We all have different reasons for listening to music. It calms us down, it pumps us up and lets us feel every emotion imaginable. In the wise words of The Eagles, “some dance [listen] to remember, some dance [listen] to forget. Same difference, right?
Aside from our motives for listening, we all have different musical tastes and interests. Some of us are into good ol’ classic rock (i.e. me), some of us may praise the works of Juicy J, and some may think Luke Bryan is the be-all-end-all of country.
That’s perfectly fine; every person is entitled to his or her own favorite genre. What isn’t fine, however, is making somebody feel inferior to you because of their music taste.
When did it become okay to put down someone based on their music taste? Does anybody realize how truly messed up that is? I can name countless instances where I’ve gotten sideways looks after admitting that I love rock, alternative and grunge. “Britpop is for hipster wannabes, why do you listen to that sh*t?”
Oh, I don’t know, maybe because I have this crazy idea that I’m allowed to enjoy whatever type of music I please. I know, it’s insane, right?
No. Nothing bothers me more than witnessing somebody talk about a particular musical group or artist they love, and being shot down by some arrogant jerk who thinks their opinion actually matters. It breaks my heart to see someone so passionate about music, only to feel belittled and humiliated for talking about what makes them happy.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of certain music genres, but by no means would I ever ruin another person’s vibe just because their taste doesn’t sync up with mine.
Let’s review the manners that were drilled into our heads during our glorious years of primary education, shall we? If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Remember that one?
Making somebody feel uncomfortable for liking a certain type of music is like criticizing a duck for having webbed feet. It’s beyond the realm of control. Metaphors, children.
My advice for the music lovers out there; you keep on keeping on. Blast your Taylor Swift. Head-bang to your Metallica. Sip green tea to your John Mayer. Whatever genre makes you happy, you do you.