer, but the music in the modern era is with its increasingly vapid, and anti-human messages are a cause for concern. There is, of course, a subset of talented artists producing thoughtful and edifying music, but by and large, the music that is hitting the billboard top one hundred is unnerving.
Music has the potential to produce the same effects that news outlets produce. If you only listen to the songs that make the top one hundred, you will create a false understanding of the world based on the words of those who have made the list. Many of which are fundamentally regressive in their ethic and message. They glorify objectifying women, glamorize mental illness, and promote an airless form of self-reflection.
We do not understand how much the media we consume impacts us. I have highlighted some of the minor impacts of music in this post, but there are far more insidious methods and results from other forms of media, as noted in my News channel illustration.
Just as we try to become more conscious about our outer life, we need to become equally concerned about our inner life. What you eat is what you are, if you wouldn’t eat trash, don’t listen to trash.
I could not agree w/ you more.
i’m working on a playlist to relax by on youtube… it’s hard to find songs that aren’t triggering our out and out devilish… thanks for your thoughts
That’s great! Once you finish the playlist you should link it here so that others can listen.
sure thing.. though it’s to my taste, not sure everyone will be into it 🙂 and i picked the videos according to sound levels, so sometimes there are no official video to go with the songs… but here it is https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVIl6OP3VsaOIAXxcYEbvvwKb95RIAkEJ