Family Views by Michelle Hensman

I took a music class in college; I thought it would be an easy, blow-off humanities class to fulfill the degree requirement. However, I learned so much and it turned out to be one of the best classes I ever experienced. I learned how instrumental music has been throughout history, it defines generations, challenges social norms, advocates change and helps us to forget, for a few moments, the stress and pressures of daily life. In an effort to guide my children towards enlightenment, I applied what I learned in that Music 101 to what they’re listening to today. With a positive, open mind I purposefully tuned-out the energizing, foot tapping, booty shaking beats and I tried to analyze the lyrics without bias. I’m delighted to report that I was able to decipher some very deeply philosophical messages…

I discerned that Justin Bieber is sharing the value of loyalty and monogamy in “Boyfriend” and how charming and equally annoying terms of endearments can be in “Baby, baby, baby.” Diddy shares a prodigal son story in “Coming Home,” encouraging others to learn from his promiscuous, gangsta mistakes and shares that returning to your roots is therapeutic. Rihanna reiterates the importance of always being prepared with “Umbrella—Ella ella ay ay ay,” a valuable message for us here in the Pacific Northwest because, after all there is no bad weather in Oregon, just bad clothing. Miley Cyrus supports patriotism and encourages our kids to “Party in the USA” as opposed to taking the party overseas and “Gangnam Style” has ignited international relations or at the very least it taught my 6-year-old how to speak Korean. JT (Editor’s note: Justin Timberlake, not James Taylor) teaches our boys to dress with pride and sophistication and to feel good in their “Suit and Tie,” which helps divert them away from the slouchy, saggy pants that have made us crazy for far too long. While I’m not sure what “popping tags” means, I feel pretty confident that Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” song is about being frugal. LMFAO and Lady Gaga share messages of self confidence, esteem and physical fitness, citing that we are “Born This Way” and to be proud if you are “Sexy and Know It” because you “Work Out.” Hot Chelle Rae suggests we say “Whatever” to the small stuff, because “It Doesn’t Matter,” a lesson many of us paid a lot of money to learn in college via Richard Carlson’s, PhD, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.

Clearly, my amateur analysis is facetious, the point is: attempt to bridge the generation gap between you and your children by understanding the meaning behind their music. This isn’t always easy, (as the ridiculous examples prove!), they can’t always be as clear as the peace/antiwar messages that John Lennon or U2 shared. There are also times when it’s difficult to understand what the motivation behind a song is until we look back on the legacy it created. For example, who knew “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “She Bop” would inspire a generation of girls (Like myself! Thank you Cyndi!) to take charge of their lives, despite historical oppression and the gender stereotyping that continued to plague our society?

Parents, it’s a good idea to be aware of the social and political messages your children are learning from the radio or their iPod and it’s also another way for you to understand and connect with them. You may not agree with or approve of what your kids are listening to, but unless you plan to isolate them from the rest of the world they are going to hear it, so use it as an opportunity. Engage them in conversations about what message they think the artist is trying to convey, share your experience on the matter, discuss the present day validity of the issue and find out if they agree with it!