By Nick Erickson, Staff writer
As years pass, people age and their views on certain things may change. Those who openly love Justin Bieber’s album “Purpose” might have abhorred his early discography, whereas those who once loved country music now would never be caught listening to the genre. One constant, however, is that some people would argue there have always been a select group of people who perpetuate “music shaming.”
While it might sound drastic, it’s very much a real issue to students at Murray State. Some people go out of their way to criticize others for their music tastes. While some people do this in a joking manner with their close friends, many do so in a serious manner. When they see someone listening to a band or artist they do not enjoy, whether it be in person or online, they may put them down.
Many students on campus are aware of this issue, and as a consensus, believe it’s a disrespectful thing to do. Clay Barnard, senior from Nixa, Missouri, has experienced music shaming first hand.
“My favorite band is Owl City and a couple of years ago, that was not a cool band to like for some reason,” Barnard said. “I caught a lot of flak for that.”
Barnard said he thinks that legitimate music shaming can be hurtful.
“Outside of a joking context, and especially if the person on the receiving end doesn’t take it as a joke, it can be bad,” Bennard said. “Someone’s favorite song typically tends to reveal a lot about who they are as a person, and if you’re attacking that, you’re essentially attacking part of them.”
Brooklyn Medder, senior from Scottsville, Kentucky, said she was music shamed throughout high school for her tastes.
“I listened to a lot of 90s grunge music, and me looking like a sorority girl kind of made it bad for others, apparently,” Medder said.
Medder also said she thinks judging others for their music tastes, or assuming their tastes based off their appearance, is ludicrous.
“Just because you look a certain way, doesn’t mean you listen to a certain type of music.”
Tristan Houser, freshman from Mt. Vernon, Illinois, said he was shamed for listening to heavy metal music growing up, and he believes it is unjust for others to do that.
“I think it’s honestly really disrespectful, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion in music,” Houser said. “Many people will pick their favorite song based off their personality, and because of that, no one deserves to be shamed for what they enjoy.”
Though not everyone may agree on music preferences, the question lingers: can people coexist peacefully without fear of being shamed for what comes up on their shuffle?