Aggression and Heavy Metal
For decades, heavy metal music has been a topic of controversy between the adult and teenage cultures. ... But “many listeners of heavy metal say that the music helps them deal with their problems” (Coss, 1998). ... But failed their goal eliminating heavy metal music altogether. ... If the work of some heavy metal artists were banned, that would only increase its fascination for young people wanting to test the limits they perceive society has imposed on them“ (Sorensen, 2004). ... One of the most highly publicized events relating to violence and heavy metal music was the Columbine shootings in 1999. ... It was the media that criticized heavy metal and other influences in their lives, and the media that blamed these influences as the cause for these young children to act and murder. ... Columbine was not the first incident to cause public inquiry of heavy metal and teenage violence. ... This was one of the first times that heavy metal was put under scrutiny of adults. ... The media constantly links teenage suicide and crime with heavy metal music. The media and adult culture do not connect with heavy metal on the same level that most teenagers do. ... Although the reasons for suicide and violence can not always be known, I think it is unfair to put the sole responsibility upon heavy metal music. ... Many teenagers listen to heavy metal music everyday, all around the world. ... Many of the topics discussed in heavy metal are depressing and negative, but the people who are going to be affected by the music are the ones that are already depressed. ... I feel that the media, and many parents, choose to blame the heavy metal music because it takes the blame away from themselves. ... These teenagers were described as loners and metal-heads. ... In a test done by the university of Iowa, teens and their parents were surveyed to investigate the association between heavy metal music and teens’ social function. The test found that teenagers who listen to heavy metal received lower test scores, engaged in sexual activity, and had more behavioral problems in school. I think this is how most of the heavy metal listeners are perceived as.