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.

The Media and You: Whose Opinion Matters?

Earlier in the text of Music & Culture, many individuals had held their voice in defense or prosecution of music, namely the newer genres that include punk rock, heavy metal, grunge, etc. Deena Weinstein was an advocate of heavy metal, and elaborates on how the media blames the music for the change in the generations. Paul Cobley fights against arguments that support music that seem to assert negative influences. The ability of the mainstream media to distort our personal beliefs is a sure-fire system that can be seen nearly everywhere; even in times of Civil Rights movements, the reaction of the general public is clear. The people will sway to what the mainstream media projects and it’s up to the minority who want to fight for their beliefs that will continue to show a growing and fighting generation.

Many bands, specifically ones that partake in music genres such as the above mentioned, are easily taken into account because of their radical behavior that can be seen in live concerts. This eventually leads to stereotyping in which many of the writers in Music & Culture talk about. Whether it’s sexually explicit or deals with negative influences, the media puts the spotlight on these bands and brand them as some sort of evil in the world. Drowning Pool, a band that focused on alternative metal and grunge, had an unfortunate loss of a band member through a heart complication. The media, however, portrays it as a heart failure due to overdose of cocaine. Given the repetitive attacks against this genre of music, the general public accepts these accusations as truth without second thought. Another example is Malice Mizer, a band that plays pop-rock and goth metal: these band members dress in visual kei, a radical form of visual style. One can see these individuals and label them as homosexuals because of its unique outlook, as it seemingly looks very similar to a blend of gothic fanaticism and transvestites. Along with their involvement with familiar genre such as gothic metal, it again ties in with the media labeling them as nothing more than strange cross dressers. Another band that has very similar ties to Malice Mizer and its form of visual kei, is Orgy. Inspired by a drag queen that they had met they release an album dedicated to her, and again, this was negatively portrayed by the media as an issue within the music industry and the effects it has on the current generation of children. All this involvement with cross dressing can be seen like taboo by the older generation and the ties between families with a strong religious core.

Despite the radical names, lyrics, songs, background influences, and etc. that follows these bands, their love for music is all held in their own unique ways.  There are individuals who can support these bands despite their radical views as well as the way the media portrays them; this is the growth of a new wave throughout the generation.

Aside from the Music...

Hilary Rosen in “It’s Easy, but Wrong, to Blame the Music”, expresses few strong key points to emphasize that music is not the main cause for an increase in issues amongst the people. Rosen brings up statistics of bad examples in America, such as death from child abuse, gun deaths, pregnant teenagers, bringing weapons to school- all mentioned about adolescents in the effect that it would perk the attention of adults. Bringing to attention a call of emergency amongst children and/or young adults creates a sense of urgency within the older generations, for obvious reasons.

Throughout the text, Rosen elaborates that music does no harm, and is only an expression from the artist in song. She argues, “if an artist is angry and creates angry music, a listener who is angry will probably relate to that music more easily. Others will either shrug it off or listen with more dispassion.” From this quote, readers can understand that people generally disregard music they dislike and search for something that has significance or meaning to them, so that they can relate.

Rosen also states, “What can we learn from a kid who is profoundly affected by or addicted to angry or violent music? Whose obligation is it to pay attention?” This pushes the blame onto parents for managing their children. Using strong words to shift the blame as such, parents would be smart to keep a closer eye on their own children. Rosen supports her claim further as well as offering advice to readers that parents should monitor what the child is listening to in order to relate to what issues may be revolving around that child’s mind. This is an extremely effective tactic, as its use can be used in multiple ways: a parent showing interest in the child’s life shows that they care, creating a stronger emotional pull toward each other. Another benefit is that the parent will understand the child more and more, despite the constant changes that occur during the adolescent age. Commonly known amongst psychiatrists is that in most cases, broken families are the main cause for many issues, and this is an alternative that offers little backfire.

Rosen also mentions that the recording studios don’t simply sign in any artists or release any records that are presented to them. She states record companies “will spend money to sign and support an artist because the company believes that artist has a unique vision and a creative way to express it.” She continues to elaborate that this leads to a separation of voices that are within the young adults that can’t be expressed because it’s possible that the music “is sensationalist, but empty of meaning.” Record companies hold the power to release what’s heard around the world, and what they do is mostly for the benefit of the people. Suppose they allowed any artist to be signed off and allowed any song to be released. There would be extreme levels of unorganization, and there could be many amateur releases, preventing the true talent to be hidden behind the mass of people who simply want their work out there.

Inquisition: The Music or The People?

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.

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?