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Since the dawn of time, music has been used as an expression of cultural identity. Ancient tribal societies used music as a basis for gatherings and to express their history, ethnicity and cultural beliefs. Music has changed through the ages, but the use of music as an essential part of cultural and individual expression has changed very little.

Music’s integral connection to identity is often difficult to recognize, especially in today’s society where music may not be seen as being as message-oriented as it once was. There were times when entire generations or cultures of individuals each knew the same songs. During World War II, entire nations sang songs that expressed their national identity with their cause and their connection to their fighting forces. Again, with the protest songs of the 60s and 70s, the nation’s people explored their feelings about war, youth and racial unrest. And, as music as a form of expression has grown, different individuals within the same society have come to identify with various forms of music as their own individual self-expression.

While the music is not as clearly descriptive as the songs of decades past, music speaks to the individual in the same way that the individual speaks through music. A nation of parents have been left in awe of their children as their children mesmerized with the sounds of rock and roll, and now there are as many types of music to relate to as there are generational clicks to fit the musical message. Parents are always puzzled by the young people who dress like Britney Spears and Eminem and use language expressed in song. The addition of music videos also added a note to self-expression through the music that was not present until recent years. Unlike past generations, young people today can see how music is expressed and can visually identify with the genre chosen. Television and the Internet have also enabled international peoples to share their cultures through music.

Is music seen as an influence on youth or as an influence? by youth, is still secondary compared to the fact that it has always been present as a factor of socialization. Whether this socialization takes place as part of group membership or as a means of expressing individuality, there is no way to ignore the fact that the influence and expression of music is growing. as the global community more shares their musical styles. People may find that the music speaks to them in a certain way, moves them in a certain way, or identifies with its message. People may also find that they can use music to express themselves as individuals as well as to conform to a group. Without question, music and its connection to individual and collective identity will take on new forms as people continue to be exposed to various forms of music and culture.

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Source by Rebecca Stigall