Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Music is an integral part of human civilization and it causes listeners’ emotional arousal as well as physical responses. Although there are grounds for the statement that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together, there are situations in which music does not work as a tool for unity.
It’s argued that music triggers empathy and fosters closeness. When listening to music, listeners experience emotional responses. It’s such responses that help people develop empathy, which makes them more likely to perceive the feelings and intentions of others. For example, different cultural backgrounds do not prevent listeners from appreciating German composer Bach’s musical works. It appears that when listening to Bach’s music, people can sense solemnity and beauty, feeling moved from deep inside. In other words, Bach’s music serves as a common ground on which people from different cultures are bonded together.
On the other hand, people from different age groups may estrange from each other due to their preferences for different patterns of music. For example, a music work that resonates with some people’s emotions may be labeled as mediocre or miserable by others. In reality, it’s not hard to find young people who are fond of rap songs characterized by rhythmic speech. In the eyes of the young, rap lyrics that create fantasies and target emotions are of artistic value. By contrast, old people may dislike rap music and view it as vulgar.
In conclusion, music brings about an aesthetic experience. People who have similar music preferences tend to be brought together, while those who favor different music patterns may feel estranged.
