Reintroduction of Music into Afghan Culture

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Recommended: Importance of music to society

Music is a communicative activity that is essential to all cultures. It gives a group of people a way to express things such as moods and emotions or even religious and political beliefs. The significance of music to Afghan culture is expressed in The Kite Runner, “We just wanted to hear Ali sing. He’d clear his throat and begin: On a high mountain I stood, And cried the name of Ali, Lion of God. O Ali, Lion of God, King of Men, Bring joy to our sorrowful hearts” (Hosseini 11). Despite its importance in society, the Taliban considered music to be against Islam. Part of their stance against music was due to the improper uses by both the Communists and the Mujahadeen. The injustices faced by musicians are also expressed in The Kite Runner, “I learned that Khanum Taheri…had once been famous in Kabul for her enchanting singing voice…But as much as the general appreciated listening to music…he believed the performing of it was best left with those with lesser reputations” (Hosseini 177). The reintroduction of music into Afghanistan will only be possible if people understand why the ban was put into effect, how policies have begun to change, and how to effectively teach a culture to embrace music again.
The Communist invasion in 1978 was the beginning of the downfall for Afghan music. Many Afghans were not in favor of the Soviet style of music and dance that replaced their traditional styles of music and dance. In addition, teenage boys and girls were often forced to dance for the high ranking officials for pleasure. Often they would pick the prettiest girls from these groups for prostitution. Female musicians often suffered this same fate. It was also required that Communist slogans were used by singers in their songs. Parents who ref...

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...n comparison to countries around the world.

Works Cited

"Afghanistan National Institute of Music." Afghanistan National Institute of Music. Web. 07 May 2014. .
"Afghanistan: The Talibans Have Banned All Music." Freemuse. Web. 05 May 2014. .
"CU-Boulder Music Graduates Bring Music Education to the Heart of Afghanistan." University of Colorado Boulder. Web. 05 May 2014. .
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead, 2003. Print.
Staff, NPR. "After Hard Times At Home, Afghan Musicians Seek To Be Heard In America." NPR. NPR. Web. 02 May 2014. .

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