Rap Music on the Teenage Mind - Miami University



Introduction

This paper intends to explore some of the post popular contemporary genres. It

then intends to prove that each genre affects people differently, and can even be a source

of personal and cultural identity.

Pop Music

What makes something pop music? Is it the beat? Is it the rhythm? Is it the lyrics? If you are looking for the answers to those questions, you will not find them in this paper. In this paper what pop music is doesn’t really matter, it is what pop music does that is under the microscope here. What does listening to pop music vs. other kinds of music do to a person, how can it make them feel, is there a right and a wrong time to listen to pop music? These are all great questions but I’m sure each answer depends on whose being asked and probably when you ask them. For the best answer polls have been taken and papers have been written and each of their findings have lead to this overall, generalized report of what pop music does.

Pop Music is defined as such “music of general appeal to teenagers; a bland watered-down version of rock n roll with more rhythm and harmony and an emphasis on romantic love (1)”. Some people may take offense at this definition, but for this paper’s purpose, it works very well. Pop music is a genre in that it’s a group of music, but it is not really a genre because it can have all different genres inside of it. The word pop is short for popular, which is problematic because any genre can have a song that transfers into popular music or pop music. But people see it as a genre so it is a genre.

The Internets largest polling database, Misterpoll, polled people and asked them questions about music. One of the questions was “if you like pop what’s your attitude?” Over 50% of the voters choose the option “I’m overly happy”. The second largest percentage was for the choice “ I like too many boys/girls”(2). Neither of these responses seems to express a very positive opinion of pop music fans. Never- the -less there are many pop music fans out there, or else it would probably not be called popular music, it would be called unpopular music.

Pop Music also is blamed for enforcing negative values in young persons. As seen in the article “Listening to Pop Music Puts Teens in the Mood”, it is easy to see that this genre of music has a lot of enemies. The article is, of course, not saying that pop music is the only kind of music that puts the idea of sexual relationships into teens or young adults heads but since pop music is the most universally listened to, it does catch the full force of the argument (3). Pop music does not make teens have sex; it does however involve adult topics, like relationships, in the songs. Most other genres do hit on this topic too but because pop music is on most of the radio stations and has a younger fan base, pop music gets the blame. Pop music is credited with having a larger educational impact on adolescents. It is said that teens are more influenced by pop music, than television (4).

So growing up listening to pop music can affect how the child behaves. Another interesting fact about pop music is that there has been research done that shows that pop music is good for plant growth. The study results proved that the worst music for plant growth is rock music, especially acid rock (5). This fact may have nothing to do with the development of children but there could be links between the aggressive or harsh music effecting plant growth and child growth as well.

Pop music may have a negative influence on child development. It may have a reputation for being overly happy or overly suggestive. But from research, overall, people listen to pop music because they enjoy it, it helps pass the time. So far, there have been no claims it’s the best music out there but it does brighten peoples days. So if pop music gets blamed for doing anything it should be for that... it brightens people s days. Remember it is not called popular music because everybody hates it.

Rap Music on the Teenage Mind

In this section of the discovery paper I am trying to figure out what if any effect rap music has on teenagers. Knowing that music can influence the way we feel and act I wanted to see how the harmful behaviors reflected in the rap genre have had there impact. I picked this age group especially because I feel that if anyone will be affected by such violent and obscene lyrics and ideals it would be the moldable minds of the teenage youth. Some of the studies that I have found carry vary alarming results; perhaps the most extreme study, and the one I will be focusing my attention on in this paper, is one I have come across on WebMD, they state in a study of “522 black girls between the ages of 14 and 18 from non-urban, lower socioeconomic neighborhoods, researchers found that compared to those who never or rarely watched these videos, the girls who viewed these gangsta videos for at least 14 hours per week were far more likely to practice numerous destructive behaviors” (webMD). Some of these destructive behaviors include, that they are at least three times more likely to hit a teacher, and 1.5 times more likely to get and carry a sexually transmitted disease. As you can see these are not some normal destructive behaviors we think about for teenagers, these behaviors are way out of the norm.

There has always been a very strong connection with our minds and music, and we may never have all the answers as to why this is, but looking deeper into how this music especially rap music is molding our teenagers’ minds with awful behaviors should be of utmost concern. Going along with these destructive behaviors Dr. Ralph DiClemente states “we didn't find an association with just violence or one or two risky behaviors, we found an association with a string of these behaviors” (web MD). Rap music just doesn’t put the ideas of violence and crude behavior in our minds it also makes us act out on our emotions. With this study out and many more to come it is only fair to assume that something needs to be done. Music is such a powerful drug that it needs to be harnessed for good, and not just for rappers to make money.

Rock

It is undeniable that music has an effect on our mood, personality, and actions. The real question is how the music affects humans and to what extent. Rock has taken a complete right turn from the days of classical rock and roll with Elvis Presley, or soft rock from the eighties. The newly developed version of rock is relatively made up of loud, heavy metal instruments with a lot of screaming and negative ideals in the lyrics. During one’s time of puberty, people are discovering themselves and identifying themselves, making them very susceptible to the ideas of these new rock bands. “Christenson and Roberts emphasize that in the adolescent years, pop music is the "heavy equipment" and more influential than television, movies and computers” (O'TOOLE , 1997). With that said, it is important to see what the average effect this music proposes on the future of these adolescents. Now, most people prefer certain kinds of music depending on their mood to start. For example, if someone is tired and would like to relax, then classical music is the most popular option. When looking at someone who picks rock, their mood is typically energetic, excited, frustrated, or angry. Music has the ability to intensify these moods, which can be a good or bad thing. For example, a person listening to rock music before a soccer game will be motivated, excited, and feel their adrenaline moving through their body which is perfect for a soccer game. If someone is angry or frustrated, the rock can intensify those emotions and lead the listener to do something regretful. “It (rock music) can also be used to enhance bad moods, which has led some to believe music lyrics about suicide and violence against women have occasionally led troubled youth to commit suicide or violent crimes” (O'TOOLE , 1997). In addition to enhancing moods that are both positive and negative, we must also appreciate the fact that our reaction to music is based on our liking to the music. If someone enjoys rock, it can have a positive, joyful, and happy effect on the listener’s mood regardless of the negative lyrics. To demonstrate this, a study was done by Psychology and Education (An Interdisciplinary Journal) to see the effects of rock music on children who enjoyed rock as their favorite genre. “But oddly enough, the study found that the type of music was less important than rather the listeners really liked whatever they were listening to. Rock, the music of choice, made just about all the students 'optimistic, joyful, friendly, relaxed and calm,' according to the findings, published in a recent issue of Psychology and Education (An Interdisciplinary Journal)” (2003). In conclusion, rock music has the ability to affect people emotions, moods, and actions in both positive and negative ways. The deciding factors include what mood the person is in when they started listening to rock music, and how intensified that emotion became as they listened to the rock music. However, one must not make the mistake of generalizing the effect rock music can have on adolescents, for studies have shown that people who prefer rock as their favorite genre will display joyful and friendly moods/emotions.

Rock II

As we have seen through our learning and discussions in class, music definitely has some type of effect on a person’s emotions. Rock music is enjoyed by a majority of college students and can have a great effect on their mood and attitudes. Whether hard, soft, or alternative rock, we seem to choose the type of music we listen to based on how we are feeling or how we want to feel. Since rock music actually covers a wide range of sounds within the same genre, I am going to discuss how each type effects a person in different situations

The main aspect of rock music is the dominance of the guitar throughout. Guitars have a wide range of sound that can elicit many different emotions. 60s and 70s rock such as The Eagles have a really mellow sound like in “Hotel California” or “Desperado”. The sound is slower and has a more reflective aura. When you listen to these songs, it makes you want to just sit, think, and reflect. This type of sound can be very helpful in getting through a hard time, or just trying to relax and unwind from a stressful week. Led Zeppelin, also 60s-70s rock has a much more fast pace and much harder guitar sounds. While “Stairway to Heaven” may be just as somber and reflective as “Desperado”, songs like “Black Dog” that are more fast paced seem to be best listened to while driving, running, or doing something active. Just hearing the music can energize a person and get them motivated to do something active. On the same note, rock of the 60s-70s also catered to the drug culture of the time period. Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused” or Pink Floyd’s album, “Dark Side of the Mood” seem to be very suited to be listened to while under the influence of drugs. The guitar can take on very eerie and strange sounds that are soothing and this soothing feeling seems to be enhanced while under the influence. The 60s rock sound seems to have changed in contemporary times to be either very soft or overly aggressive.

Soft rock has a very easy-going sound that is usually listened to while in the car, at work, or just something to have on in the background to put you in a good mood. If you feel down you can just throw on some soft, relaxing music to boost your mood. The opposite side of the spectrum of rock music is hard rock. Hard rock has a very aggressive sound with heavy guitar and drum sounds. If you are in an active mood you could put some hard rock and be instantly energized. This rock music doesn’t seem to me to have a very danceable quality anymore, but more of a jump around and be energetic feel.

Rock music is very versatile in the sound that can be produced, and from that can elicit many types of emotions. Rock can be anywhere from relaxing drug music, to reflective, to very active. Any mood you may have or want to put yourself in, you can get from rock.

Country

Country music is a genre of music that can be very relatable to almost everyone. It tells a story, shares empathy, and usually describes a nostalgic event. The story can is so relatable because it usually talks about something that might occur to the ordinary person. Instruments used in country music can be strong, loud, and fast, or even slow, soothing, and relaxing. Either way country music can bring out many emotions and feelings just by listening to it, because it can often been so relatable. Many people enjoy listening to country music when they are calm or when they are feeling depressed because songs often describe stories of hope and compassion.

The songs usually tell a story that is often very relatable and enjoyable. One can empathize with the artist and share the feelings that they are describing. Country songs often describe an important event in the past, such as a first love, a first heart break, a marriage, or even the birth of a child. When you hear the story of something that you have yourself experienced you immediately affects your emotions. It is comforting to know that there are other people out there that have similar feelings and want to share them with everyone else. It is a good way to figure out how you are feeling because when you hear the lyrics and the overall tone of the song it can guide you to figure out your emotions.

The instruments that are used in country music are often very soothing. Although there are many fast country songs, the majority of them are very relaxing. Many people may listen to country music while driving or another time when they might be alone in order to clear their heads. When you listen to country music most of them your mind begins to wander and you can think about things more intensely or even think of nothing at all.

I personally find country music to be very helpful to my emotions. I often listen to country music when I am upset or need to relax. I find that it calms me and allows me to focus on things besides the issues that are right in front of me. I have a distinct memory of driving to my high school graduation while listening to the Rascal Flatts song “My Wish,” and crying while listening to the emotion filled lyrics. “My wish for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, your worries stay small you never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too, yeah, this is my wish.” I could not have found a better song to describe how I was feeling at that moment than that one. It was so nice to have that song to listen to and make me think of my high school friends and my life up until then. I cannot even explain in words what that song has done for me and my emotions.

Overall, country music is a great get away when you need to be calmed, relaxed, or are looking for something to relate to. It is directly linked to ones emotions in that it is so relatable.

Classical

What is considered “classical” music is merely a generalization of over 300 years of popular music in Western culture. As one might imagine, popular music changes a great deal in 300 years. So even though each era of so-called Classical music involved orchestras and the like, the music was quite different. Perhaps the uneducated ear may not be able to tell the difference. This is why the lovers of classical music today are a minority- it’s not much fun to watch football when you don’t know how the game is played or what’s going on. The average ear today is simply unused to this sound and does not relate to it as much as popular music.

However, just like any form of music, “classical” music has the ability to move people. Levitin makes the point in his book that we are most affected by what we identified with as teenagers, as this is a period of self- identity and discovery (Levitin, 2006). Therefore, if one goes to a classical music concert, one might see a lot of elderly people. For when they were teenagers, classical music was a much more major part of the music scene. However, lovers of classical music are not limited to old people- in fact, at that same concert, you will often see a lot of college and high school students. This is probably because they were perhaps exposed to more classical, or are classically trained and are thus more able to appreciate this kind of music.

Scientific studies have shown very interesting things about how classical music affects the brain. It has been proven that students score better on math tests when classical background music is being played (Manthei). Another study showed that students get better test scores while listening to classical music as opposed to rock, punk, etc (Phillips).

While every genre should be respected and taken as a part of our culture, classical still has a very strong hold on the population. Those who believe it to be boring and mundane simply don’t understand it.

Summary

In conclusion, our group discovered that music encompasses a wide range of genres and thus, reaches a wide range of people. Each genre carries with it a social and cultural identity, and often reveals truths about the people it touches. Musical taste is dependent on many variables and cannot be generalized. However, as long as we all can appreciate someone else’s taste in music (even if it is not our own), we can better appreciate one another.

Work Cited

(2003, Novermber 2). Research Links Music and Listeners' Emotions. Retrieved April 23, 2008, from Medical News Today Web site:



"Definition of Pop Music." Google. 23 Apr. 2008 .

Diclemente, Ralph. "Does Rap Put Teens At Risk?" Web MD. Rollins School of Public Health. 24 Apr. 2008 .

"Listening to Pop Music Puts Teens in the Mood." WNYC. 13 Apr. 2006. 23 Apr. 2008 .

(2003, Novermber 2). Research Links Music and Listeners' Emotions. Retrieved April 23, 2008, from Medical News Today Web site:



O'donnell, Laurence. "Music and the Brain." Cerebromente. 1999. 24 Apr. 2008 .

O'TOOLE , KATHLEEN (1997, Novermber 12). Rock & Roll: Does it influence teens’

behavior?. Retrieved April 23, 2008, from Stanford Online Report Web site:

Shaddix, Jacoby. "Can Music Affect Ur Mood?" Mister Poll. 05 Feb. 2003. 24 Apr. 2008

Manthei, Mike. “Effects of Popular and Classical Music on the Math Scores of Undergraduate Students” No date. Retrieved 24 Apr. 2008



Phillips, Christine. “Does Background Music Impact Computer Task Performance?”

No date. Retrieved 24 Apr 2008.

Levitin, D. J. (2006). This is your brain on music: The science of a human obsession

Davis, S. F. & Palladino, J. J. (2007). Psychology (5th Edition)

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download