While rereading Postman's book, one particular section caught my interest. Postman was discussing the growing influence of television over the unsuspecting people of America, and in one paragraph he stated that "no musical theme was used as background- a significant point since almost all television programs are embedded in music, which helps to tell the audience what emotions are to be called forth." (88) What does this implicate? Is music and the radio more important in our lives than we suspect? The age of the television has spread to the last vestiges of our mind, and its content fills our every conscious thought. However, does music, and the age of the radio, still dominate our subconscious?
Ponder this while I ask a few rhetorical questions. How many times have you, the avid AP student, have had trouble concentrating because of a catchy song that was playing on the radio earlier while driving home? How many times have you felt emboldened by an inspiring song, or diminished by a depressing one? On another note, how many have felt disgusted by the content of many songs' lyrics?
Postman may be correct about the growing dominance and dependence on the television, but I believe the age of the radio is still in effect. The music that the radio gives us contain the culture of the nation and reflects the current state of our own thoughts. Just listen, and you just might find the mindset of the United States singing to you. Unfortunately, all I hear is money, sex, booze, and fame. What do you guys think?
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Music, radio, ipods, and other mp3 players have become parts of many people's lives already. I agree with you Andrew. I hear and see people saying, "I love music," or, "music is my passion!" Some do not even play any instruments. I guess meditating on those rap songs or pop music or love songs is considered artistic then.
ReplyDeleteWhen I actually started understanding the English songs on the radio, I DID notice most of the songs are about love, bling blings, sex, fame, getting high, and such; it seemed like Americans just revolve around those things, but I know that that is not true. Before understanding the meaning of the songs, I would follow along with the catchy style of the melody and KABAAM! The whole song is about sex. -.- Just a decade ago, the artists did not even have songs involving "it", and this shows the rapid change in pop culture, media, and the people. No wonder people do not think serious about trying drugs, drinking, and premarital sex! We've been brain washed that those horrendous things are normal!!! Our media is causing ever so much dire situations in people's lives, it is not a laughing matter.
The age of the radio is still most definitely upon us! True most songs today that are consisderd "popular" do portray images of sex, money and drugs. And music very much can dictate a person's state of mind. Now what the people of today need to step back and do is let the music that does not constantly refer to sex and drugs. Now unfortunately we have and will constantly be posioned by suggestive music and if Postman could, in my own mind, he would walk the earth to destroy and lecture about this awful music that is considered oh so very "popular."
ReplyDeleteMy only thought is this: music can shape our personality and lifestyle. Music has a way of controlling our thoughts and style, even if we don't think it does. It's so easy to get songs stuck in your head or quote them to a certain situation. I also, very often, see different styles shaped around the music that people listen to, such as punk and rap. Most often, though, I hear A LOT of stereotypes when people are referring to music, which is rather odd to me. Music is only a sound, yet it can form and style and change the moods of different groups of people.
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