第2个回答 2009-01-07
How Rock Music Affects Teens
From LoveToKnow MusicConcerned parents want to know how rock music affects teens. Is it really as bad as the press makes it out to be? Are children who grow up listening to Marilyn Manson rock music more likely to become murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals? Is it when rock music is combined with violent video games that we get such tragedies as those of Columbine High School? Certainly, this is as pressing a social issue as ever and is well worth our time, thoughts, and active conversation.
How Rock Music Affects Teens
From the youth's point of view, rock music (or any form of music for that matter, particularly rap music) is simply a means of entertainment, just like watching television or playing video games. At the same time, they would say that certain artists "speak" to them and their teenage angst. I'm sure you can remember that your high school days were joyous, albeit troubling times. There are raging hormones, competing cliques, and all sorts of school politics. Some children strive for academic success, but most feel one of two ways: either they obsess over gaining popularity or they try to "fit in" by taking on the anti-establishment sentiments of some of their peers.
Where does rock music fit into this picture? It's all about expression. Love songs can talk about a summer romance, but so can certain rock songs. At the same time, rock music can also speak about a lot of other topics, some not so pleasant. Music is at the core of youth culture, for better or for worse. Individuals who enjoy a particular genre of music gravitate toward one another.
Different Kinds of Rock Music
Before we dive into a discussion of the effects of rock music on our children, it is important to note that there are several sub-genres. They may not be mutually exclusive, per se, but they each have particular characteristics that must be noted with any discussion of its pervasiveness, influence, and expression.
British rock refers to such bands as The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. This type of music was popular years ago, but during that time, parents were just as disapproving. The Rolling Stones -- Mick Jagger in particular -- were overtly sexual with some of their dance moves. Looking back today, most parents would agree that there's nothing wrong with listening to the Stones.
Where it starts to get a little more rebellious is when you step into the realm of classic rock. This sub-genre of rock music -- which is loud and powerful -- would include bands like AC/DC. Taking it further, you get into heavy metal, with bands like Metallica. The clothing here can drastically affect the fashion sense of teens.
Punk rock is sometimes considered a little anti-establishment. A sub-genre of punk would be "emo", or "emotional rock", epitomized by groups like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance. Emo artists are much more depressing and overt with their negative emotions. Some have argued that emo music leads to a higher suicide rate, though this has not been substantiated by any scientific studies. This should not be confused with goth music, though there are some similarities.
Similar "underground" feeling rock music would be grunge, which got its start in Seattle, Washington. Grunge artists have a reputation for being into illicit drugs, and this is a heavy concern for parents. After all, impressionable youth are known to emulate their idols. The most well known case is the apparent drug overdose death of Kurt Cobain of Nirvana.
Rock Music Intensifies Emotions
Studies have shown that certain types of rock music can intensify emotions. What this means is that youth and teens who are predisposed to negative, violent, or depressive thoughts are more likely to have these feelings (and act on them). By the same accord, children who are naturally happy and cheerful are less likely to have the negative lyrics in certain songs affect them in any way. To them, it's just entertainment. Speaking from my own experience, I've listened to a lot of songs that have talked about "going to hell", performing violent acts, and having misogynistic attitudes, but I have never acted on them.
Where the trouble lies is with children with a hidden or underlying sense of mistrust or anger. Professor Peter Christenson, author of It's Not Only Rock & Roll, said that in one study, he found that "a heavy metal devotee reported that he loved the music because it put him in a 'good mood', by which he meant a mood conducive to smashing mailboxes with bricks... Another said hardcore metal put him in the mood to 'go beat the crap out of someone.'"
Based on these reports, it would appear that the rock music caused these thoughts and urges; however, it appears more reasonable that the music acted as a catalyst, igniting an urge -- albeit possibly not well formed at the time -- that was lying dormant. Evidence suggests that heavy rock music "is more likely to energize listeners than to de-energize or mellow them out."
[edit]Controversy with Christian Church
Many devoted Christians have concerns over the lyrics found in certain rock songs. Marilyn Manson is perhaps one of the best examples, but he is not alone in his sentiments. For example, Megadeth once sang that they are "the devil's advocate. A salesman, if you will. Come join me in my infernal depths. I've got your soul." In another song, Metallica encourages listeners to "do just as I say... jump in the fire." Even the hugely popular Bon Jovi has lyrics with devilish undertones: "When I was just a boy, the Devil took my hand. Took me from my home. He made me a man. I'm going down, down, down, down, down... on the homebound train." In an interview with Smash Hits magazine, Bon Jovi said that he'd "kill my mother for rock and roll. I would sell my soul."
Lyrics like these are disconcerting for parents and have raised a ruckus among the Christian right.
In the End...
Does rock music affect teens? Of course it does, just as any other form of popular entertainment can affect the general public. It is up to the parents and guardians, though, to educate our children and youth, reminding them that music is still "just music." Only then can we ensure that they will grow up to be model citizens.