Music plays an essential role in the lives of many in this society. It influences the way we think, act, and our attitude towards life. We often find ourselves vibe to various genres of music depending on our feelings. It often affects our daily interactions and school work too. Music is also the medium through which artists can express their thoughts, feelings and simply change the world by creating art to represent what they believe in.
For a while now, some music genres have been definitely impacting the world. They have been spreading messages on a wide range of topics in which many persons can relate to depending on what it is. Music genres such as hip hop and R&B, pop, EDM, rock and indie are some that have been influencing the youth, and society, in general, for a while now. Some of these songs cover topics such as racism and depression, but also light weight topics such as associating with friends, loving somebody or just having a good time! Music is a way through which individuals bond with each other based on their preferences but differences too. It is also a form of understanding, where persons can come together and stand for what they believe in.
Recently, the music industry has been becoming more culturally diverse. There has always been music in different languages but only recently have some industries suddenly come into the light. With the rise of certain music genres such as Latin trap, K-pop and Afrobeat, some cultures are being much more accepted and embraced than before. Some individuals begin to be open minded and much more aware concerning the lifestyles of others while others, not so much. The importance of accepting music from different cultures is to simply give the respect that you’d like to be given to you. Not only that, but to be able to be open-minded towards certain things can really improve you as a person. You tend to become more open to growth and you never know, you might just end up discovering a new passion. Not only do you experience changes, but you become more confident in yourself after all challenges you’ve faced.
While K-pop is one of the genres mentioned previously, it isn’t as accepted as Latin trap may be. Usually it isn’t appreciated as some individuals aren’t really familiar to Asian culture and so they’re ignorant regarding it which leads to them disliking it. Since it isn’t what they are accustomed to, they become quick to judge and therefore, quick to hate as well. This is where xenophobia takes place. For those who aren’t aware, xenophobia is the irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries but not only does xenophobia, emerge but so does homophobia.
Now, you might be wondering, how does homophobia come into play? Well, many individuals dislike this genre of music due to the way some K-pop idols are dressed in their music videos. It is said that they look ‘gay.’ It can be inferred that they aren’t exactly welcoming when it comes to having a different sexuality. Besides homophobia, some individuals also dislike K-pop because, to them, everyone seems to look the same. Now, this is where racism and ignorance also arises. As an individual that lives on an island so culturally diverse, it is incredibly offensive to state something like that. It’s almost as if you’ve learnt nothing from your surroundings and the persons you’ve grown up with. As the world is changing, you must learn to pay attention to details and be accepting towards it.
This is because you won’t always be surrounded by things you’re familiar with. It is inevitable to face challenges and when the time comes you must be ready to be aware regarding certain topics. Not just for the sake of being aware, but also for the sake of respecting yourself and others too. Claiming that members look the same, just displays you that you do not even want to try to be open towards learning about new cultures or seeing the differences regarding them. It just exhibits you as someone lazy, which isn’t exactly a good personality trait.
K-pop is just music in different genres we all are familiar to such as pop, hip hop and R&B but in a different language. It isn’t too different from Latin music which includes different genres but in a different language as well. There are many songs in K-pop that also tackle important issues such as self-love, anxiety, depression, comparison, hate and more. Music is definitely evolving as the years pass. It is a way in which stories and opinions can be shared and accepted too. It is definitely changing in terms of diversity and acceptance.
Many music listeners begin to be more aware about certain subjects and welcoming. The rise of these music genres in different languages is not a bad thing. It’s a way in which we all can learn something new and grow. To be culturally accepting is to be one step closer to a world without stereotypes and racism.
In unity there is strength, therefore we must share our similarities, appreciate our differences and move on with acceptance, pride and an open mind.