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F E A T U R E
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You are what you listen to
If we don't buy it, they won't make it
by Lauren Regnier
We all see it on a regular basis. The kid trucks past you in the hall, headphones on, blaring some intensely loud music, as he pushes past the crowds in a hurry to get somewhere. Whenever I'm passed by someone like this, I can't help but wonder what they're listening to.
I always try to follow close after them for a few seconds to hear what it is. Often it's something like Linkin Park or Marilyn Manson, or even Eminem. Whatever the case may be, I'm reminded how hate rock has made its way mainstream.
The problem has gotten so bad that I find myself singing stuff like, "This is my last resort, suffocation, no breathing, don't give a f*** if you cover my breathing." I've started scaring myself. I realize that for most listeners, these songs are just catchy and harmless. But I wonder if that's really the case for all of the listeners out there.
Does everyone just brush off lyrics about suicide and violence and gay-bashing?
The music industry has been scrutinized in the past year, due to artists glorifying violence, intolerance and hat. While I believe that artists should be able to say whatever they want, no matter how offensive it may be, I also think it is our responsibility as music fans to realize the influence that music has over our emotions; when we surround ourselves with hateful music we will eventually become influenced, even if it's subconciously.
Don't get me wrong. I think bands like Limp Bizkit and Three Doors Down are awesome, but I also try to change up my CD player and listen to something that doesn't preach about being pissed off or being a "loser."
Musicians aren't stupid and it's obvious at times that they are marketing their music to a certain group of teens. So I've decided that I don't want to support an artist who writes a song entitled "Disposable Teens" or thinks it's okay to hate gay people. As teenagers it's normal to feel isolated and frustrated at times, and it's even more normal to look for solace in music. But dwelling in hateful music land for extended periods of time only keeps you down. We all need to expand our musical horizons, but that doesn't mean we should accept or ignore musicians who sing things we don't support.
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