Metal Music's Influence on Adolescents

We each have our own favorite type of music. Many different aspects contribute to the kind we choose. Researchers believe that personality, how we see ourselves, our level of intelligence, our mood and level of self-esteem all have shown to influence our tastes in music. They have also found that not only do our personalities influence our music choices but the music can also influence our behaviors. It has been proven before that classical music helps with fetal development and is calming. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, heavy metal is most often looked at in regard to music’ effect on violence in adolescents. Heavy metal has many branches like death metal, and screamo music. Most of the songs these genres produce have harsh lyrics and melodies. But this does not necessarily mean that metal music is to be looked down upon. Whether it has good or bad effects lies in the hands of the listener.

Music’ lyrics today are a concern among many parents. I spoke to a parent of a child who listens to metal music and she said “The lyrics in the music she listens to disgusts me but I know it is her choice to listen to whatever type she wants to. It just scares me that this music will get in her head and influence her is bad ways.”(anonymous) One would think if a parent did not approve of something his or her child was doing then they would put an end to it but it is found that most parents do not. I was informed of one of her favorite songs called “Hammer Smashed Face” by Cannibal Corpse. Some of the lyrics are “There is something inside me. It's coming out. I feel like killing you. Let loose of the anger, held back too long.” This is a general idea of what most death metal songs are like. They have flashing red signs around them...

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