Music impacting youths on a deeper level is not an a fact in fantasy- many individuals today are seen wearing clothes with their favorite bands and their symbols written on them. Others choose to dress similarly and few attempt to change their body to become more and more like their idols. The idea of young adults looking for a role model is nothing new, in this generation, idols in music and movies are highly targeted. I’d rather shy away from personal conversation, however, I must point out that I had avoided popular bands that the media had targeted as “potential threats to teen heath.” Comparison of personal issues is absolutely ridiculous; every individual has their own way of handling issues that come up in their lives. Despite having said this, I had never reduced myself to self-inflicted pain such as cutting my wrists, a common trend amongst individuals who go by “emo”. I’ve had my share of seemingly unbearable difficulties; however, the idea of dealing damage to myself to get past it was never brought to my attention. This is where arguments begin, when professionals and experts speak of lyrics often found in heavy metal, death metal, and punk may emphasize these actions.
Deena Weinstein in “Heavy Metal Under Attack: Suicide and Aggression” explains with quotes from the songwriters that the intention behind their lyrics were not aimed at instigating teen suicides, self-damaging thoughts, or other ill-effected ideals. They had deeper significance such as the song “Under the Knife” by Twisted Sister, which was written for a friend who had to undergo surgery. It by no means had intentions to interlock with “sadomasochism” as Albert Gore’s wife, Tipper Gore, and the Parents Music Recourse Center (PMRC) had made it out to be.
Even though their intentions may not have been exactly what they meant to do, these song artists may have led the youth of today’s generation into a different path. Everyone experiences music differently, and it shouldn’t have been assumed that most people would understand the message that a particular song would give. Many young adults find it socially acceptable to do things such as drugs when they hear songs that glorify them. It’s also probable in the event that many fans search for other individuals or groups who also share this interest with the band: some of who may be well supplied in narcotics and other substances. Social acceptance plays a large role, and the inclusion of social groups and extortion of drugs amongst each other (assuming it is a group that deals with substances) is common; this ties in closely with peer pressure as well.
Deena Weinstein in “Heavy Metal Under Attack: Suicide and Aggression” explains with quotes from the songwriters that the intention behind their lyrics were not aimed at instigating teen suicides, self-damaging thoughts, or other ill-effected ideals. They had deeper significance such as the song “Under the Knife” by Twisted Sister, which was written for a friend who had to undergo surgery. It by no means had intentions to interlock with “sadomasochism” as Albert Gore’s wife, Tipper Gore, and the Parents Music Recourse Center (PMRC) had made it out to be.
Even though their intentions may not have been exactly what they meant to do, these song artists may have led the youth of today’s generation into a different path. Everyone experiences music differently, and it shouldn’t have been assumed that most people would understand the message that a particular song would give. Many young adults find it socially acceptable to do things such as drugs when they hear songs that glorify them. It’s also probable in the event that many fans search for other individuals or groups who also share this interest with the band: some of who may be well supplied in narcotics and other substances. Social acceptance plays a large role, and the inclusion of social groups and extortion of drugs amongst each other (assuming it is a group that deals with substances) is common; this ties in closely with peer pressure as well.
It can be viewed as an extremely controversial subject: music is an effort to express oneself in melody- genre is simply an attempt to organize it. How does one persecute against one another in law in a fight within each individual’s personal beliefs? Do we limit our creativity in order to conform to society and let the older generations’ beliefs continue, or can we be free and let changes occur as they come?
I think we do have to remain free to speak our minds and especially songwriters. They need to be able to sing whatever words they feel suit their artistic perspective, but I don't feel that the public needs to be bombarded by negative influences and songs about sex and drugs constantly played on the radio. America does stand for freedom but it shouldn't also stand for freedom to promote evil. I like how you mentioned how in one song the artist was describing his sister's surgery and it was taken out of context by the listeners. It goes to show you that artists should be careful of what they sing about but can't always know how or who their music will influence the listener. Musicians should take some responsibility for their lyrics and understand that they have the possibility of reaching many different people and their music can potentially be around for generations after them. They will probably be doing themselves a favor if they did think more like that because if you've noticed the really good bands can pass the test of time and remain popular through the ages. I like to think of bands like the Beatles whose good vibe even though may have been scrutinized during their early years was powerful enough to start a movement in rock and roll and didn't need to take about drugs or money to get themselves promoted.
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