The post Beyond +57: the debate on music and education appeared first on Minuto30.
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The recent controversy surrounding the urban song “+57” has sparked an intense debate about the role of music in our society and the responsibility of artists. However, I wonder if we are focusing on the truly relevant aspects. Are we losing sight of the real problem?
Music, in particular, is a reflection of the creativity and expression of its authors. It is natural that song lyrics address topics that concern us, outrage us, or excite us. However, it is important to remember that the main objective of art is to excite, provoke and generate reflection, not necessarily to educate.
Opinion
From the president of Colombia to human rights defenders, they have intervened in the debate. The issue became politicized, to the point that a senator from the Liberal Party will file a bill to regulate song lyrics and prevent them from denigrating women and children. In addition, the initiative seeks to generate sanctions and comprehensive reparation on the part of the artists.
Artists are creators, not educators. Their role is to express their vision of the world through their art. We should not require them to be role models or to build up our society. The real responsibility lies with the parents. It is time to stop pointing out teachers, politicians, artists and influencers as responsible for the education of their children. The absence of parents in family life is a more serious problem than any song lyric.
This controversy around one more song has highlighted the importance of education in the formation of critical and reflective citizens. Music, like any other form of artistic expression, must be analyzed and discussed in a broader context, which allows young people to develop their own criteria and not simply accept messages passively.
It is curious how certain songs generate widespread indignation, while other musical genres, with equally controversial themes, go unnoticed. This suggests a certain hypocrisy in the way we judge popular art. Furthermore, why are we so scandalized by the lyrics of songs and not by other aspects of our culture, such as domestic violence, corruption, degeneration, degradation, perversion and social inequality?
The controversy surrounding yet another song that comes out and that will stop playing in a couple of months is a reminder that music is much more than just entertainment. It is a complex social phenomenon that reflects our aspirations, our fears and our contradictions. Instead of focusing on censorship or condemnation, we should take this opportunity to reflect on the role that music plays in our lives and to promote an education that allows us to enjoy art critically and consciously.
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The post Beyond +57: the debate on music and education appeared first on Minuto30.
2024-11-13 18:00:00
#debate #music #education
**Interview with César Bedoya on the Debate Surrounding “+57” and the Role of Music in Education**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, César. The recent controversy over the song “+57” has ignited a passionate debate about music’s role in society. What are your thoughts on the idea that music should also serve an educational purpose?
**César Bedoya:** Thank you for having me. I believe that while music can be a powerful tool for education, its primary purpose is expression. Artists create to share their experiences, evoke emotions, and provoke thought, not necessarily to teach. The artistic expression is complex, and we should appreciate it for its creativity rather than expecting it to fulfill didactic roles.
**Interviewer:** Some are arguing that certain lyrics can have negative impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. How do you reconcile that with the artist’s creative freedom?
**César Bedoya:** That’s a delicate balance, indeed. Artists must be mindful of the possible implications of their work, but censorship or overly stringent regulations can stifle creativity. Instead of seeking to regulate artists’ expressions, we should foster dialogue and encourage listeners to critically engage with the music. Art can reflect societal issues, and sometimes it even amplifies them.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the issue has become politicized, with some lawmakers suggesting regulations to protect against derogatory lyrics. What are your thoughts on involving government in artistic expression?
**César Bedoya:** Involving the government in artistic matters can be a slippery slope. While it’s essential to address harmful content, we must ensure that any approach respects artistic freedoms. It’s crucial to have conversations about the values we want to promote, but these discussions should happen within the community rather than through legislation that imposes restrictions on creative expression.
**Interviewer:** There are calls for comprehensive reparations from artists for the impacts of their lyrics. What implications could this have for the music industry?
**César Bedoya:** Such calls could create a chilling effect on creativity. If artists are held liable for the reception of their work, it may discourage them from addressing tough societal issues or exploring controversial themes. We must remember that artists cannot control how their work is interpreted; their job is to express. A better approach might involve education and discourse rather than punitive measures.
**Interviewer:** where do you see the conversation around music and social responsibility heading in the future?
**César Bedoya:** I hope we move toward a more nuanced understanding of art and its functions in society. We should focus on education about media literacy so that audiences can discern the messages behind the music. Music has incredible power, but that power lies in its ability to inspire dialogue, not in collecting penalties for artists. We must cultivate an environment where art can thrive while encouraging responsible consumption.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, César, for sharing your insights on this important and evolving debate.
**César Bedoya:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue these discussions openly and thoughtfully.
