Heavy Metal, does it corrupt?
...he 80’s the families of two boys that allegedly committed suicide after smoking marijuana and listening to Judas Priest all night, sued the rock band Judas Priest. They presented an expert at the trial, who found subliminal messages in everything from Ritz crackers to $5 bills. He claimed that the message “do it, do it” was clearly heard while playing the record backwards. A judge in the case concluded that the phrases heard backwards on the record did exist, but no evidence had been presented to suggest they were caused by anything other than coincidence of sound. That same judge ruled in favor of Judas Priest. (Sandy Cooper-SF Examiner) Studies have been done on the effect of Heavy Metal and teen suicide. Child psychiatrists have examined the effects of Heavy Metal on teens. These studies showed that many teens that thought seriously about suicide and abused drugs, did in fact listen to Heavy Metal, but they also showed no direct connection between the music and these actions. Similar studies have also been conducted, concluding that Midwestern, 17-year-old males that listened to Heavy Metal occasionally thought about suicide. Compared to Country, Pop and Rap music, a greater risk of suicide was indicated; however, no proof could be offered it was attributed to the musical preference. (K Scheel UC Iowa) The subliminal messages may be there. People may unconsciously hear them, and in some cases, be affected by them. There is, however, no evidence to indicate this to be the case if the listener is not predisposed to be affected. For example, an ad for cigarettes containing subliminal messages might influence someone who smokes to buy a particular brand of cigarettes, but it wouldn’t necessarily influence a non-smoker to rush out and buy a carton. Likewise, if a person is depressed or disturbed, negative reversals might reinforce his/her state of mind. (Libertarian Rock Resource) Take any group of people, from any walk of life, anywhere in the world. You will find the same situation you find with teens. For example, I could demonstrate, with proper research, that there is a percentage of teens who attend church on Sundays, who commit suicide on Sunday nights. Does this mean the church caused it? No, but it happens. How many teens attend church? What percent? Of all the teens there are, is the percentage of teens that listen to the music greater than that who attend church? Yes. So wouldn’t it make sense that out of the same demographic, the number who listened to Heavy Metal would have a higher suicide rate? Yes. Our individual musical preferences are as unique as we are. Music is derived from culture, energy, and imagination. Heavy Metal music is no exception. It is loud and fast, and often dark and gloomy, yet full of energy. Often, images of death, destruction, suicide, sex and drugs are portrayed, but as just that, a portrayal. Heavy Metal bands sing about Satan, sex, drugs, and death. To fans this is entertainment. “It’s good violent fun,” says Ron Holt, 26. “It’s like seeing Jason slash someone’s head off; it helps me release my aggressions, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to go out and do it.” (Maxpages archive art essay) Just as with any other genre of music, it’s based on fantasy. Musical acts have a heavy burden to carry. They are instant idols to many teens. They reach thousands upon thousands of people. Many teens misinterpret the lyrics. Some lack the maturity to understand what they are listening to. While it may not be the intent of the band to promote suicide, or drug use, the child may still interpret it that way. In sharing the responsibility, the bands must realize that their message is often an instant message to these teens. It is also true that Heavy Metal bands may attract more smokers, drinkers, and rebellious children than other bands. Country and RAP musicians also have huge audiences, yet you do not hear about the impacts they...