A popular topic trending throughout the years that we do not commonly notice 100 percent of the time is called “music shaming.” Music shaming is the discrimination between two people or groups because of difference in music genre preferences and opinions. The two most frequent music fans that I see voicing their opinions to each other involve country and hip-hop/R&B listeners.
Having a greater interest in hip-hop music over any other genre, I can say I am guilty of music shaming from time to time with those that have a great interest in country and pop. I do, however, still believe that all varieties of music are awesome and enjoyable, but we all will have our own opinions on the select genres or songs we dislike the most.
To me, a person’s taste in music usually says a lot about him or her, varying from someone who is more outgoing and talkative, to someone who is more laid back and soft-spoken. With there being so many different forms of music genres that have generated popularity throughout the years, everyone should always have a say in a conversation concerning music that they feel deserves to be discussed or brought up.
Like a lot of people out there, I freakin’ love music, which is why I do not think it is wrong for people to voice their interests and influence others’ tastes. Even though I favor hip-hop compared to any other music genre, I try to keep my options open and allow myself to influence other genres of music I enjoy to friends and classmates.
This is where my second view on “music shaming” plays a part, because at the same time, sometimes people tend to express their emotions about music topics they favor most a bit dramatically and in unnecessary ways. No one wants to be told what music they should or should not be listening to, which is why this topic on music shaming can have two separate views.
More times than not, people “music shame” for no other reason other than to validate themselves towards a group or movement, even if they do not notice they are doing so. Unfortunately, at times we can all say we find it so gratifying to make known to all who are listening that our music preference overcomes someone else’s, which is why it can be considered bittersweet.
In my opinion, I think the top two genres or groups of music listeners that tend to get the most criticism are country and pop. These genres are most commonly defined by public figures such as Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan and Justin Bieber. Overall, we as humans will always feel the need to voice our opinions on stuff we support like music, books, movies, activities and even people/celebrities. The moral of the story here is to keep in mind the next time you are in a debate with a friend or classmate about music or anything in that matter, to be conscious that everyone has their own interests.
