Monday, February 7, 2011

Does The Music You Listen To Define Who You Are? Are You Stereotyped Based On Your Preference?

Often times, we as people feed into the stereotypes.  For example, you are a thug if you enjoy rap music or promiscuous if you enjoy sexually explicit music or even religious if you enjoy gospel music.  However, the situation could be the complete opposite.  For instance, there are some corporate professionals who may love rap, but how would you know they enjoy such unless they shared that information with you or you have heard them listening to such?  The outside world may stereotype these professionals as individuals who listen to classical music or something of the conservative genre.  Does it mean that those who do not prefer conservative music are less of a professional?  The same goes for a person who is always listening to gospel music.  This person is stereotyped as being a religious or a “good” person.  However, what if you ran into this person at a Luther Vandross concert or Betty Wright concert, or even a P.Diddy concert?  Does this mean that they are any less of a “good” person?

According to the article, Does Your Music Define You?, Professor Adrian North of Heriot-Watt University who conducted a study on if personality type and musical taste are closely related stated, “The general public has held a stereotype of heavy metal fans as being suicidally depressed and being of a danger to themselves and society in general.  But they are quite delicate things."  This goes to show that you cannot always perceive a person based on their preference, and that it is quite easy to mistakenly stereotype a person.

What happens is if we know of a person, we tend to stereotype them based on their outer appearance and their demeanor.  However, if we actually witness what a person listens to, we stereotype him or her based on their genre preference.  In the end, a person is stereotyped one way or another, and these stereotypes can easily offend its victims. 

Additionally, some people may say, “I just enjoy the beat of the song, I do not even know the words” or “The words speak to me. They understand me.” or “I just like something upbeat that I can dance to”.  Does any of this necessarily mean a specific type of genre defines who people are as human beings?  

Here are a few articles expressing various perspectives on not only if music defines who you are, but if so, how and why it defines who you are.  They are as follows:




In my opinion, music does however personify what a person is feeling at any given time.  Ironically, it seems that every time you are feeling a certain way, you can turn on the radio and the perfect song is playing.  This song happens to explain every single emotion you are feeling or going through.  I believe that music is a preference.  Music is more of an expression of your emotion and less of a definition of who you are as a person. However, this is just my personal opinion, and others may disagree.  

With that being said, why don’t you Share In The BlogLedge, and post your sentiments about this topic.

Related Articles:  http://blog.musicomh.com/musicomh/2008/09/does-your-music.html

20 comments:

  1. Everything you do, whether directly or indirectly, gives incite as to who you are, your preferences, the group(s) whom you identify with, etc. Why do you think Facebook and telemarketers collect soooo much data about people who use their services? They then turn around sell this data to other 3rd party companies, who eventually will use it to sell you a product directly or use it to better understand how to sell a product to the demographic you represent.

    Moving forward, humans are extremely complex. One word stereotypical descriptors based on bleak observations are never an all encompassing nor complete characterization of a person's identity. Stereotypes are shortcuts which are used to characterize groups of individuals NOT people on an individual basis (but this is often the case).

    By your own admission, music personifies what a person is feeling at any given time. Would you say that a person's behavioral pattern over some period of time helps to an accurate profile? If so, then all you have to do is characterize the correlation between music, mood, and behavior (I'm sure it already exists). Gather data, analyze it, then draw conclusions.

    To answer your question concisely, music like dress, is an extension of one's self. They may give you incite to a person's preferences or how they may be feeling at some given point in time. However, this information alone is inconclusive. More observations, data, experiments, and analysis needs to be done in order to give a more accurate description as to who a person MAY be.

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  2. I do agree that the music we listen to personifies what we are feeling at different times. When I have had a bad day, I like to listen to gospel becaue I'm looking for something inspirational or uplifting. When I am cleaning the house, I like to listen to something with a fast beat, sometimes even rap, not hard core, but something with a fast beat and smooth lyrics. When I want to relax and just mellow out, I like to listen to something with a slower pace.

    I also think that the music we listen to is also a part of our personalities. I have a sister who absolutely loves country music, but if you were to meet her or only hang out with her for short periods of time, i don't think the average person would see it. Even with my co-workers, I see a totally different side to them when we hang out after hours. I think that during work hours, they are professioanls and they act accordingly, and after hours they are comfortable with themselves and they let their true personalities out.

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  3. Yes, I believe that the type of music defines who we are simply because the style of music we like describes our personality. If a person is a christian and loves to uplift other people that individual would most likely listen to Gospel.You wouldn't find a thug listening to Mozart or The Beetles because he can't relate to their Genre of music. But instead he would listen to lil'Wayne or lil'Boosie because he relates to their lyrics. Yes we are stereotyped by the music we listen too. Some people are diversed in the types of music they listen too. Me for instance I like gospel, comtempary gospel, country, pop, soul, and instrumentals. But sometimes if a person notices that I listen to Jill Scott and notice my appearance they would instantly put me in the "I'm black and I'm proud" (even tho I am) box or "getting back to The Mother Land" box! Without getting to the whole me! Music is essential to everyday living, its a type of therapy....where would we be without the gift of music!

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  4. I don't think that you are the music that you listen to. If you are everything that you associate yourself with then you will be everything in the book. That is one of the things that comes with life, is that people are going to talk and criticize any and everything you do. But it's up to you on how you receive the information/opinions that are given to you. I love all types of music like I tell people especially if it has a good beat but that doesn't mean that I am what I listen to, it's just that I'm enjoying what I'm listening to.

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  5. Justin: Coincidently I just watched "The Facebook Obsession" on CNBC. This was an extremely interesting documentary. It spoke about how Facebook is supposedly known for selling people's information to companies who in return chooses a certain demographic to send advertisements to daily. Lester Holt actually demonstrated how it was done. I was in amazement. Which refers me back to my initial blog topic inquiring does what you post on social networks matter. So yes I concur with you, what you do directly and indirectly does give some type of insight of who you are.

    However, stereotypes are shortcuts used to characterize groups of people, but I do feel that to a certain extent it is used to characterize individually as well. I say this because, a person is stereotyped individually before they are put into a stereotypical group. Say for instance I love rap music, and I am perceived/stereotyped as ghetto or a thug. Aren't I stereotyped individually as ghetto or a thug FIRST in order to know what stereotypical group I will be put into?

    As far as a person's behavioral pattern over a period of time helping to give an accurate profile, yes and no. Over a period of time, yes, because a pattern of behavior does tell you something about a person, and music does not even have to be involved. However, on any given day if I am in a bad mood and I listen to something uplifting (such as Tamika stated), that is not a pattern. In clarification, I meant music is an expression of someone's feelings on any given day. I do not feel that it defines you, however. If I enjoy promiscuous music, that does not necessarily mean I am promiscuous. My preference should not define me as a person. It is possible that I may biased to a certain extent, because I know what I enjoy listening to, but I also know that I am not what I listening to either.

    I do agree with you that the music you listen to does offer an insight of how you are feeling during that time; my sentiments exactly.

    Thank you Justin, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  6. Tamika: I totally agree with you. I listen to certain genres depending on my mood as well. Sometimes if I am in a low place, I do not even listen to music at all, because it is telling my current story all too well.

    BTW, what sister do you have that loves country music? Even I am unaware of this bit of information. LOL! This is a great example though, because if country music defined her, wouldn't I or anyone who comes in contact with her know this bit of information?

    As far as your co-workers are concerned, this seems to be the case in most places of employment. Most professionals are totally different outside of the workplace, because after hours is when they can let their hair down. However, there are some past co-workers I have had and if you are around them, you would assume the types of music they prefer, but you would be completely wrong. Again, I do not feel music defines you.

    Thanks Tamika, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  7. Miss Anonymous: :)

    You would be surprised how many rappers there are who do not even listen to the music they put out. Some rappers sell the image but are not the image at all. One rapper that surprised even me was Plies. His music is full of vulgarity and profane language. Refers to himself as the GOON, and the tone of his voice is outlandish. Have you heard this man actually speak before? The tone of his voice when he talks is a complete opposite of the tone he raps in. Plies is actually very profound. It is an image!

    Most of these rappers attended the likes of Julliard or the Maryland School of the Arts, etc., and do listen to Beethoven or Mozart, but you would never know until you know the REAL outside of the image and fame. Just as people stereotype you as a neo soul type of individual before they know the real you, the same happens for these rap stars you and others stereotype. I do agree however, that a christian who uplifts probably does listen to Gospel, but how do you know for sure? That is what you have seen them show the outside world, but do you really know them? You would be amazed at how many "christians" do not live up to the christian standards people say they should. By the same token, you may be appalled at the types of music they listen to behind closed doors.

    Thanks Miss Anonymous, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  8. KaJuanza: I concur. Just as some people are strong enough not to be easily influenced by the things around them, the same goes for music. People should be able to listen to their preference and not be their preference.

    I also feel the same way that I just enjoy what I am listening to, but I am not what I listen to. I too listen to all types of music, so if it defines me then what is my stereotype now? Religious/Romantic/Thuggish and so on so forth? No, that is not the case. I just enjoy different genres such as yourself.

    Thanks KaJuanza, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  9. Michelle I love this blog. I am a very open-minded person who is willing to listen to any types of music. I listen to different genres & have found myself listening to some hardcore rap lately & it not feel too much. I do agree with you, Michelle, in response to the anonymous posting that there are rappers who claim to be hardcore & listen to light jazz & classical. I have to admit that I have met a few hardcore underground rappers who live the life they rap about & still listen to the likes of r&b & maybe even gospel. I even know a few preachers that tell me that just because I'm a Crhistian I don't have to be boring. With that being said, I can still have fun (of course within reason). I also know that a few preachers listen to blues and r&b.

    Of course the world of business uses statistics to determine demographics & stereotypes, but we have to determine our own personalities. It's easy to fall into stereotypes because everyone judges. We have to remember ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE.

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  10. I agree totally... Music is an outward expression of an inward emotion... But then you the phrase comes to mind be careful what you entertain in your spirit because it affects you at some point or in some fashion.. But you also have to think about when you meet someone all you have to go on is what they are expressing to you and that is what most people based their judgments and perceptions on.... basically afraid of the unknown.... and we often times use the excuse of i won't understand them or they want understand me for the reason they don't get to know that person. So we "Its about time that we stop judging one another and start lifting up each other" So that we can get a lot farther and progress as a race, country, nationality, WORLD... but maybe that's just me...

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  11. I agree with you also because I personally listen a variety of music. The type of music that i listen to does not define me and as the author states it is based on my feelings at the time. Lyrics are of no importance when I listen to the music. If people believe that my music defines me then they will find me a contradicting person. For example, the themes of the music i listen to range from Heartbreak to bliss, betrayal to honor, and Hatred to love...

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  12. Angel: I am glad you enjoy this blog! Also, I like the advice you have been given, that you do not have to be boring to be a Christian. :)

    But yes, there are many rappers who listen to nice respectable music and preachers who listen to music that is not gospel. Of course this is within reason, but definitely illustrates that music does not define who you are as a person. As I have said before, you should be able to have a preference and not be your preference.

    You stated, "Of course the world of business uses statistics to determine demographics & stereotypes, but we have to determine our own personalities. It's easy to fall into stereotypes because everyone judges. We have to remember ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE." I concur fully! We have to be careful not to get wrapped up in the stereotypes that the world puts out there. Just because we are perceived a certain way due to what we prefer to listen to among other things, does not mean that we have to live up to those stereotypes. You are right, we do determine our own personalities.

    Thanks Angel, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  13. Mrs. H: You stated, "But then the phrase comes to mind be careful what you entertain in your spirit because it affects you at some point or in some fashion." I guess I can look at it from that perspective as well. It is often said that you can speak something into existence. I guess that can also go for music as well. Listening to a certain genre (the lyrical content) constantly could possibly be brought into your spirit's existence. However, for the most part, I believe people still listen to music more for the enjoyment and/or expression. As previously stated by Justin, it is inconclusive to a certain extent.

    Also, people are stereotyped for all types of reasons beyond the walls of music, and even due to the people you associate yourself with as you stated, yes. However, don't you think how you receive those stereotypes and perceptions should be taken into account?

    Thanks Mrs. H., for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  14. Titus: I totally agree with you. If people perceived me based on my preference of music, it would be a huge contradiction as well. I like the way you put it, "For example, the themes of the music i listen to range from Heartbreak to bliss, betrayal to honor, and Hatred to love..." If this defined you, you would be all over the place as far as stereotypical groups go. It is good to be well-rounded in listening to different types of music, but it should not be said that our preference defines us. I disagree with the latter completely.

    Thanks Titus, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  15. The music you listen to does not necessarily define who you are but most likely relates to a certain emotion or situation you might be going through at a certain time. Like you said, people are unfortunately judged and stereotyped as having a certain kind of personality once associated with a genre of music.

    That being said, I believe in the theory of being careful about what you listen to. Yes, it doesn't necessarily define who you are but music does evoke certain emotions in us depending on the genre, lyrics, etc. For instance if a person constantly listens to rap songs with violent lyrics or women degrading lyrics, there is a possibilitly that that person may start to actually view things that way or think it's okay to degrade women.

    Hence, my belief is that music doesn't and shouldn't define who we are but it could certainly evoke certain emotions and thoughts in us. So, we should be careful about what we listen to.

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  16. No, the music you listen to does not define who you are because who you are is always changing, but it's ironic that we sometimes stereotype people by what they may listen to. But the only thing constant in life is change & that's just what we do. We change, whether it is our clothes, friends, lifestyles, etc; and with this change comes (for example) the growth of going through certain trials in life, & realizing that at this point, you're not relating to Tupac like you used to, but Kirk Franklin or Marvin Sapp instead. The only way the music can define you is if at that moment you are being stereotyped by what you are listening to.

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  17. I wouldn't say just the music you listen to defines who you are, there are other factors one has to take into consideration in order to define who a person is. But also, sometimes the music we like can give a little insight about us, but then this does not necessarily define who we are as a whole. For example, when one is trying to get to know someone, we often ask what type of songs do you like? Based on the person's response we tend to create a temporary picture or idea of the person. Getting to know this person more, we can now edit the temporary picture and have a better idea of who the person is. In conclusion, i would say that the music we like can sometimes give others a little insight on who we are but it doesn't necessary define us.

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  18. Lola: As Mrs. H/Mz. Nurse previously stated, "...The phrase comes to mind be careful what you entertain in your spirit because it affects you at some point or in some fashion." With that being said, yes I can see where you two are coming from, in that music can evoke certain emotions in you when you constantly listen to the same type of lyrical content. We definitely should monitor what we listen to, yes, I concur. My mom always told me people are what they have lived. So, in essence I can see if a person constantly listens to lyrical content that degrades women as you stated, there is a big chance that they may evoke such. Manipulation of the mind can be a dangerous thing. However, I believe that may go more for an individual basis as oppose to as a whole (just my opinion).

    Thanks Lola, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  19. Rose: I like your example, in that music does not define a person because people are forever changing, and in changing, their preference may change as well. As we grow, we may be going through different situations that may result in a change of the music we listen to, because we may relate to different genres at different times. That takes me back to my previous statement that music is more of an expression of emotion and less of a definition of oneself. Furthermore, I do agree with you Rose that music is more for the moment in how someone is feeling at that point in time.

    Thanks Rose, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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  20. Adeola: I also like your example. You stated, "When one is trying to get to know someone, we often ask what type of songs do you like? Based on the person's response we tend to create a temporary picture or idea of the person. Getting to know this person more, we can now edit the temporary picture and have a better idea of who the person is." I agree as well that the music someone listens to can indeed offer some type of insight, but definitely does not define a person as a whole. However, we have to also remember that that insight may be completely false. I may ask someone what type(s) of music do they prefer to listen to and let's say they prefer gospel. Once I really get to know them, I may unfortunately discover how much of a mean, disrespectful, and/or pervert they are. Now what? So I agree with you, it does not necessarily define you as a person, more specifically as a whole.

    Thanks Adeola, for Sharing In The BlogLedge! :)

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