Rock music is heavily influenced

Topic is- How does rock music shape our notion of morality, and what are the factors that allow it to do so? must have 8-14 academic references

Running head: MUSIC
Music
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Index
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion........................................................................................................................................3
Link between morality and rock music.......................................................................................3
Impact of rock music on the perception of the society................................................................6
Impact of Rock music on racial discrimination.......................................................................6
Impact of rock music on social activism.................................................................................7
Impact of rock music on the youths.........................................................................................9
Impact of rock music on lifestyle..........................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................14

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Topic: How does rock music shape our notion of morality, and what are the factors that
allow it to do so?
Introduction
Rock music is a large form of pop music, emerging in the USA as 'rock and roll' in the
early 1950s and which in the 1960s and later, particularly in the U.S. and UK developed into a
variety of styles. Rock and roll, which was primarily influenced from the genres of jazz, marches
and soul, and by country music, originates in the 1940s and 1950s. Rock music is heavily
influenced from other styles including electric blues and country, with rock, classical, and other
musical influences. Rock music relies on the electric guitar, as part of a rock group with one or
more musicians, electric bass, drums. Rock is typically song-based music with a 4/4 time
signature as well as a verse-chorus format, but the genre is incredibly versatile. Unlike pop
songs, lyrics frequently underline romantic passion, but are often about a wide variety of social
and political topics. A closer insight at rock production reveals how its production has been
influenced by various types and pressures over the years.
When rock music hit the 21st century, the most popular bands, even though they looked
very different, retained the same energy when their contemporaries of the 1960s. Linkin Park
blends hip hop with punk, while 3 Doors Down epitomizes the hard-rock styles of the past and
offers a new twist. According to researchers, rock music have highly impacted and adopted the
perception of the society (NA 2016). In this report, identification of the link between morality
and rock music, factors that allow it to do so and its impact on the perception of the society has
been discussed .

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Discussion
Link between morality and rock music
According to Clawson (2017), one of the major moral panics associated with rock music
during the time of its origin was the fear of race mixing. The concept of Rock n Roll was an
American invention but was invested by African Americans. This is clearly evident since Rock n
Roll is often considered as the mixture of basic formal of African American blues with speed ,
bass and drums. During 1950s, black musicians of that time, namely, Chick Berry, Little Richard
and others used to sing Rock m Roll. However, the genre became highly popular within white
singers. Hence the moral panic of young black and white population may get together was
created with the arrive of rock music. Considering the fact that discrimination on the basis of
race and color was highly prevalent in America at that period, rock music concerts were
considered to be a risky platform that may ended up mixing the Superior race with the inferior
one. According to Ramet (2019), the origin of rock can be traced back to 1940s, while the
traditional genres of country music, and blues were turned into a modern, electric guitar and
drumbeat sound. When rock music became the prevalent type of mainstream music in the 1970s,
new bands draw upon the abilities of their contemporaries and expand into new sonic territories.
Led Zeppelin brought music a darker, harder sound, became one of the most popular bands in the
1970s, and helped create a new genre, dubbed hard music. In 1991, progressive rock was the
dominant mainstream music after Nirvana's "Nevermind" became popular.
Larsen (2017) have pointed out along with the moral issue associated with race mixing,
rock music was considered to vulgar by a good number of people due to is sexual content.
Considering the fact that Rock and Roll music, for the first time in USA and Europe, initiated the
emergence of lyrics about sexuality, the contemporary society had faced moral dilemma to

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accept the same. While in one side, rock music was getting popular amongst the younger
generation, a rigid and negative mentality was growing up against the specific genre amongst the
middle and elder population.
In the 1960, rock n roll music got combined with folk music and thus emerge as a new
genre of music. Folk has brought greater lyrical content to Rock n Roll and hence instead of just
being romantic songs, rock music at that period become more about various unspoken aspects
like sex and drug. During this era, the rise of popular bands like The Beatles, Rolling stones and
others stated. Earlier, bands used to use studio musicians to write their lyrics (Driver 2016). But
with the invent of Rock music, band musicians stated writing their own lyrics which in turn
means that they possessed more control over the content of the song. A huge amount of songs
had been written about drugs and sexuality. This has created a moral issue in the society since
lyrics about addiction as well as open confrontation of addiction of the popular singers
encouraged a huge number of teenagers to opt for drugs. Drug addiction rate as well as social
issues like teenage pregnancy had got increased in USA to a great extent.
Mitchell (2020) has argued that in the mentioned era, rock music stated connecting wit
social movements like the civil rights movement. Some of the popular rock songs associated
with civic right movement includes “Say it loud” by James Brown, “Oh Freedom” By Joan Baez
and “Ella’s Song” by Sweet Honey in The rock. Along with this rock music also got connected
with the Women’s movement and thus gave a voice to freedom. More and more youths became
aware of the political aspects and demonstrate their political opinion. Bennett (2018) has pointed
out that The second wave of the women's movement, the expansion of the revolution in civil
rights, counterculture in general and the anti war revolution all got associated with the Rock
music in 1960s. While the Vietnam campaign was not strong initially, after the bombarding in

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Cambodia, people stated taking about it. Students started protesting through rebellious activates
like shutting down campuses, calling out the Natural Guard. Thus rock music can be considered
as a primary method of enlightening the youths about the contemporary condition of the world
and helped them to raise voice against the government. Moral questions were raised through
rock music, creating a political vision of the youths.
In the 70s, rock music becomes a matter of moral panic to majority of the population in
UK. During the mid 70s, the economy of UK was deteriorating due to the Vietnam war and
economic situation let to unemployment and higher poverty rate. During the late 90s, the Punk
movement came to being with band like Sex Pistol releasing their first single named” Anarchy in
the UK”. Lyrics like “I am an anti-Christ. I am an anarchist. I don’t know what I want, but I
know how to get it” gained popularity. Unlike the 60s the 70s movement was not associated with
positive social movement but was more associated with anarchic thought. According to Shaffer
(2017), Rock music in the 70s were less about the social movement and more about the
contemporary social conditions they were disgust with.
The 1990s, the music industry of UK evidenced the rise of Hip-hop and Rock music. Rap
music was made about real struggles associated with racial discrimination, gender and sexual
orientation. There existed a strong movement within bands. The Grunge bands were found to be
highly aware of the gender issues which in turn opened up the space for the Riot girl movement
which was a Feminist Punk.
According to researchers, while rock and roll music was a political and asexual, the
evolution of the rock music points out its direct link with social movements, sexuality, drugs and
youths. Morality and ethics has always been associated with rock music. The mentioned gene

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has created awareness among the youth about political issues and thus has helped the society to
move forwards. Not only have this, from its initial stage, rock music been the focal point of
racial movement and immoral and unethical discrimination against black people. The music has
inspired the youths to break the conservative mindset and question the strict rules made by the
society and the government. According to Malakoutikhah et al. (2020), rock music have helped
the society to move forward with the help of youths. However, several negative impact of rock
music can also be pointed out that had created ethical dilemma since the 50s. With rock music
consumption of alcohol, drug abuse and smoking has become a accepted and open phenomenon
A huge mass of youths are considering drug and alcohol as a medium to support rock music. The
rate of tobacco and alcohol consumption has got increased to a great extent. Moral panic of the
society due to frequent news of open drug abuse of rock singers have got raised to a great extent.
For instance incidents like Drug abuse at the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) concerts and over
specify acts like Marilyn Manson is getting highlighted. Such acts possess the potential to
provoke youths to make wrong choice like adapting the addiction of drugs, alcohols as well as
smoking.
Impact of rock music on the perception of the society
Impact of Rock music on racial discrimination
While in the previous section, discussion on how rock and roll had created a moral panic
for the contemporary orthodox society, in this section, the impact of rock music on the social
discrimination against African American during the 1950s, has been discussed. During 50s, rock
n roll was considered to be race music to a growing white youth audience. The popularity of the
rock music resulted in black performers approaching the white audience and vice versa. White
youths who were being taught by the conservative society to stay away from the back population

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since they were considered inferior, stated questioning the conservative mentality. According to
Kroff (2018), Rock and Roll emerged at a time when UNSA was entering a new phase with the
initialization of the civil rights movement for desegregation. During that time, supreme court had
already abolished the policy of separate but equal in the year 1954, but was facing difficult to
implement the same due to the highly conservative society. The rock and roll music had loosen
the barrier to a great extent and thus helped the society to eradicate the evil practice of
discrimination in the name of color and race. The integration of white musicians and rock and
roll black culture has historically created strong anti racist reaction amongst whites within the
United States and many white people have opposed color-based barriers. Other critics have seen
rock and roll as an declaration of degradation and the emergence of new styles of music that
promote racial co-operation and mutual experience. Thus it can be said that impact of rock music
on racial discrimination is positive and hence helped the society to be discrimination free.
Impact of rock music on social activism
The 1950s had a form of music that influences family life, adolescence and the struggle
for civil rights. Rock'n'Roll was a common form of music that influenced culture and added to
the way one listen to the music and react to the music. The Civil 'Rights movement has been not
only influenced by Rock n' Roll but also by family lives and teens from the 1950's. The Civil
Rights Movement has been supported by Rock'n'Roll music to a great extent. When coalitions
were established by black Protestant denominations and mainstream groups, the civil rights
movement seized power. As the revolution evolved from the conquest of civil rights in the south,
in the creation of colorblind culture and eventually black supremacy, Rock'n 'Roll acted as a
social influence to the cause. This joining helped to create "Rock' n' Roll" has almost nothing
more but a positive effect on the Campaign for Civil Rights. According to Palmer (2017), music

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can be considered to be a highly powerful tool that possess the potential to influence the youths
to a great extent. Powerful lyrics written by the rock singers during the time of Civil War had
encouraged the youths to have a political opinion and participate in the movement. Prior to rock
music, music was chiefly about romantic relationships and beautiful aspects of the nature or
society. Rock music, for the first time, had effectively upheld the realistic image of the society,
making the young society member aware of the social issues and encouraging them to eradicate
the same.
Throughout pop music in the 1960s and 1970s, love and harmony were very popular
subjects. Rock artists have also been seeking as statements or requests for action to tackle social
problems directly. Throughout the war of Vietnam, the first songs of rock protest were heard
influenced by folk music, such as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, from the abstract evocative
music of Love by Peter, Paul and Mary "If I Had a Hammer." Their anti-war sentiment was
articulate both as regards their music and in the public declaration of other musicians,
particularly John Lennon and Yoko Ono, with songs like "Imagine" and "Giving Peace an
Chance."
Rock and roll as social movement hit its peak in Live Aid shows performed on the 13th
of July 1985 which became the biggest live concert throughout the history of the 1984 charity
single "Do They Know That It's Christmas?" and with performances on two live stage, one in
London, England and the other in Philadelphia, USA and telecast worldwide. The concert lasted
16 hours. Nearly everyone who was ahead of rock and pop in 1985 was present at the show. The
annual effort raised millions of dollars in Africa for hunger relief.

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Impact of rock music on the youths
Schipani and Peterson (2019) pointed out the impact of rock music on the youths.
Adolescents and young adults were found to be the mostly affected individuals by the Rock and
Roll music. The concept that this form of music was about them and their world since a good
number of rock and roll songs were about high school love stories, wild parties as well as fast
cars, teenagers were able to relate themselves more with the songs. As a result of this, within a
limited amount of ties, teenagers stated adopting rock music in their own lifestyle, dress up as
well as social behavior. Since a good number of Rock music during the 70s were about sexuality
and drugs, drug addiction, tobacco addiction and alcohol abuse amongst the teenager had got
increased to a great extent. Sexual behavior conducted openly along with vulgar dances resulted
in shut down of teen dances, temporary banning of rock and roll records as well as expel of
students from academic institutions.
Ramet (2019) has pointed out the fact that the theme of lifestyle in rock and roll was
associated with sex and drugs. A good number of early stars of rock and roll were considered to
be hard-drinking, hard-living characters. Thanks to the rise of the underground rock press the
lives of many stars became more established widely during the sixties. Musicians have also been
the focus of female fans. Casual sexual relation between female fans and Rock singers were
frequently read in news paper. As a result of this teenage pregnancy rate got enhanced during
that era. This in turn imposes adverse impact on the society and its effect can be seen on the
society even in today.
As the lifestyle of the rock celebrities became more mainstream, celebrities may have
influenced their success and encouragement of illegal drug use by the youth of the time. drugs
may have been used in several ways. For example, in the late 1960's many fans began to openly

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notice the Beatles, who were originally portrayed as clean-cut young men, using LSD. Fans used
to follow the activities of their favorite celebrities leading to enhanced rate of alcohol, smoking
and drug abuse. While negative effect of drugs needed to be promoted by the musicians during
that period of time, no such action was taken. Drug abuse had been used as a symbol of
revolution. Thus it can be pointed out that the second negative impact of rock music on the
contemporary society is the enhanced rate of drug, alcohol and smoking amongst the teenagers.
However, McParland (2019) has pointed out that several anti drug songs had been sung by the
rock singers during the late 70s. A huge number of rock and roll cachet who used to conduct
drug abuse dissipated as rock music evidenced a series of death from the evil practice of drug
consumption. This includes the 27 club member deaths of Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi
Hendrix. Although certain drug use was still prevalent among rock artists, there was stronger
appreciation for the risks of drug use and several antidrug albums, especially Neil Young's "The
Needle and Done Harm," were part of the rock lexicon. Along with them rock singers like John
Lennon, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards,
Bon Scott, Eric Clapton and started giving public interview on how drug addiction had imposed
negative impact on their life and how they have come of the addiction, leading to an anti drug
consumption promotion by rock singers in the late 70s. During the opiate epidemic of the 21st
century, local musicians in Asheville, NC, have formed the Musicians for Over dosage Safety, a
support organization in Buncombe County NC serving pubs, nightclubs and other live music
venues. The organization distributes nasal spray packets of Narcan in Buncombe County NC to
assist with overdosing with opiate and heroin. The kits were provided by the Health and Human
Services Division of Buncombe. The program, particularly when the Narcan is delivered by
nasal spray and not by injection, was embraced by the music venue owners. Thus in the 1980s,

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along with the rise of strait edge lifestyle, gained popularity. This psychology was adopted by a
good number of rock singers who used to promote the philosophy. The philosophy of illegal drug
prohibition, alcohol, cigarettes and gender has over the years been associated with many
hardcore punks and still remain popular with young people today.
Impact of rock music on lifestyle
Rock music, since its emergence into the society, was not considered to be just a genre of music
but youths had made it a significant part of their lifestyle. According to Schipani and Peterson
(2019), rock music has brought immense change in the dressing sense of the youths fans were
seen to dress up like their idols . Rock and fashion are inseparable from each other. The
competition between "Mods", who preferred 'classic' Italian fashion and "Rockers", who wore
leathers, existed in the mid-1960s in Great Britain and each style was favored musically. In the
1960s, the Beatles for the first time, brought the collarless Blazers, Beatles bots and mop-top
haircut in fashion. Rock stars were also early hippie trend adopters and popularized looks such as
the Nehru jacket and long hair. As genres of rock-music became more segmented, the artist's
purpose and the interaction with his audience became just as important as music. Glam rock was
a major force in the early 1970s with stunning styles, high heels and house. In the late 1970s,
disco bands returned to the mainstream of the city, while punk-conservative artists (including
suit jackets and skinny links) started sporting a mocking-conservative dress, seeking to be as
unlike traditional rock stars who also preferred black denim and hippie clothing. Even in the
1980s heavy metal bands preferred a strong image of visuality. In several bands, leather as well
as denim jackets, pant / sticks along with long hair were included. The visual image became a
key part of the movement of glam metal.

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According to Palmer (2017), with rock music an era of revolution had entered in the western
countries. Youths were breaking conservative rules of the society and that was clearly evident
from their dressing sense. Rock 'n' Roll has always been inspired and opened the way for
originality, self speech and free thinking by various styles of music. However several
researchers have argued that intense rock fashion had also imposed adverse impact on the
authenticity and simplicity. Youths who used to dress up following their idols of rock music
often found to loose the row image and own personality in the urge of mimicking Rock fashion
style. Since The fashion inspired from Roc music was loud, with bright colors, makeup and
unique styles, youths with such fashion style easily grabbed the attention of the society. Koehler
(2017) has stated that The idea of "selling out" – that rock music is to be deemed "authentic,"
must maintain a distance from the mainstream culture and its systems – was frequently faced by
rock artists and enthusiasts, but there is universal feeling that some consensus must be found to
make music affordable. This problem has created tension between musicians and fans, with some
bands trying a lot to avoid "selling out".
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be clearly understood that rock music has imposed both
positive as well as negative impact on the society. Several factors have contributed to the notion
of morality shaped by the mentioned music genre. One of the major moral panics associated
with rock music during the time of its origin was the fear of race mixing. Considering the fact
that discrimination on the basis of race and color was highly prevalent in America at that period,
rock music concerts were considered to be a risky platform that may end up mixing the Superior
race with the inferior one. Folk has brought greater lyrical content to Rock n Roll and hence
instead of just being romantic songs, rock music at that period become more about various

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unspoken aspects like sex and drug. Drug addiction rate as well as social issues like teenage
pregnancy had got increased in USA to a great extent during the 70s. However in the late 70s,
several anti drug songs had been sung by the rock singers. A huge number of rock and roll cachet
who used to conduct drug abuse dissipated as rock music evidenced a series of death from the
evil practice of drug consumption. The fact that rock music had taken an active role in social
activities cannot be ignored. A huge number of rock and roll cachet who used to conduct drug
abuse dissipated as rock music evidenced a series of death from the evil practice of drug
consumption. . Rock artists have also been seeking as statements or requests for action to tackle
social problems directly. rock music has brought immense change in the dressing sense of the
youths fans were seen to dress up like their idols . Rock and fashion are inseparable from each
other. While some researchers feel that the rock fashion is a symbol of free movement,
independence breaking orthodox mentality, according to others, loud fashion sense have covered
up the simplicity and authenticity of the youth generation and enhanced the urge of being
noticed.

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