Students listen to pop music

Topic: “Students should be discouraged from listening to pop music.” Discuss.

Outline:
1. Describe how a typical student would know more about pop music than about the world.
2. Give reasons why students should be discouraged from listening to pop music.
- It adversely affects one’s studies.
- The lyrics of some pop songs transmit undesirable messages.
3. Give reasons why listening to pop music should not be discouraged
- It is a form of socializing with other students.
- It is a form of relaxation and entertainment.
4. Briefly conclude that listening to pop music should not be discouraged as long as the students do not spend unnecessary time on it.




“How many continents are there in the world?” Joseph’s father asked him.

“Huh? I don’t know,” he replied, disinterestedly.

“Well, what is top in the pop charts?” his father questioned further.

“Oh! It’s ‘Black and White’ by Michael Jackson,” he replied, this time full of confidence.

This is a classic situation in the case of many students. They are more knowledgeable about pop music and artists than about what is happening in the world.

Personally, I enjoy listening to pop music. However, I am aware that developing an excessive interest in it can be harmful. Students spend a lot of time listening to pop songs and reading magazines about their favorite artists. They also spend almost all their allowance on buying the latest cassettes or on attending concerts. As a result, their studies can be adversely affected.

Spending too much time on listening to pop music could also be harmful in another way. The lyrics often transmit unwholesome messages. They encourage reckless living and often deal on lust. Some of these songs seem to have secret messages that are registered by one’s subconscience. In fact, two parents sued Judas Priest, a rock band, claiming that their son committed suicide after listening to their Santanic songs.

However, from a brighter perspective, pop music enables students to socialize with their friends. It is a common interest among the young and is a popular topic of their conversations.

Pop music is also a relaxing form of entertainment. It helps tired students to relax. Some students even sing along with the music and perform well during school concerts or talentimes. This is to be encouraged.

In conclusion, I feel that listening to pop music itself is not harmful. However, if too much time, money and concentration are spent in listening to pop music at the expense of one’s studies, it is to be discouraged.