Music as a Controversial Medium of Communication
Music as a Controversial Medium of Communication
Society has perfected the ability to make a connection between multiple things. Through association many are able to trigger thoughts or ideas that are somehow related to the initial statement or idea that was presented. Music is a prime example of how society has directly connected subcultures to the capitalist world. There are soundtracks that trigger movies, theme songs that remind people of television shows, there are even jingles that remind people what radio station they are listening to or those that infer which product is best suited for personal use. By using music to associate thoughts and ideas, it has both directly and indirectly resulted in the use of music as propaganda. No one can dispute that the singing commercials of radio and television belong to an art of persuasion, if not rumor. Songs of protest, praise, satire, or scorn from all times fall into the category of music as propaganda. A prominent example of this is Yankee Doodle, with which the American colonists adapted an English satire against themselves. However, such use of music is scarcely archaic. Vocal styles are simple and the singer 's ideas are assimilated effortlessly (Cooper, 1973). Often music announces one meaning while intentionally or inadvertently evoking a different response. When people hear an old or familiar song that is identifiable because it is part of their culture, even a fragment will arouse the established meaning. Words are not necessary, not even for a title; they come to the mind at once. Music is not necessary for survival. It does not shape our daily lives. It is not a profound social issue, such as public health or military expenditures, that is to be judged and commented on by the people. It has nothing to do with the government of nations, with the exception of Pomp and Circumstance on national holidays. We certainly could live without it, but we choose not to.
No society yet
Society has perfected the ability to make a connection between multiple things. Through association many are able to trigger thoughts or ideas that are somehow related to the initial statement or idea that was presented. Music is a prime example of how society has directly connected subcultures to the capitalist world. There are soundtracks that trigger movies, theme songs that remind people of television shows, there are even jingles that remind people what radio station they are listening to or those that infer which product is best suited for personal use. By using music to associate thoughts and ideas, it has both directly and indirectly resulted in the use of music as propaganda. No one can dispute that the singing commercials of radio and television belong to an art of persuasion, if not rumor. Songs of protest, praise, satire, or scorn from all times fall into the category of music as propaganda. A prominent example of this is Yankee Doodle, with which the American colonists adapted an English satire against themselves. However, such use of music is scarcely archaic. Vocal styles are simple and the singer 's ideas are assimilated effortlessly (Cooper, 1973). Often music announces one meaning while intentionally or inadvertently evoking a different response. When people hear an old or familiar song that is identifiable because it is part of their culture, even a fragment will arouse the established meaning. Words are not necessary, not even for a title; they come to the mind at once. Music is not necessary for survival. It does not shape our daily lives. It is not a profound social issue, such as public health or military expenditures, that is to be judged and commented on by the people. It has nothing to do with the government of nations, with the exception of Pomp and Circumstance on national holidays. We certainly could live without it, but we choose not to.
No society yet
References: Bodendiek, G. (2001, July). The History of Advertising. Retrieved January 2, 2007 from: http://wissen-erleben.de/artical_01_001.shtml. Cooper, P. Perspectives in Music Theory. Harper and Row Publishers; New York, NY: 1973. Duncombe, S. Cultural Resistance Reader. Versos Publishing Company; New York, NY: 2002. McNeal, J. Kids As Customers. Lexington Publishing Company; New York, NY: 2002. Richter, H. Dada: The Art and Anti-Art. Thames and Hudson Publishing Company; New York, NY: 1979.