When was the last time you were out on a dance floor? For some of you, maybe it has been quite awhile; for others, maybe last night?
Do you remember how you felt? What you saw? Who you saw? What kinds of people were out there dancing? What did you notice? What did you not notice and maybe later wished that you had?
My first time out on a dance floor (outside of my chaperoned school dances, of course) was an experience. I only knew a handful of people and they were going crazy dancing. As I looked around the dimly-lit room, it occurred to me that everyone else probably only knew a handful of people, too. It didn't matter, though. As soon as the music started, the beat had everyone dancing together. It was exactly as Beatrice Aaronson describes it in Music and Culture: "Everybody shares the dance floor, dancing, touching and sweating with somebody they might not otherwise speak to" (108). The dance floor is that exact scene.
Over several experiences, I've come to realize that the dance floor can sometimes be the most intimidating place and, at the same time, be a very welcoming place. Of course, there will always be those who are nervous and self-conscious of their moves (I would know; that used to be me) and there will always be the rude people who think they are better than everyone else and give dirty looks (they should be ignored). However, if you are out there dancing with everyone else, you are generally accepted.
Dancing automatically makes you part of the crowd. It doesn't matter where you've come from, what color your skin is, or what language you speak. Dancing and wanting to move your body is universal. Everyone can do it and everyone wants to, whether they will admit it or not. Aaronson makes a good point when she says,
"We find the energy that transcends social and cultural classifications. We have a body and we are a body. We are human and animal. Too much intellectualism kills our intuitive being and dries up our emotive resources. That is why the dance floor is so important in our society to recapture, if only temporarily, the instinctual forces of our existence, the only forces that can reconnect us to earth. A society that does not recognize the therapeutic value of public dance floors and abstract dance threatens its own mental and physical health" (109-110)..."I believe that rhythm and dance are the non-verbal form of communication par excellence" (111).
In dancing, we speak with our bodies. For that brief moment, it doesn't matter what language you speak; you communicate through the way you move. It does not make a difference who you are; just go dance.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Artists, Please Apologize for Being Artists. Thank You.
Can you imagine if an artist like Marilyn Manson or Eminem came on the news for everyone to see and just apologized for any offensive lyric they had ever written. Imagine if they sat there, in front of the camera, with millions watching, and they just started listing off the different lyrics they were apologizing for. Not only would the news broadcast be VERY long, but it would be ridiculous. What are they apologizing for? Being talented? Being creative? They aren't hurting anybody, so what is with the apology? It would just be silly.
Does a writer have a moral responsibility? No. Does creativity have specific guidelines? It shouldn’t. What would Picasso have done if he was told that his paintings could only be of a natural portrait style rather than any abstract art? The expression of art would be extinguished and art would lose its meaning.
What would a moral responsibility entail? Singing only about positive and happy topics? Things that build the listener up? Enforcing peace and love throughout their lyrics? Keeping everything G-rated?
What an awful thing it would be to be an artist! Who wants to sing about happiness and ponies and butterflies all the time? That’s not expression. That’s denial; denial of the world we live in. Obviously life is not about being happy all of the time. It is the sad and trying moments that show us what true happiness is all about. This concept reminds me of the book by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. In this odd little world, everyone is taught to think in a positive and all around happy way all of the time. Intellect and emotion are not encouraged.
If an artist had a moral responsibility, would there be less corruption? Less teen suicide, or teen sex? Less lives completely devoured by sex, alcohol, and drugs? It is possible that youth may have better examples set for them in the celebrity spotlight, however, the responsibility lies in the hands of others. *Drumroll please!* THE PARENTS!!!
I feel as though I will probably be sounding redundant now, as my last blog was focused on the responsibility of the parents regarding what kind of music is heard in the home. However, seeing as it is something that I feel is important, I will not be shy. :) What are the parents doing nowadays? They are blaming music companies for allowing their artists for being so raunchy and graphic. When in reality, it's a freedom that artists are allowed to have. This goes back to the record companies properly labeling the music and the parents being properly aware of what kind of music is present in the home. Artists like Eminem or Marilyn Manson would not be artists; at least, they would not be well-known artists. There is just so much talent that would be stifled because sensitive people would be offended. If they cannot handle it or they don't like it, there is a simple solution: Don't listen to it.
Does a writer have a moral responsibility? No. Does creativity have specific guidelines? It shouldn’t. What would Picasso have done if he was told that his paintings could only be of a natural portrait style rather than any abstract art? The expression of art would be extinguished and art would lose its meaning.
What would a moral responsibility entail? Singing only about positive and happy topics? Things that build the listener up? Enforcing peace and love throughout their lyrics? Keeping everything G-rated?
What an awful thing it would be to be an artist! Who wants to sing about happiness and ponies and butterflies all the time? That’s not expression. That’s denial; denial of the world we live in. Obviously life is not about being happy all of the time. It is the sad and trying moments that show us what true happiness is all about. This concept reminds me of the book by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. In this odd little world, everyone is taught to think in a positive and all around happy way all of the time. Intellect and emotion are not encouraged.
If an artist had a moral responsibility, would there be less corruption? Less teen suicide, or teen sex? Less lives completely devoured by sex, alcohol, and drugs? It is possible that youth may have better examples set for them in the celebrity spotlight, however, the responsibility lies in the hands of others. *Drumroll please!* THE PARENTS!!!
I feel as though I will probably be sounding redundant now, as my last blog was focused on the responsibility of the parents regarding what kind of music is heard in the home. However, seeing as it is something that I feel is important, I will not be shy. :) What are the parents doing nowadays? They are blaming music companies for allowing their artists for being so raunchy and graphic. When in reality, it's a freedom that artists are allowed to have. This goes back to the record companies properly labeling the music and the parents being properly aware of what kind of music is present in the home. Artists like Eminem or Marilyn Manson would not be artists; at least, they would not be well-known artists. There is just so much talent that would be stifled because sensitive people would be offended. If they cannot handle it or they don't like it, there is a simple solution: Don't listen to it.
Friday, March 18, 2011
'Parental Advisory' Only Works for the Attentive Parent
As a mother, I have concerns about the music my sons will listen to in the future. I realize I may be getting ahead of myself since my oldest son is only 2 1/2 years and my youngest turns 1 this upcoming Wednesday; I highly doubt that 'Old McDonald' and 'Twinkle Twinkle' pose a threat to their development into sweet boys. However, there will come a day, quite a few years down the road, when my sons will ask me to purchase music for them. Now, it's very possible that it may be an artist that I've never heard of at that time. (I would hope that I'm still somewhat aware of the artists being favored by youth since I will be in my early 30's when my oldest son enters high school; but nonetheless, I'm sure my music interests will differ). In the event that I purchase music for either one of my boys and had no idea who the artist was, I would be absolutely appalled if I walked by his bedroom door and heard nothing but profanity or obscene comments blaring from his Ipod (or whatever new little musical device he will have). I would be embarrassed and quite upset with myself for making such a purchase. I wouldn't put the blame on the record company for not having a 'Parental Advisory' label, even though it sure would be nice of them, but I would be upset with myself for not having done a little research into what kind of music my son was curious about listening to. (This is all hypothetical, of course, as my sweet, sweet well-mannered boys would never ask for their mother to purchase such a crude CD. Knock-on-wood.)
Thank goodness for advisory labels. Of course certain things will pass through undetected, but for the most part, the record companies are doing their part. It is not their fault if these albums are getting into the wrong hands. I have never purchased a CD with a 'Parental Advisory' and had to worry about how old I was, but do the stores enforce a certain age requirement to purchase these Cd's? If not, I feel like maybe that would be a start to the solution to very young children listening to very mature content. Although, it definitely is not the store's fault, either. The biggest solution would be for parents to pay attention to what their kids are getting involved in. I understand that there are certain kids (primarily in the adolescent department) that are beyond the point of rebellious and there's really no controlling what they listen to (although I believe that stems from issues earlier in their lives regarding the parents, but ANYWAYS); there is no excuse for letting young children listen to music relating to sex and drugs freely, unless that is the sort of mentality and lifestyle the parent intends on the child to welcome (in which case, this particular individual should not be a parent and should be neutered/spayed immediately). 'Parental Advisory' labels are only effective as long as the parents who are being advised are being attentive to what their children are listening to.
Thank goodness for advisory labels. Of course certain things will pass through undetected, but for the most part, the record companies are doing their part. It is not their fault if these albums are getting into the wrong hands. I have never purchased a CD with a 'Parental Advisory' and had to worry about how old I was, but do the stores enforce a certain age requirement to purchase these Cd's? If not, I feel like maybe that would be a start to the solution to very young children listening to very mature content. Although, it definitely is not the store's fault, either. The biggest solution would be for parents to pay attention to what their kids are getting involved in. I understand that there are certain kids (primarily in the adolescent department) that are beyond the point of rebellious and there's really no controlling what they listen to (although I believe that stems from issues earlier in their lives regarding the parents, but ANYWAYS); there is no excuse for letting young children listen to music relating to sex and drugs freely, unless that is the sort of mentality and lifestyle the parent intends on the child to welcome (in which case, this particular individual should not be a parent and should be neutered/spayed immediately). 'Parental Advisory' labels are only effective as long as the parents who are being advised are being attentive to what their children are listening to.
Friday, March 11, 2011
"Good Girl Gone Bad" (Rihanna)
When I was in middle school, I remember many of my friends branching out into different music genres. Rather than the calm and reserved religious artists we had grown up with, my friends began pursuing the sort of artists who favored screaming or "roaring" mid-song. Their lyrics were often violent or blunt compared to, let's say, the soothing lines of Casting Crowns or Jars of Clay. These lyrics contained problematic relationships, cheating, sex, drugs, alcohol, murder, etc. Their interests also wandered to artists like 50 Cent, where going to the "Candy Shop" had nothing to do with getting Skittles or a Snickers bar.
My "boyfriend" at the time (it wasn't much of a relationship due to such an age difference) was in high school and introduced me to the bands KORN and Slipknot. Keep in mind that I attended a private school for my entire life and came from a religious home. Just imagine my surprise when the "F word" was thrown around so casually. Before listening to these artists, I had maybe heard the word no more than five times. (I'm sure the word "sheltered" is now coming to your mind.) Jeremy Camp or Relient K would never sing lyrics like those! In attempt to grasp my boyfriends approval, I drowned myself in his music. As a result, my vocabulary grew; this was not a positive growth, I assure you. My language became vulgar for a young girl in middle school and it was mainly due to this new music I was indulging myself in. My attitude towards life became darker and I dressed like I thought I could take on the world. I cut off my hair and would use gel to "spike" it in the back. I wore primarily red and black and would accessorize with silver studded belts and bracelets, etc. (Please keep in mind that I'm not degrading anyone who dresses this way, because I actually do like this style; this was just not the way that I had been raised to dress or present myself).
Music can have a huge impact on an individual's lifestyle and behavior. I'm not saying that music can't have a good impact on someone; however, I'm simply going to focus on a few of the negatives for now. Simply listening to those two bands took me from a sweet little girl to using words from a sailor's vocabulary and thinking that I didn't need anything or anybody. If a young person constantly listens to music promoting sleeping around and how much fun it is, that lifestyle will be appealing to them and they will most likely pursue it. If "Toot It and Boot It" (YG) is such a popular hit, wouldn't acting it out be just as much fun? People, youth especially, will listen to a song and feel as though it can relate to them somehow; if they like a song enough they may make the attempt to reverse it and relate to it, instead. If they are exposed to something enough, that something will become a part of them. Whether it is language, sex, drugs, or alcohol, a song can make anything sound appealing to the impressionable and vulnerable. If a "Good Girl Gone Bad" (Rihanna) mentality is engraved into a young girl's mind as being sexy and desirable, it is no wonder when she begins to dress like a prostitute at the age of thirteen. While youth should be free to listen to good music, it is a parent's responsibility to teach them about the difference between just listening and applying.
My "boyfriend" at the time (it wasn't much of a relationship due to such an age difference) was in high school and introduced me to the bands KORN and Slipknot. Keep in mind that I attended a private school for my entire life and came from a religious home. Just imagine my surprise when the "F word" was thrown around so casually. Before listening to these artists, I had maybe heard the word no more than five times. (I'm sure the word "sheltered" is now coming to your mind.) Jeremy Camp or Relient K would never sing lyrics like those! In attempt to grasp my boyfriends approval, I drowned myself in his music. As a result, my vocabulary grew; this was not a positive growth, I assure you. My language became vulgar for a young girl in middle school and it was mainly due to this new music I was indulging myself in. My attitude towards life became darker and I dressed like I thought I could take on the world. I cut off my hair and would use gel to "spike" it in the back. I wore primarily red and black and would accessorize with silver studded belts and bracelets, etc. (Please keep in mind that I'm not degrading anyone who dresses this way, because I actually do like this style; this was just not the way that I had been raised to dress or present myself).
Music can have a huge impact on an individual's lifestyle and behavior. I'm not saying that music can't have a good impact on someone; however, I'm simply going to focus on a few of the negatives for now. Simply listening to those two bands took me from a sweet little girl to using words from a sailor's vocabulary and thinking that I didn't need anything or anybody. If a young person constantly listens to music promoting sleeping around and how much fun it is, that lifestyle will be appealing to them and they will most likely pursue it. If "Toot It and Boot It" (YG) is such a popular hit, wouldn't acting it out be just as much fun? People, youth especially, will listen to a song and feel as though it can relate to them somehow; if they like a song enough they may make the attempt to reverse it and relate to it, instead. If they are exposed to something enough, that something will become a part of them. Whether it is language, sex, drugs, or alcohol, a song can make anything sound appealing to the impressionable and vulnerable. If a "Good Girl Gone Bad" (Rihanna) mentality is engraved into a young girl's mind as being sexy and desirable, it is no wonder when she begins to dress like a prostitute at the age of thirteen. While youth should be free to listen to good music, it is a parent's responsibility to teach them about the difference between just listening and applying.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Paint Runs Through Her Veins (Unleaded Paint, Of Course)
How can youth be considered as passionate about music and music alone? For Allan Bloom, author of The Closing of the American Mind, to state "(Music) is their passion; nothing else excites them as it does; they cannot take seriously anything alien to music" (Music and Culture, page 36), a major overgeneralization is made. Is this implying that he was passionate solely about music in his youth?
I have quite a few friends who would admit to finding refuge in a variety of activities, from sports to arts. I have friends who will read a book while bathing (something I have never been able to master), sketch constantly on every blank space of paper, and eat, sleep, and breathe soccer. I recall one friend telling me, "I am obsessed with painting and I think I will probably die at an easel." I am convinced that paint runs through her veins (unleaded paint, of course). It seems as though these different hobbies can sometimes swallow lives; they are obviously valued more than music.
I realize that for most of today's youth, or even older generations, music holds a personal and emotional place in lives. Music alone can stir up feelings that are otherwise involuntary in the average activity. A simple song, or even a short lyric, may aid in the recollection of various memories, whether happy or tragic; this power, however, does not ordain music as youth's sole passion.
There can definitely be a link between music and an individual's passion, though. The soccer enthusiast will often tell me that certain songs can pump her up during a practice or amp up her energy before a game. While music can motivate her, her focus and passion is still buried in the sport. My paint-blooded friend will occasionally paint to a particular artist or style of music that coordinates with her current mood. For her, music can often serve as an inspiration, but, by no means, is it her passion. Holding those brushes, displaying those colors, and observing the artwork of others is where her passion bubbles over. Music could be absent from her art completely and she would still find refuge in the canvas.
I would like to consider myself included in the category of "youth", so I suppose it is important to share my passion if it differs from music. While I am not necessarily "passionate" about music, it is still a substantial part of my life. I surround myself with music and definitely will find refuge in it. I sing on a daily basis. I listen to music on a daily basis. I write songs when they come to mind. I enjoy playing the few chords that I know on an acoustic guitar or picking up my violin and just letting my fingers and bow take over. I view these things as different than a passion. I am not necessarily good at any of these pertaining to music, therefore I do not categorize them as my passions; they are simply releases.
My passion is parenting and I love my sons with everything I have to offer. My energy goes into playing with them and providing for them. Granted, I need my fair share of "Mommy Time", but nothing makes me happier than spending time with my two little boys. I work a lot and enjoy it because I know that it is giving me the means to provide for them. My heart and soul goes into my passion, as should anyone's heart and soul be drowned in their passion. Music may be everything to someone, but for others, passions will vary.
I have quite a few friends who would admit to finding refuge in a variety of activities, from sports to arts. I have friends who will read a book while bathing (something I have never been able to master), sketch constantly on every blank space of paper, and eat, sleep, and breathe soccer. I recall one friend telling me, "I am obsessed with painting and I think I will probably die at an easel." I am convinced that paint runs through her veins (unleaded paint, of course). It seems as though these different hobbies can sometimes swallow lives; they are obviously valued more than music.
I realize that for most of today's youth, or even older generations, music holds a personal and emotional place in lives. Music alone can stir up feelings that are otherwise involuntary in the average activity. A simple song, or even a short lyric, may aid in the recollection of various memories, whether happy or tragic; this power, however, does not ordain music as youth's sole passion.
There can definitely be a link between music and an individual's passion, though. The soccer enthusiast will often tell me that certain songs can pump her up during a practice or amp up her energy before a game. While music can motivate her, her focus and passion is still buried in the sport. My paint-blooded friend will occasionally paint to a particular artist or style of music that coordinates with her current mood. For her, music can often serve as an inspiration, but, by no means, is it her passion. Holding those brushes, displaying those colors, and observing the artwork of others is where her passion bubbles over. Music could be absent from her art completely and she would still find refuge in the canvas.
I would like to consider myself included in the category of "youth", so I suppose it is important to share my passion if it differs from music. While I am not necessarily "passionate" about music, it is still a substantial part of my life. I surround myself with music and definitely will find refuge in it. I sing on a daily basis. I listen to music on a daily basis. I write songs when they come to mind. I enjoy playing the few chords that I know on an acoustic guitar or picking up my violin and just letting my fingers and bow take over. I view these things as different than a passion. I am not necessarily good at any of these pertaining to music, therefore I do not categorize them as my passions; they are simply releases.
My passion is parenting and I love my sons with everything I have to offer. My energy goes into playing with them and providing for them. Granted, I need my fair share of "Mommy Time", but nothing makes me happier than spending time with my two little boys. I work a lot and enjoy it because I know that it is giving me the means to provide for them. My heart and soul goes into my passion, as should anyone's heart and soul be drowned in their passion. Music may be everything to someone, but for others, passions will vary.
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