So What If I Like It?

Music, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is the art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. Many studies have proven that music has a positive impact on the human mind. Today’s doctors tell us that music can enhance the function of neural networks, slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, reduce levels of stress, and provide some relief to heart attack and stroke patients. It also helps us relax when we are overwhelmed with emotions, really driving home the fact that music is an art with healing properties.

Music has a wide variety of genres such as pop, classical and jazz to name a few. People around the globe enjoy music, lending to it its multilingual character. Different people gravitate towards different types of music, with some leaning towards genres like opera while others prefer rock. Music taste is a personal preference and it’s largely subjective. Teenagers and adults alike are either judged or judge others on the basis of the type of music they like. Some types of music are subject to more judgement than others. Many music artists are criticised and so are their fans and it’s not for bad music, often it’s for the way they look or how their fanbase is concentrated in a particular demographic. Let’s take the example of the K-pop industry, many detest it because the songs are in a different language and because the male artists wear makeup. This makes some people “uncomfortable” what with them having left their heads in the Middle Ages. However, in spite of this hatred, Korean artists have many fans all over the world who support them. Many do not speak Korean but they connect with them through the universal language of music.

Now, everyone has heard of the famous Korean boy band, BTS. They have received a lot of criticism but they have a large fanbase, who call themselves ARMY and give them their unconditional love and support. In 2019, an article was released saying that the ARMY mostly consists of teenage girls, which offended the fans because BTS is known for their extremely diverse fanbase that ranges from young girls to old men. It was natural that the ARMY would not like the stereotyping of the entire fandom. A similar issue of stereotyping the fanbase was faced by the popular English boy band, One Direction.

“Everyone has untold stories of pain and sadness that make them love and live a little differently than you do. Stop judging, instead try to understand.” Judging people based on their music preferences is not right. The music you’re judging them for might have helped them through some difficult times and judging them will not do anyone any good. Alas, we are humans so there will be always someone who has opinions about what we do and what we like. We must stay strong and not be embarrassed by our likes and dislikes, instead we must take pride in them. So what if I like it?

– Amrit Kaur