Music is music; don't let it make a lasting impression

 

By Jon Roser
April 25, 2008

 

Everyone listens to music, whether they want to or not. So it’s inevitable that when a group of people are having a conversation for the topic to switch to music.

 

I was talking with some of my friends in L.S. one day and our conversation turned to the topic of music. I mentioned something about this new Alan Jackson song I heard on the radio and the next thing I knew I was surrounded by sneers and laughter. My own friends were making fun of me solely because I mentioned I liked country music.

 

I’ve had many of these otherwise nice and polite conversations end up with me being shunned or mocked the instant I mention that I like country music. If I don’t end up shunned, everyone in the room’s eyes turn and glare at me. I can imagine what they must be thinking: “This guy is a total loser.” That’s wrong. The music I choose to listen to shouldn’t be the sole thing they judge me on.

 

Let me make this as clear as I can: I absolutely despise rap and hip-hop music.

 

But that doesn’t mean I hate people who listen to that genre of music. If you listen to rap or hip-hop, I respect your choice of music, and I ask you to do the same to me.

 

But just because that is my opinion of the genre of music you choose to listen to doesn’t mean I will hate you or discriminate against you because of it.

 

Even if you want to criticize me because I like country music, I will continue to listen to it. No matter what.

 

For me, country music songs have a purpose. They’re not just depressing love stories or songs about dogs dying or beer drinking. Country songs tell stories about love, politics or just life in general.

 

It is human nature to prejudge people based on their behavior and appearance, but I try to get to know people before I form a lasting opinion about them, and I’m begging you to do the same to me.

 

Because you and I live in these wonderful United States, we have a right to do or say or listen to whatever we want, as longs as it’s within the confines of the law.

 

I personally choose to exercise my Constitutional rights by listening to country music and I understand it’s your right to respond to my choice in any lawful manner you want. All I’m asking is for you not to be prejudiced against or disrespectful to me or anyone else who listens to country music solely based upon that fact.

 

My free expression shouldn’t have a negative connotation for you or lead you to form a negative opinion about it.