Music

This week’s lecture on music really got me thinking. What we listen is so important, and has more of an impact and effect than we realize. I am always listening to music. It’s rare that I don’t have music playing. I’ve gotten to a point where I almost can’t stand not having music on—which I think is becoming a problem. I mean music is great, but sometimes I think I need to take the opportunity to have some peace and quite and let myself think and process my thoughts in silence.

However, because music is such a common and constant thing with me, I want to be more aware of what I’m listening to. There are so many songs that I know I love the tune and beat but I could not tell you what half the lyrics are. As I’ve come to really listen to some of them, I’ve realized that they have far from positive messages. I want to try to cut out some of those songs that I can swap for music that still has an upbeat, fun tone, but can provide better messages and feelings.

I feel like cournty music is hit or miss for most people – you either love it or you hate it. I LOVE country music. I feel like there are a lot of positive and really good lyrics and messages in country (along with some funny ones about drinking lots of beer in trucks J). But one of my favorite country songs is God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton. For years this has been one of my go to songs. Whether I’m in a good mood or I’m feeling sad, I always go back to this song. It's songs like that that I really appreciate. And it’s music like that that I want to have on my playlists. I love music, and I love what it can do, I just want to make sure I get the most out of it.

YouTube

I start a 4 minute music video, and an hour or so later I’m finally closing YouTube in my search browser. Oh how I can waste time on YouTube!!! Youtube is something that is all inclusive and can keep my entertained for hours. It has music, and videos, and tutorials. It has informative and pure entertainment purposes. It has TV shows and videos and segments of just about anything. I mean really, what doesn’t YouTube have??

YouTube is somewhere I typically go for music and laughter. If I want a good laugh, I’ll go watch a funny YouTube video. I’ve also seen that YouTube has become a common social tool. When with a group of friends on the weekend, more often than not, a funny YouTube video will be pulled up for everyone to watch at some point during the night. Or friends will send you links to videos and it then becomes the topic of conversation. There is a YouTube video for just about everything!

I think that there is lots of positive content on YouTube, it is definitely a time wasting site, but I would say the majority, or most commonly watched things on YouTube is not harmful content. Like any form of media, there are negative aspects, but with tutorials and music and funny videos that can make everyone laugh, what isn’t to love? Trying to use YouTube in moderation is obviously important, but I think YouTube can be great for fun and informative tips and entertainment.

HARRY POTTER

This week I’m on a Harry Potter kick. I am currently in the middle of a Harry Potter marathon. As many times and I’ve read the books and seen the movies, the story never gets old. I love the magic, I’ve become attached to the characters, I appreciate the creativity and imagination that was put into it; and I appreciate the imagination it brings out in me.

With trying to have a more critical lens and media eye while watching these movies this time around, I’ve picked up on more details.

I believe the content to be good. The story of good vs. evil is a classic. The ever present and much needed conflict to keep the story interesting does just that—it compels us to continue. It keeps the viewer coming back and keeps the viewer entertained.

Watching these movies this time through, I’ve really noticed how much I truly appreciate the content. There are many admirable characters that stand for good values and have good morals. There is fighting and defending for what is right. There are trials to overcome and friends and allies unite to become a stronger and better force.

One thing that I really got thinking about is the target audience. Though the books might be classified as young adult, I think many people see Harry Potter as a story for children. Though I wouldn’t disagree, I do think most children would thoroughly enjoy the series (along with all other age groups), I picked up on a lot more details that make the movies extremely dark and scary. Therefore distancing them from younger individuals.

I believe the movies to be fairly accurate and true to the story, but I started to think about how the films don’t exactly align with a majority chunk of their target audience. The content is suspenseful and intense. I know of young kids who have read the books and love them! But their parents won’t let them watch the movies yet. And do I blame the parents? No! The movies are SCARY.

I love the content of the books and the movies. I love the story and the details and the way it makes me feel. But from a media lens and with a new perspective, I picked up on new details and wonder about what could maybe have been done differently to be able to better encompass a larger audience.

But in all honestly, and to wrap things up, LONG LIVE HARRY POTTER. And RIP Alan Rickman (aka SNAPE)!!!