by Sherrill Fulghum

Created on: September 26, 2007

It is human nature to look for an excuse or scapegoat any time something does not go the way it is planned. Throughout history people have tried to use music as an excuse or scapegoat for violence the adults and parents blamed the younger generation's behaviour on that "awful rock music" while the younger generation or those who listen to the supposed "devil music" call it simply a rebellion against adults or as an excuse for their actions. It is not the music that is too blame. It isn't even always the musicians fault; it is simply a poor excuse to explain away unacceptable behaviours by those who listen to the music.

In the fifties when Bill Haley, Chubby Checker, and Buddy Holley first came along with early rock and roll, parents were revolted and claimed that the new music was "devil music". Each succeeding generation had its own form of "devil music". Today that music takes the form of what is known as Gangster Rap and even some forms of heavy metal. Granted the lyrics of this type of music promotes and expounds upon the virtues of violence, it is still only an excuse for violence and misbehaviour. Unfortunately since these same musical styles target a small percentage of the population, it appears to promote and advocate violent behaviour; and granted sometimes they do, in which chase it is not an excuse and is the musician's fault. In such cases the fault frequently lies with a lack of proper training by the family when the child is small.

Violent behaviour is not the fault of music of any kind. Music can be hypnotic, and at times to some people certain genres can be irritating; but music cannot make anyone DO anything. It is the people themselves who do the violent or illegal acts hiding behind the music like a frightened animal cowering in a corner.

Conversely, it is the influx of violent news that floods the newspaper and television broadcasts which promotes more violence than music. When celebrities commit illegal acts and are let off or criminals are plastered all over the airwaves, it is these types of acts that promote more violence than music.

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