Political Anatomy

Title: Power of music on the mind. A form of brainwash?

Source: Personal experiences. Summer 2011

Relation: An example of how the music at parties are supposed to control the way you act.

Commentary: Summer of 2011 was full of fun parties, events, kickbacks, and other "get togethers." But something I could never help but notice was the music played at all these events. Whether a dj or ipod was playing the music, it all had a similar effect upon the party-goers.

Everyone knows about raves, and although an extreme example to my point, it serves well. The music is loud, upbeat, lots of bass, and usually has a rhythm that goes with the strobe lights. I think, why is this necessary. Well it definitely helps get people moving. Even the most shy people of the group will be dancing. It adds to the overall party experience. Then again, it also may be a road leading to other things.

Lyrics many times are suggestive of drinking, drugs, sex, etc... It can be easy to "get into" that mindset when listening to that music. It is almost subliminal messaging, since many times can be subconsciously effecting our choices. Check that again. I never said it is the reason, I only said it sometimes effects our choices.

Almost all parties attended that summer played music that either suggested sex, drugs, or drinking, or had fast, techno beats. Then I looked around and thought, "If Frank Sinatra was being played through the stereo right now, I don't think there would be as much "risky activity" going on. Then again, Frank Sinatra himself was a drinker and cigarette smoker, so the effects of his music upon listeners is only based on the actual music itself. Do I think that Frank Sinatra should be played at parties for teenagers? No. I'm just making a point. But it would be interesting to see that turnout...

Don't get me wrong, my guilty pleasure is listening to rap, and even some downright awful beats played through youtube. But sometimes it seems as if what we are hearing, consciously or subconsciously, can effect the way we act in certain environments.