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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 12, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Music reflects society By Paige Robinson GRADE 12, T. A. BLAKELOCK H.S. I was going to begin this article with some lyrics by the rapper: Lil' Wayne, who was named Lyricist of the Year 2008 by Black Entertainment Television (BET). That came to a screeching halt however, when it became virtually impossible to find a single line without any coarse language, or sexual or violent connotations in it. The music we listen to today is demeaning in so many ways, and particularly how it refers to women. Is this really what we want to listen to on the radio all day long? Skillful, meaningful, soulful and melodic-these are a few general words that only begin to describe how music used to be. Electronic, repetitive, fake -- these three words basically sum up contemporary music. Music is a reflection of society. If contemporary music is any reflection of modern day society, where did we go wrong? Our music is shallow, hollow, and dying. Artists have turned into one-hit wonders instead of legendary success stories. For example; The Baha Men and their hit, Who Let The Dogs Out? This was a number one song and since then we've heard almost nothing of them. Conversely, artists such as Elvis Presley, Elton John, The Beatles and even Run-DMC, they've been popular ever since they debuted, and their music is still present in the entertainment industry. A prime example of music lasting decades is a movie that came out in 2007, called Across the Universe. This was a Beatlesinspired production, using their music and putting actions together to form a story or Mama Mia's live production to Abba hits. Many older songs had meaning and longevity. These days, music Your Holiday Headquarters $5 Picture with Santa Dec 13 & 14 from 12 to 4 pm donation goes to CP24/Chum Christmas Wish Store address: 2525 Hampshire Gate, Oakville Traditional Look Modern Comfort · "Genuine" & Licensed Harley-Davidson Products · Men's, Ladies & Children's Clothing · Wallets, Games, Clocks, Jewellery & Collectables seems to be pumped out quickly and without high quality song writing. Today's objective seems to be more about making good money rather than good music. Music from previous generations focused more on the artist's talent instead of body image, which seems to be one of the main focuses today. It was about artists defining their own personal limits. They wrote with passion and integrity, something to which people generations later can still relate. Contemporary music is quite the opposite. Although people can still relate to it, a large chunk of the music today is offensive in more than one way. It tends to focus on sex and violence. Artists are selling themselves instead of their music. In doing so, they create an unhealthy body image resulting in so many listeners struggling to look the same. Much of the music that is produced today seems to be of lesser interest because the industry has become a popularity contest. Artists put themselves through so much just to get recognized. Unfortunately these things are usually childish or irresponsible acts, giving the artist a negative reputation. Earlier music was a reflection of a more positive society and the artists made it their own. Contemporary music seems to be focused on the negative things in society such as drugs and violence. People create music and make up society. Therefore we have the power to change it. FREE (905) Holiday Heritage Collection with purchase of $350 or more. while supplies last $ 75 value OPEN THIS SUNDAY Jacox Harley-Davidson Mission Statement: Winston Churchill Erin Mills Pkwy. To insure our customers `live the Harley-Davidson dream' by honouring our commitment to total customer satisfaction in a family friendly environment. Hwy. 401 Argentia Home Depot Store Hours 2815 Argentia Road, Mississauga www.jacoxharley.com 858-0966 MON-WED 8:30am-6pm THUR-FRI 8:30am-8pm SAT 8:30am-4pm TH SUN DEC 14 10am - 4pm "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a Derry Rd. 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066