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.
I agree that rhythm and dance overrule what words have to say. Only some people will like a song because of the lyrics but when there are no lyrics, it gives people that window to interpret it and enjoy it however they feel. This is why many different people will like the same music when there are no words. Words will change the meaning of a song but without words, one can make their own interpretation of the music being played. And of course anyone who loves to dance can enjoy almost anything whether it has lyrics or not. Kurt Cobain, like you said, is a great example of a musician agreeing that words are almost pointless. Words in music can cause controversy and sometimes hate and music alone has the opposite affect of uniting people rather than causing separation. Great examples in your essay. It is unfortunate that words emphasize separation of social power in music because it makes some music not enjoyable when it is obvious that it is about separation. Some music has lost it's true worth because of this. We are lucky to have techno, rave, and trance that different types of people can relate to without there being any separation of power.
ReplyDeleteI agree words have the power to transcend any boundary, norm, culture, ideology. They have the power to unite or separate us. Melodies, rhythms, beats can reach even a dead heart. Infants know the taste of music; the beats can take them to the ultimate relaxation. But we must not forget that words can have the same effect as the rhythm and dance can have. We have witnessed music lyrics that unite, call-up generation. The music “We are the world” had caught the attention of many in lending their help for many poor nations. In another example President Ronald Reagan said “tear down this wall!” the speech by the President to the people of West Berlin is the most memorable lines spoken during his presidency. Let’s say the music has high in a beat and energetic, on the same instance let’s say it has niggling lyrics, do you think we will forget those words and have fun/dance. I guess not unless we are wasted. In my opinion words have to go hand in hand with rhythms and beats.
ReplyDelete