George Counts, noted 20th century educational philosopher, wrote that schooling could build a new social order. In this order, we would become learned citizens who worked toward democratic and economic success.
But have Counts' schools been replaced with media as that paramount creator of social cement and happiness? More importantly, the medium of music has a history of fulfilling that role. In the Depression Era, the folk music of Woody Guthrie was used by unions, President Roosevelt and the swelling masses of poor to evoke some hope in the American Dream. "This Land Is Your Land" was more than just a song we learned in fifth grade music class; rather, it had a universal appeal as a plea to challenge yourself, and your country, to improve and fulfill. This same notion was depicted in the Counterculture music of the Sixies.
One can argue that Hip Hop, Alternative and Country genres all possess these same qualities. For in these difficult times, music can be our linkage to a new promise.
The only problem I have with this is that not all music has a message or any meaning at all. (I tend to find that instrumental music has more effect on me than non-instrumental) but, then again, maybe that was what they were aiming for all along.
ReplyDeleteThough one may argue that not all music is meant to inspire our nation, I do believe it has a significant impact upon our culture, whether positive or negative. There have been in our past where a simple song has provided us with an anthem to turn to and unite us as a country (i.e. God Bless the U.S.A. during the September 11th attacks, etc.). Music holds a mystical power. Go to almost any concert today, and you'll see a gathering of random strangers brought together simply by the magic of one artist or one song. Something about this still blows my mind; I find this power fascinating.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a very special thing that can be found in all aspects of nature in life. From the whistling of birds and other animals in the night to ambient sounds such as the ocean or a rain forest. Music has a way of creating emotions in people depending on what type of sounds are being produced. Music can invoke any type of emotion and that power can be used for all sorts of things. Some people such as Generals and war figures used music on the battle field to keep the soldiers going. Some people use music to serenade girls. Music can bring people together and is a great thing that exists in life.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that one can argue music is capable of building social orders. Peers that I talk to find great inspiration and meaning in the songs we listen to. Hip hop and r&b has even become politcially charged and we can receive information through the music we listen to. The power music has over people is almost scary, a song by flobots states, "I can lead a nation with a microphone," and it's very true. While some people may be able to quote our President's speech or summarize what he said, more than likely the majority of my generation would be quicker to tell you the verses of an Eminem song word for word. Music has the power to bring people together, or tear them apart.
ReplyDeleteThe reason that music has the power to build social orders is simply because so many people can relate to it. Music is very powerful. Artists often create it as an expression of how they feel. On the same token people are the most drawn to the music that they can relate to. This is why music is so infamous for depicting the commonalities that people share.
ReplyDeletei think music can build a new social order because so many people can relate and are influenced by music and the lyrics that the artists are singing. kids go around singing lyrics to songs that they may not know the meaning of at all but just because they like the artist. I think music is very powerful today and does have the ability to build a new social order.
ReplyDeleteI think it is more likely that music is the result of a new social order, rather than music causing a new social order. Sure there can be music that has a great affect on those who listen to it, but first the genre has to be accepted by the generation or generations listening to it. For example, rock and roll didn't really strike gold with the mainstream until after World War II. Before then, people didn't really have a taste for that type of music because the social order was totally different. After World War II, social order changed drastically with the return of those soldiers who had gone far, saw the world and saw the death and destruction of many, and that forced people to have different thoughts about many things. After the type of music is accepted by a generation, it makes sense that then there is some reciprocal shaping between the society and its music, but I think that music is more of a reflection of a change in culture and of the generation of society that accepts it, more so than new social orders being created by music. Whether a new social order can be created by music depends on whether that culture has already started to accept or show that change and order in the first place.
ReplyDelete---Ashley Kozak, MPC Sec. 1
Its really too bad that we don't have a Woody Guthrie of today - songs that actually mean something. If the music of today builds a social order, I would hate to see what that order is because music has lost its sense of heart and soul. We don't have a James Carr or Otis Redding anymore. Granted, we have a Ray Lamontagne who is trying to bring the movement of soul back, but one person can't do it alone. Our culture has become so set on getting a "quick fix" so songs like Kesha's Tik Tok gain a large following because it has a beat, you can dance to it, and she brings out that idea of sex appeal. She sang/talked in a vocal booth - doesn't make her a musician. I feel like our society is headed in the direction where pretty soon - you won't need to know how to play an instrument at all. If you can get someone to play a synthesized beat, and you sing (not necessarily on pitch...that can be fixed later) BAM! You're a musician. "Change is Gonna Come" - he didn't necessarily mean it was gonna be good...
ReplyDeleteAll the comments here make me feel slightly inadequate but i'll throw in my two cents for what it's worth.
ReplyDeleteIs music going to change our social order in the world? Many would have you believe it can (see: John Lennon) and yes it has always been there as a staple of societies. Will music replace education as the most important mold for our society? Not likely, ever. You asked me not whether music could inspire change but if it has or might replace schools. Whoo, thats a tall order for any form of entertainment. I don't mean to belittle media's role in shaping the world but our education plays a huge role in who we become and what we listen too. People of different education levels have slightly different tastes in music. So if anything education affects both society more and music itself.
It's a an interesting question because a lot of people have a tendency to join a grouping or label themselves based on the kind of music they listen to. But is it really the music or the charisma of the musician? A cult of personality of sorts. Maybe something interesting to watch would be the societal results of Arcade Fire winning album of the year a few days ago. Will indie music blow up and start getting top 40 play? I feel like it's on the cusp as it is.
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