The role of music in society. Why is music important? (2)

In the first part, we considered the role of music in society in terms of shaping human culture, and physical and mental health.

Music is not just a form of entertainment. Music is a powerful force that shapes our emotions, influences our behaviour and connects us with others on a completely different level.

Now we will look at how music is used in shaping cultural identity.

The role of music in shaping cultural identity

Music has long been an essential part of cultural identity, both within individual communities and on a global scale. From folk tradition to contemporary pop, music reflects the values, beliefs and experiences of the people who create and consume it.

In some cases, music can even serve as a symbol of national identity. For example, Irish folk tradition is closely linked to Ireland’s national identity and has been used to express Irish spirit and resistance to British colonialism. Similarly, Jamaican reggae music is closely linked to Rastafarianism and has become a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity.

Music can also play a role in creating and expressing subcultures. Genres such as punk, hip-hop and electronic music have always been associated with specific lifestyles, values and identities. For example, punk music was born in the 1970s as a rejection of mainstream culture and a celebration of anti-authoritarianism and rebellion.

In addition, music can serve as a way for individuals to explore and express their own identity. Especially young people often use music as a means of defining themselves and finding their place in the world. Whether by identifying with a particular genre or by connecting with lyrics that resonate with their experiences, music can play an important role in shaping a sense of self.

Music is a powerful tool for shaping and expressing cultural identity. Whether through traditional folk music or contemporary pop, music reflects the values and experiences of the people who create and listen to it and can serve as a means of both celebrating and exploring cultural diversity.

The power of music in uniting and dividing society

While music has the potential to bring people closer, it can also be a source of division and conflict. Music can be used to promote messages of hatred, exclusion and intolerance, as a tool for consolidating stereotypes and discrimination.

An example of using music to divide communities is using it as a weapon of war. In past history, armed forces have used music to intimidate, demoralize and dehumanize their enemies. For example, during the Vietnam War, American soldiers used loud music to disrupt the sleep and concentration of Vietnamese soldiers.

Moreover, music can be used to promote and consolidate negative stereotypes and attitudes towards specific groups. Radical and sexist lyrics of popular songs, for example, can reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the marginalisation of these groups.

On the other hand, music can also be a powerful tool for promoting understanding and unity. Cultural collaboration, for example, can help break barriers and make it easier for people from different social groups to understand and appreciate each other. Using music in political campaigns and social movements can also help unite people around a common goal.

While music has the potential to both unite and divide communities, it ultimately depends on the creators and consumers of music how it is used. Music can be a powerful force of good when it conveys messages of acceptance, respect and understanding.

Summary

The answer to the question posed in the subtitle of this article: Why is music important? is not easy. Music affects not only culture and social relationships but also physical and mental health.

In social and political contexts, music has played a key role in social movements throughout history. Music was used in protest movements, in solidarity anthems, and in the civil rights movements of the 1960s. Today’s artists use music to raise important social issues, attracting attention and sparking discussions.

Music also has a significant impact on shaping cultural identity, both at the national and individual levels. It is a tool for expressing people’s values, beliefs and experiences. It can also create and express subcultures and serve individuals to define their identity.

Music can also be a source of division and conflict. It can be used to promote messages of hate, exclusion and intolerance. Examples of such use include using music as a weapon of war or promoting harmful stereotypes through the lyrics of certain songs.

Despite music’s potential to unite or divide society, it ultimately depends on the creators and us – the music consumers. Music can be a powerful force for good when it conveys the values of acceptance, respect and understanding.