Let's Listen to that Weed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHW5Vz0HgRE

REMEMBER THIS??? It's from one of my very first posts :D
But basically, all I'm trying to say here is that this is what my next post is gonna be. Weed in Music :D

Did you know that the average teen listens to 3.5-4 hours of music everyday? From the radio, Ipods, phones, TV's, and especially Youtube, music is one of the most fundamental part of a teens' life. We listen to it when we study, read, do homework, even when we're in a boring class. Some people (like myself) listen to music to help them sleep, and when I wake up in the morning. It's a daily routine, and there really isn't anything wrong with that. Some songs though can be quite dangerous; Because music is such a big part of our lives, we've become influenced by it. Violent, abusive music is one form of dangerous music in our society. Music that talks about rape, suicide, and drug use are just other forms of it. Because my topic is on weed, it's only fair for me to mention the dangerous affects that come with listening to this risky form of music.

We've all heard it; those songs on the radio that talk about the magic plant. The most common drug in music for like, ever? Weed. Marijuana has been in songs for so long now, that there really hasn't been an increase or decrease; it's just always been. There are so many songs about weed, that no one's been able to count them all! However, there are many playlists on Youtube that helped me out a bit. The following are 2 sets of playlists that both contain songs about weed; the stoner songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzHDoHbPFy4&playnext=1&list=PLD995E8902110C336&feature=results_main

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbPy8S_ioCk&list=PL0D3384628A1496E7

 Weed is most prevalent in rap music, however it's also in reggae music, jazz music, and heavy metal. Of course that's not all the genres, but definitely the most common. These days, especially in rap, music seems to be about the same old thing; money sex and drugs. What do kids seem to be in to these days? Money, sex, and drugs. Hmmm. I wonder why that could be. It's been proven that when kids listen to so much music that involve drugs and sexual activities, it's highly likely that it's contributing to a child's drug usage and sexual activity. Basically, the more risky music a child listens to, the more likely they are to take part in those risky activities. Teens who listen to more music that involve marijuana are more likely smoke it, and escalate to a higher usage of the drug. That is, compared to teens who hardly listen to music involving weed. 

However, there's something positive about all this. Elementary school kids (kids not in high school) don't really focus on music all too much. Up until grade 6, for a lot of kids TV is what it's all about. Yes, music is still a huge part of their daily lives and they still can't live without it, but not as much as TV seems to be. The only reason i said this was a pro because that means our little kids aren't doing drugs or having sex. Yet. Who knows what this world will come to -.- Especially since when we're so young, we're impressionable little things. If we listen to music about sex and drugs and gettin' that pussy is what it's all about, then obviously our kids will grow up thinking that and wanting to try it. Why? Because they're impressionable. I don't care how many times I have to say that in my blog. Kids. Are. Impressionable.

Works Cited:

Martino, Steven C., Rebecca L. Collins, David E. Kanouse, Amy Strachman, Marc N. Elliott, and Sandra H. Berry. "Exposure to Degrading Versus Nondegrading Music Lyrics and Sexual Behavior Among Youth." Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics 118 (2006): n. pag. PEDIATRICS. Web. 11 Jan. 2013.

Gentile, Douglas A.. "The Effects of Violent Music on Children and Adolescents." Media violence and children: a complete guide for parents and professionals. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2003. 155-163. Print.