False Consciousness

                Music is involved in everyday life. There are countless genres of music and people from different countries and even different eras listen to music daily. It has such a great impact on all those who enjoy music, and it is not very common for someone to have distaste in music. The genre of music that is popular varies from different cultures, ages even eras.  Music is easily accessible to many, and the music industry is making large sums of money off the music they sell us. Popular music in America does very   well in sales. The radio plays various types of music urging people to go and buy the popular artists music. Usher, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne and many others are very popular today. The music they play has a many features that make it easy to listen to. The rhythm and beat of the music is entertaining to many. Music is highly advertised all around the world. There are many music videos, song played on the radio, and plenty of commercials. When listening to music, there is no depth required, or even thinking required. A man by the name of Theodor W. Adorno believed in order for music to be truly art, there should be depth and insight to the music; when listening to music, a person should be required to use his or her mind. Aldorno thought music was too predictable. He believes that all products that are advertised are misleading and manipulating to all consumers. Music especially, considering how popular it is in many cultures. According to Adorno all this mainstream products people consume create a “False Consciousness”, meaning people are not fully aware of the world around them. I do not fully agree with Aldorno’s accusation. Even though most common music is quite predictable, the reason for listening can involve depth and insight. Most of the music I enjoy bring back good memories or change my mood. Whether music is in the norm or different, that piece of music can be personal to the listener. I believe most people are mostly aware of their surroundings, are not completely blinded by capitalism. The products we consume are not really necessities to our daily lives, but they are useful. Life with music would surely go on, but it puts more enjoyment to life. In most social gatherings music is present, when cleaning a stereo can be on, even when just hanging out at home music can be playing. The music today does not lead to “False Consciousness”; it just contributes to enjoyments in life.