The Loss of Cultural Diversity
Growing up in Russia, I became acquainted with pop music from different countries. I remember listening to Tarkan, a German born Turkish singer, Eros Ramazzotti, French singer Alizee and Romanian band O-Zone. Despite singing in their native languages, they obtained popularity all over Europe. I enjoyed their songs not even being able to understand the meanings of their lyrics. However, this is one of the advantages of music. Any song can produce an emotional response in us without necessarily delivering the meaning. Just remember how classical music creates an immense, purifying, God-like peace in our minds.
How many great singers are out there in the outskirts of the world that we will never know? Limited to what is offered to us by the radio stations and the media, we are blind and deaf to the beautiful sounds that the world produces.
What does it mean for foreign bands to use English language and American music features in their songs? Surely, they are concerned about being successful to attract more fans, but how will it reflect on their cultural identities? By Americanizing their songs, they lose the uniqueness of their musical culture. We do not know what distinguishes their traditional cultural sounds from the mainstream music. What is happening right now is scary. The music and songs from one country to another carry similarities and commonalities. Listening to French, German, Italian, Swedish acts does not mean anything today. They all sound the same and many use English in their lyrics.
Cultural diversity is essential in our lives. In order not to lose our cultural individuality, we all must remember that what is popular today will not be special tomorrow. The music we listen to, the clothes we wear, the language we speak are all subject to change. By learning a new language, we can not only help to preserve the cultural diversity, but also be better prepared for the world of tomorrow.
Cultural diversity is essential in our lives. In order not to lose our cultural individuality, we all must remember that what is popular today will not be special tomorrow. The music we listen to, the clothes we wear, the language we speak are all subject to change. By learning a new language, we can not only help to preserve the cultural diversity, but also be better prepared for the world of tomorrow.
Credits:
Top Image: http://www.wallpapersmash.com/2012/03/new-york-sunset-usa/
Image 1: http://www.vagabundomagazine.com/top-5-world-music-destinations/
Image 2: http://www.worldmusic.net/guide/palestinian-music/
Top Image: http://www.wallpapersmash.com/2012/03/new-york-sunset-usa/
Image 1: http://www.vagabundomagazine.com/top-5-world-music-destinations/
Image 2: http://www.worldmusic.net/guide/palestinian-music/