One system I personally interact with on a daily basis is music. There are so many rules and regulations in music; For example, attributing a specific artist to a certain genre determines the content of their music. Country will often focus on topics such as beer, trucks, America, and outdoor activities, to name only a few. Rock is often politically driven, and is also historically associated with certain drugs, and even certain emotions. Rap is stereotypically subjected to certain gang contexts, including a focus on drugs, violence, hyper masculinity and the objectification of women. Also in rap, there are racial restrictions. White rappers are generally not allowed to use the “N” word, but black artists can use it as freely as they please (not that I am arguing that white rappers should be allowed to use such language). Although these assumptions do not limit such genres to just these topics, as many artists break from their genre limits to comment upon other topics, it can generally be agreed that these subjects heavily exist within these specific genres. Now, generally people are attracted to one specific genre of music, so the subjects they are exposed to through music are limited to said genre. Since the subjects from genre to genre differ, the values portrayed to a person who listens to rap may be much different than the values absorbed by a person who listens to country. Also, lyrics can be analyzed through a range of lenses. A historical lens can be used to compare a certain artists life to their music. A deconstructional lens can be used to compare certain lyrics to specific discourses and literary archetypes. When it comes to music, the possibilities are unlimited, and as a strong pop-cultural entity, it affects its listeners both subconsciously and consciously. Overall, I think music is a strong system that influences the lives of those who participate in it.
-Peter McKasty