Greg Kot`s article ”Hate music” in the Arts section Nov. 19 focused on the ugly side of rock music, heavy metal and rap, citing lyrics that often convey images of rape, violence, racial prejudice and men`s degradation of women.
What Kot failed to mention is that violence and sex are a part of our popular culture, as evidenced in some of the biggest movie blockbusters of recent years, such as ”Rambo,” ”Fatal Attraction,” etc. You hear much less violence listening to a song on the radio than watching an action movie on television, or, for that matter, a hockey game.
One of the reasons for rock music`s popularity is that it makes a universal societal commentary. When the Geto Boys sing about a rape, they are reflecting the sexual violence of our society; there is no attempt to glorify the act.
They present the information through song lyrics for the listener to evaluate. As an avid listener, I truly hope we would act to reduce actual violence, while allowing artists to report reality.
