Many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, whilst others believe that music has a much larger impact on society today. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

There are those who claim that

music

is solely for entertainment purposes while others feel it has larger societal implications. In my opinion, ostensibly most people listen to

music

for fun,

however it

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however, it

still opens up pathways for fringe elements of society to become mainstream. Those that argue for the narrower view of

music

can easily highlight the ways in which

music

is consumed today. People listen to

music

at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. They listen using streaming services like YouTube, Apple

Music

and Spotify to relax throughout the average day. The end result of all that listening is not that individuals think deeply about the lyrics or in any way question their actions, attitudes, or prejudices.

Moreso

than narrative forms of entertainment like movies and books,

music

is almost purely for entertainment and rarely rises above the level of subconscious enjoyment. While there is some truth to the argument above,

music

turns a positive spotlight on previously

underrepresented

demographic groups. People do not simply listen to

music

; they are

also

apt to follow and admire their favourite artists. One of the best examples of

this

is the championing of LGBT lifestyles. Elton John was an early example of an artist whose sexuality was fluid at a time when many viewed

this

behaviour as deviant. He did not come out as gay until much

later but

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later, but

his influence on aspiring artists and the average listener was immense. Today, there are many artists who are openly gay and

this

not only reduces bigotry in general by undermining its logic but

also

inspires others to come out. A person listening to and following artists in any genre today accepts these once alternative lifestyles as the norm. In conclusion,

music

has an important role to play in society by giving voice to previously silent groups. In the same way that

music

broke down racial barriers in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of inclusion.