What Is Music Telling Us? Pt. 1-Rap

I have always been interested in music and I enjoy listening to various genres from show tunes to rap. From country to electronic. From classical to hip-hop. One thing that I find incredibly interesting is how each genre varies in messages. These next few posts have been inspired by having to read part of an essay entitled "Eminem Is Right" by Mary Eberstadt.I want to explore the various meanings that surround the different genres that are most popular today. Building off this essay, I am going to start by writing about rap music in today's society, focusing especially on Eminem because he is who I listen to most.

I Can Say Whatever I Want

Today in my Expository Writing class, we talked about the idea of free speech and whether or not the government has the right to censor what is allowed to be published (in response to reading an excerpt of "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg). It is hard to determine if there is a line which writers can/shouldn't cross while writing for an audience. Admittedly Ginsberg didn't intend for "Howl" to be published, yet obscenities have grown more popular in today's culture. A large amount of shows on television deal with sexual and vulgar jokes which many wouldn't like to tell their parents. I think this has desensitized our feelings toward these subjects and have created a society where these topics almost seem expected for a show to be a hit. I haven't decided for myself whether or not this is positive or negative, but it definitely makes me think. But as of right now, I can say what I want, whenever I want.

It Is The Simple Things

I have been trying to be aware of my thoughts as much as I can and it has led me to something that I think is overlooked. Its the simple, small things in life that often bring us the most joy. Who wouldn't like to get a message from a random person saying "You are beautiful/handsome" out of nowhere? I think that people who do small things for others like putting notes in library books help make life more bearable. I have been thinking about all the small things I take for granted everyday and it amazes me how great life can be. We should all try to think of one thing each day that made our lives a bit easier or more enjoyable.

Its All In Your Head

You have the power to make your life how you want it. You can choose what you want to do, how to live, and how to be happy. We as humans have unlimited potential. We are only restrained by our own mental limitations. I have heard this all throughout my life and now I truly believe it. Each day gets better when you think it will. You can do whatever you want. I know I am. How bad do you want it?

"My Alma Mater Was Books"

This quote is from the famous Malcolm X on how he educated himself. In his autobiography, he devotes a good part of a chapter to his education while in prison. One of the most interesting points that he brought up was that a college education tells a person what they have to learn, while books can teach whatever the reader wants. This idea struck a chord in my head and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense, to an extent.

Oh What We Can Learn

The internet can be an incredible wealth of information and can teach us new things through reading articles, listening to podcasts, or watching a YouTube clip. But the most important thing about all these ways to learn is that without immersing oneself or practicing these philosophies/tricks/subjects, there is no way to fully understand them. I have found myself spending a lot of time reading articles about various philosophies and say to myself "That is a great idea. I should live like this". But then I would simply go on to read another article without putting the new idea into practice. But now I have started to act and I am beginning to see results. I was skeptical at first thinking some things wouldn't actually work, yet the mind can be quite powerful. Thoughts become actions and things, both positive or negative all depending on how we think.