Wait just a Needle Droppin' Minute!

Let's think about this notion that listening to violent or misogynistic lyrics creates an impact on teens... for a moment or two or three. And before we start punching the media, lets remember that it's what you do with it that matters.

If simply listening to inane lyrics lead me to behavior, I wonder what I would believe? I would have sympathy for the devil, been born to run, fallen in love with a cross dresser named Lola and belived that the new boss WAS the same as the old boss.

I have always argued that even if the music, lyrics, artist, band is stupid, lazy, misogynist, or violent does not necessarily create an automatic path to behavior for the listener. And I believe this across the board. Marilyn Manson is silly musical theatre in the same way that Alice Cooper and Crazy Arthur Brown were odd musical spectacle.

I believe that listening to music (or watching television or going to the movies does not create an irresistible impulse) does not control the listener. Yes, even those of you who will say... "wait just a minute Dirk D. DeDurkheim, consider the influence that Bob Dylan had on a generation!" I do not subscribe to the idea that Dylan created the behavior of a generation. Rather he gave a voice to some of the ideas and sentiments that were already present. Today Green Day is not creating a generation of thoughtful punk-poppers, they are already there. Green Day, like Dylan before them, treated their audience with some intelligence. And treating the lisenter with respect can pay off.

I have to admit to great reluctance to embrace these new studies which supposedly underscores the idea of so-called "lyrical impact on young minds." And like the author of the piece, I would not endorse censorship, instead I would contend that conversation about music and lyrics rather than pre-judging the music, lyrics, or artists may be a better solution to open up a dialogue about the music and its meaning.

Consider a recent example, Kanye West, his lyrics embody some social criticism and a pop music sensability that can resonate with "young minds." Should we scream from the mountain top that he is anti-woman with his song "Golddigger?" Or can we see a point of view that can lead to conversation, even if we do not wholy embrace his ideas? I personally have used that song to open up a conversation with my 17 year old daughter about the image of women in music.

I would contend that is a positive.