Necessity of Reality

Reality television is a common past time between families and a great way to pass the time (or one of the worst ways). They offer many entertaining situations as seen by well known shows such as Fear Factor and Survivor. Though those shows may seem like a complete waste of time, it is amusing, without a doubt. Their primary purpose is to entertain, although some hold merits and benefits beyond the entertainment of others. As mentioned by Alessandra Stanley in her article “Here’s Reality: ‘Idol’ Feeds Hopefuls to a Shaky Music Business”, the “winner is given a recording contract with BMG and a management contract with 19 Entertainment”. This gives incentive for individuals, despite the sketchy background in which they may be entering.

Bait Car is a reality TV show in which cops stage an arrest, and leave a car unattended with the keys inside, in plain sight. With hidden cameras and radio signaling in the car, criminals are unaware of police watch. They take the car, not knowing that it was rigged and set so that they would be caught eventually, as the camera captures their facial image. Upon stealing, the car locks from the inside and shuts off, immobilizing the criminal to get arrested.

This show has many appeals; there is no doubt that many individuals enjoy watching shows where criminals get caught for doing unjust actions. The fact that it is real makes it even better. Wherever there is an accident on the freeway or on local streets, drivers tend to slow down to simply watch what had happened, causing traffic along the road ways. This is nothing different from that same event, both in the show as well as the viewers. The criminals observe the set up, the individual “arrested” by the cops before hand, and move in to take the car after the coast is clear. Most videos show criminals scoping the area out, several minutes after the arrest of the fake criminal, to check for cops to witness the theft. Television viewers simply love to watch criminals being taken out by the law, as any individual would love to see justice. Cartoons and movies are clear examples in which protagonists and antagonists are clearly seen, and in reality, criminals would be the antagonists and the cops would be the protagonists.

Bait Car is still being continued today, and cops continue to carry out arrests using this method, in several cities, namely within the Los Angeles county and Las Vegas. I think it’s very successful in the sense that it captures criminals using a smarter method, because it captures those who really had a criminal intent. Records indicate that many criminals captured through this method already had some sort of criminal record before hand as well, so this supports our law enforcement by weeding out criminals who deserve justice. This show will continue because of the many viewers who will tune in to watch “good old justice”. Who wouldn’t support shows that give us entertainment and justice at the same time?

Drugs, It's your call

Craig Werner, in the Music & Culture text, places his assumption that jazz players had been alienated and isolated from the world, and in order to escape from this reality, they turn to narcotics. This is a common issue found in many cases, not only musicians. Many resort to drugs and alcohol as they often help alleviate issues at hand for many individuals. The ability to act as a depressant (or stimulant) only increases the ever growing usage of alcohol and drugs.

True to what Werner had stated about being alienated and isolated, constant recurring thoughts of suicide would occur at an increasing rate. The solitude brought about by said alienation and isolation would drive an individual mad. Although physical avoidance leads to little interaction in person, this type of loneliness is not as bad as a mental case of loneliness. When one’s ideas and thoughts are unable to be shared and understood amongst the people, it creates a bigger gap of agony and despair than that which simple physical loneliness could incur.

There are many cases in which such solitude isn’t the main cause of the use of drugs and alcohol. Frequently, most often seem amongst adolescents, increased usage is seen simply because of the peer pressure and the need to feel as part of the group. Several young adults don’t admit to this, perhaps it’s an issue amongst egos as to who is following who, but it occurs at an alarming rate nonetheless. Many who are not grown into the environment may also become easily persuaded by those who are familiar with the substances, because it is something new that they had never tried. This is also a common occurrence in which several individuals would not admit to. It goes along hand in hand with the common cliché phrase, “curiosity killed the cat”.

Along with trying to fit in, it’s no surprise that the environment plays a large role in drug and alcohol use. There is a sharp increase of usage of illegal drugs within clubs or parties; distribution amongst party-goers (and under age drinkers attending the party) is nothing new and is continued to be fought against today. It is debatable who’s in the wrong, and who dictates what is allowed and what isn’t in concurrence with the law, however the facts are there- parties are often a great way for young adults to get their hands on substances and alcohol.  

Personal failures also spur the usage of substances. Constant degradation, inability to invoke proper self-confidence, a string of bad events- various things occur within our lives and the methods in which we handle our sources of outlets is the main key to determine whether we can be pro-active or settle with the use of drugs. I do not intend to degrade the usage of drugs, not do I stand in the defense to their use, however, often times many individuals would agree that the usage of drugs is counterproductive in dealing with situations. Likewise, it could lead to a better lifestyle; the use of morphine and valium within medical facilities is not to promote random drug use, it has a clear purpose. The method in which our outlets lie and whichever is discovered first; that’s the key in which drug use can be used primarily, or minimally, or not at all.

Sensibility to Authenticity

There is no doubt that music plays an essential factor within our daily lives and there is a continuing growth of support within this industry. Favorited rap artist, Eminem, is credited for creating lyrics based on reality, which had placed an impact amongst the generations of young adults today. Lynette Holloway speaks in her article in the New York Times of many children who had shared overwhelming interest and support for Eminem’s reality based rap songs. It provided insight both from the artist to the people, and the people amongst each other by sharing his own life experiences in the form of music.

Music and its lyrics can serve as a networking source in which other listeners can relate to. Others may also become inspired through lyrics found in music and it can serve as an empowering medium. Lyrics can also be seen impacting young adults with common phrases which soon become a motivating/inspiring factor. It does not necessarily have to be reality based, but it helps provide a clear sense in the idea that it gets people to behave differently.

There is always going to be a “gray area” in regards to anything that involves personal interest; lyrics that are strictly based on reality have their merits but aren’t necessarily the best factor in terms of music. There is an argument in which many different opinions agree or disagree for music as an educating factor as opposed to an entertaining factor, and vice versa. Surely, there is an extent at which all lyrics must be romanticized, otherwise it would behave particularly similar to that of politics, or simple self-grieving, or even lecture-based speech. Of course, the element of music has to be kept in-tact, otherwise it would obviously be anything but a song, however the amount of amount of realism and or romanticism found within a song needs an appropriate balance.

Music based on reality allows for a closer inspection, by the listener, in which connections can be made. A song can express and romanticize all sorts of dreams and ideas, however, in comparison to songs which express a commonality within the people, it will pale in comparison in both impact and sales. True, artists will attempt [to an extent] to cater to the people in an attempt to sell more, but it should not be the center of reasoning behind the music. Aside from the passion involved for the love of music, the consideration of the people [and their backgrounds] who listen to particular genres of music is important too. Artists also benefit from the expression of reality based music because of the amount of sympathy received, as well as the fact that it is already something that they had experienced- it should not be as difficult as fabricating an entire story on something that was not understood to begin with. It would not be improbable to state that artists have no benefit in personal gain through sharing their reality in their songs and instead, should be encouraged for the better of their mental health as well as others.

Rhythm Against Words

Words can be found in various places; it is often emphasized throughout the media in various forms such as music networks, blogs, news channels, etc. Personally, I’ve taken a great interest in music that Beatrice Aaronson had mentioned in her selection of the Peace Review. Techno, trance and rave music pertains a special likeability about the beats that it gives off- the examples in which she provides are common themes which I can relate to.

In her selection, Aaronson states that “rhythm and dance are fusional media that have no concern with social power”. This is a very strong statement as it asserts that the music itself can be seen as a binding medium with positive effects within many individuals, which allows them to congregate and share between each other the love and motion involved with this music. Many young adolescents carry this same notion today, as it can be seen in many public places. Individuals who share common interests in particular songs may end up conversing to each other because of the common interest and begin to formulate a friendship; this couldn’t be accomplished in other scenarios where awkward introductions are often misplaced and leads to separation.

This also pertains to the other question that inquired about whether “words are instruments of separation and social power” or not. Words definitely have the ability to make such an impact, as that is our main method of communication. Through understanding and speech, each and every individual is able to comprehend the fact that whatever one says, it is their own belief. More often than not, communication through words provides more emphasis on supporting what the out speaking individual believes in, rather than sharing and creating a mutual bond like the rhythm of music could. Examples can be seen often in the news, our very own political system, at a regular daily basis. Many individuals that possess higher authority within the government propose changes, declare actions, and express their explanations behind their actions or what their goals were in speeches. Naturally, the president, Barrack Obama, is higher in social power than the average American. In saying this, we can see that it is Obama that we always see in the television, making speeches, talking about changes that need to be made.

There is a stronger level of passion in which music enthusiasts can find deeper emotional meaning as well. Kurt Cobain himself had written in his journal that “WORDS suck. I mean, every thing has been said.” Through this, Cobain expresses disdain for conversational instances and supports music instead. An example of other genre of music that has few instances of lyrics is Screamo, which (as the name indicates) involves a lot of screaming of words, but these words in particular are spurts of emotion, rather than anything completely logical in the effect that it leads to a difference in social power or separation. The expression through music can serve its purpose as a unifier, but it is not its entire purpose. Words are undoubtedly an instrument that emphasizes separation and can be seen at higher levels as the social power is higher.