Each year 40 000 Americans commit suicide. Of these 40 000, 30 000 are teenagers between
the ages of thirteen and twenty. Recently society has begun to blame music, more
specifically alternative and rap, for some of these deaths. People say teen music's
negative lyrics force their young, innocent teenagers to commit suicide. I feel that
this shows just how bad off our society is, because, it seems to me that someone is alway
trying to put the blame on someone else.
Most people are looking for a scapegoat, someone to point the finger at. I find this
funny, because to some troubled teens music might be the only thing worth living for.
Alternative and rap contain a mix of emotions, which is why it is so compatible with
adolescents. Music soothes, gives a feeling of belonging and can help someone through
troubled times.
Recently an article in the Gazette stated that Mr.Steel, a parent blames his son's
suicide on Nirvana's music. He said "Cobain's dark, nilistic lyrics forced his son to
end his life. I find this excuse unacceptable. If your child is dead at least try to
figure out why they are dead instead for looking to point the finger at someone.
Problems like these have been around since the '80's. They started at the death of
Beatles star John Lennon. After the singer's death numerous fans formed suicide pacts
and many teenagers died. Authorities were at a loss for what to do. Eventually the
problem died out.
Parents who point the finger at others should examine their own lives. Teenagers like
these usually come from houses with neglect, abuse an alcoholic or other problems.
Despite what most teens would say, everyone needs a little bit of attention. In my
opinion there is no way music alone can force a suicide. There have to be other factors
involved.
Maybe problems like these wouldn't arise if we could better understand the real
source: Dysfunctional families. Maybe if we could break down the communication barrier,
the barrier between teenagers and their parents.
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