In my Media, Family, and Human Development class we had a lecture about the power of music. I was so surprised at how much music can influence people. Music can affect spirituality, identity, and personality. Music is transgressive, which means that it makes people think and do things they normally wouldn’t. Sounds pretty powerful doesn’t it? Well studies show that music happens to be more important than any other media type in managing your mood and expressing your identity.
This was kind of a reality check for me. Am I listening to music that is positively affecting my life or negatively affecting my life? In rap and hip-hop music there tends to be lots of sexual references and women are very objectified. It is said that boys cant listen to rap music in front of women because the music teaches the boys how to be men. If rap and hip-hop music teaches the boys how to behave then that terrifies me. Why would you want to listen to music where women are constantly objectified and put down? I know that I don’t want to listen to women being objectified. I don’t want those thoughts running around in my head and eventually turning into beliefs and actions. I know I am worth much more than that. I know I am a woman that wants to be respected. Music is scary powerful and I think it is really important that we all start listening to good, uplifting music from now on.
I really loved Gavin DeGraw's song in class too! I think it is an inspiring song. I agree with what you said about many rap and hip hop songs objectifying women. When I hang out with my 16-year-old cousins and we listen to their favorite songs, I hear them sing the terrible lyrics about women and drugs and I am so shocked. It is crazy how those types of songs are so popular.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great class! I went home that night and shared Gavin DeGraw's song with my family. I also loved the violin solo. We are so lucky to have our beautiful hymns! I am our ward organist (so scary!), but I love that, when I am practicing, the words of the hymns "play" over and over in my mind. I love how music can engrave words in our hearts, which is why it is so crucial to have positive music stream in.
ReplyDeleteI loved that song! It was get so inspiring loved it. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI loved this lecture, it was truly inspired and inspiring. I loved how Dr. Coyne made connections between real life and the music we listen to. It is scary to think how often we think that we can ignore that things that we hear in music, but in reality, it really does affect us. But, it is so important to be aware of that so we can know how to better protect ourselves and our families.
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