Today in class we discussed the idea that "music education liberates us from vulgarity". More simply, the more educated one becomes, the freer one can be from thinking the vulgar music often played in the popular radio is beautiful. By increasing our knowledge and understanding of music, we can begin to accept popular music as vulgar, while opening up our eyes (and ears) to more aesthetically valuable music.
Although this is likely to be true, can we fairly say that education truly liberates us? I think that the liberation attained through music education can be optional. For example, a person may be highly educated in the subject of music, but still find pleasure in the low-value songs on the radio or of their favorite artist. Although this person can determine the difference between aesthetically valuable music and vulgar music, they cannot necessarily decide that they will no longer find a piece enjoyable just because their education tells them it isn't. Does this idea mean that education offers liberation from vulgarity if one chooses?
My question is this: Have you ever found a song, book, film, etc., enjoyable even if you knew that the quality was minimal and vulgar?
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ReplyDeleteIn response to your question: yes.
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