April 2, 2015

Raunchy Music A Reflection Of An Emerging Reality

By Iva Cannon


Once there is a society, there is also music. Every recognized culture and even those that are unknown and are in the isolated places have their own form of human expression through the use of sounds such as raunchy music. Long before the dispersal of humans in the world, from the prehistoric time, and until this very day, instrumental or vocal sounds have always been in existence.

Music is a reflection of many aspects in a certain society; from its way of life, social and economic make up, and the people's innermost belief and aspirations. Tracing back to the ancient people's shamanistic music as they lure animals and entertain themselves through creative mimic of nature's sound, to the Aborigines of Australia's use of Bunggul songs as they narrate epic journeys, to the church people's Gregorian chant in Medieval Europe, down to the modern world's popular sounds. Instrumental or vocal sound has always been a medium to entertain, communicate, express, and influence reality as they knew it.

Dazzai Shundai, an accomplished musician or flutist in Japan during the Tokugawa Period or Edo Period (1603-1868) was one of the firsts who classified sounds as having two functions. He said that instrumental or vocal sound alone can improve and regulate the aspirations of a human heart, and that there are no other ways. Instrumental or vocal sounds for him can be a proper sound 'gagaku' or raunchy sound 'ingaku'.

He strongly believed that through proper instrumental or vocal sounds the custom of the people will improve and through lewd or raunchy songs people will grow worse. However, sexually explicit, lewd, and uninhibited or raunchy songs has now undeniably penetrated every society. One of the most significant characteristics of the emerging popular music industry in this day and age is focus on commodity appeal.

Raunchy songs with its ability to incite intrigue and strong recall has undoubtedly grown enticing especially to the young generations. It would not even matter what countries are producing the said music. All songs or form of instrumental or vocal sounds are now easily shared through the power of information technology.

Others perceive raunchy songs as a harmful tool to undermine the morale of the people by exposing children to pornography, enticing teenagers to premature sexual relations, disrespecting the integrity and virtue of women, and being spiritually destructive. Some contend that it is a product of "freedom of expression" in accordance to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that everyone is entitled to convey one's opinion without any interference.

The important thing now is not which of the two contending stands is correct and is to be heard. The reality is that the emergence of lewd songs, comparable to that of the past, is a reflection of the culture and realities of the societies concerned. Lewd music exists because the culture of sexual liberation is present.

The world has revolved through time into many subcultures with different realities. What remains to be done is for the people to develop critical mindedness on choosing the type of music they choose to listen to and to be influenced with. Parents, educators, and other persons of authority can teach this to protect those who needs protecting.




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