How Pop Music Promotes Materialism and Why It Matters?
What do you think of when you hear the words “pop music”? Do you think of catchy tunes, catchy lyrics, and catchy stars? Or do you think of money, money, and more money?
If you listen to the pop music of today, you might get the impression that the only thing that matters in life is how much stuff you can buy, how much bling you can wear, and how much status you can flaunt. But is this really the message that pop music should convey? And what are the consequences of this message for the listeners and the society?
Pop music, or popular music, is a genre of music that appeals to a large and diverse audience. It has been around for decades, and it has evolved and changed with the times. Pop music reflects and influences the values and culture of different generations, and it can also serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for many people. However, pop music can also have a dark side, especially when it promotes materialism and consumerism, or the belief that happiness and success depend on acquiring and consuming material goods.
In this article, I will argue that pop music today is too focused on promoting greed and vanity, and that this has negative effects on the listeners and the society. I will compare and contrast the pop music of today with the older songs that celebrated love and happiness over money and possessions, and I will explore the possible reasons and consequences of this shift.
I will also discuss how the music industry has changed its tone before, especially regarding sexism and homophobia, and how it can change it again regarding materialism and consumerism. Finally, I will examine how pop music today is related to the sadness and depression that Gen Z’s favorite songs express, and what this reveals about the psychological and emotional effects of materialism and consumerism.
1. Pop Music and Materialism: Then and Now.
How pop music today differs from the older songs that celebrated love and happiness over money and possessions, and why this matters?
One of the most striking differences between pop music today and the older songs is the way they portray money and possessions. While the older songs often celebrated love and happiness over material things, the pop music of today seems to glorify greed and vanity.
This difference is evident in the lyrics of many songs, which often boast about buying expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, and other luxury items. For example, consider these lyrics from some of the most popular songs of the past few years:
– “I just wanna rollie, rollie, rollie with a dab of ranch / I already got some designer to hold up my pants” (Ayo & Teo, “Rolex”).
– “I’m in the kitchen, wrist twistin’ like a stir fry / Hold them bands down, hold your mans down / Who told you come around? / Who? That’s that trap sound” (Migos, “Stir Fry”).
– “I’m a savage, yeah / Classy, bougie, ratchet, yeah / Sassy, moody, nasty, yeah / Acting stupid, what’s happening?” (Megan Thee Stallion, “Savage”).
– “I’m living like a rockstar, smash out on a cop car / Sweeter than a Pop-Tart, you know you are not hard / I done made the hot chart, ‘member I used to trap hard / Livin’ like a rockstar, I’m livin’ like a rockstar” (Post Malone, “Rockstar”).
These lyrics suggest that the pop stars of today are obsessed with showing off their wealth and status, and that they do not care about the consequences of their actions. They also imply that the listeners should aspire to the same lifestyle, and that they can fill their emptiness with material things.
However, this message is not only unrealistic and harmful, but also boring and unoriginal. It has been done to death by countless artists, and it does not reflect the diversity and creativity of pop music.
In contrast, the older songs often valued love and happiness over money and possessions, and expressed gratitude and satisfaction with what they had. For example, consider these lyrics from some of the classic songs of the past decades:
– “All you need is love, love / Love is all you need” (The Beatles, “All You Need Is Love”).
– “Don’t need no money, fortune, or fame / I’ve got all the riches, baby, one man can claim” (The Temptations, “My Girl”).
– “Even though we ain’t got money / I’m so in love with you, honey / And everything will bring a chain of love” (Kenny Loggins, “Danny’s Song”).
– “Can’t buy me love, love / Can’t buy me love” (The Beatles, “Can’t Buy Me Love”).
These lyrics suggest that the pop stars of the past were more concerned with finding and sharing love and happiness, and that they did not need money and possessions to be fulfilled. They also imply that the listeners should appreciate and cherish what they have, and that they can find joy and meaning in simple things.
This message is not only realistic and positive, but also timeless and original. It has been appreciated and admired by generations of fans, and it reflects the essence and spirit of pop music.
This difference between pop music today and the older songs matters because it affects the way the listeners think and feel about themselves and the world. Pop music is a powerful and influential medium, and it can shape the values and culture of different generations.
If pop music promotes materialism and consumerism, it can create a society that is greedy, vain, and unhappy. If pop music celebrates love and happiness, it can create a society that is grateful, compassionate, and joyful.
One of the pop stars who recognized this difference and spoke out against it was Cheno Conor, who passed away last year. She was a singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with her hit songs “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Mandinka”.
She was also known for her activism and controversy, especially when she tore up a picture of the Pope on live television in 1992. In 1997, she pulled out of the Grammy Awards in protest of the materialism and corruption of the music industry. She said in a statement:
“I am withdrawing my name from the nominations for the Grammy Awards. I have decided not to attend the ceremony because I do not want to be part of an event that is so out of touch with reality. There is an emphasis in pop music on materialism, and it’s not right to give people the message that they can fill their emptiness with material things. Pop music should be about art and expression, not about money and fame. I hope that the Grammys will change their ways and recognize the true artists who make music for the love of it, not for the profit of it.”
I agree with Cheno Conor’s statement and suggestion for the Grammys, and I think that they are still relevant today. The Grammys are supposed to be the most prestigious and respected awards in the music industry, but they often fail to honor the artists who deserve them.
They tend to favor the artists who sell the most records, who have the most fans, and who have the most connections. They also tend to ignore the artists who are innovative, diverse, and meaningful. They do not reflect the quality and diversity of pop music, and they do not inspire the listeners to appreciate and explore the different genres and styles of music.
Therefore, I think that the Grammys should have a new category for the best song where no one brags about buying things. This category would recognize the songs that have a positive and original message, that value love and happiness over money and possessions, and that reflect the essence and spirit of pop music.
This category would also encourage the artists to be more creative and expressive, and to make music for the art and joy of it, not for the money and fame of it. This category would also challenge the listeners to be more critical and curious, and to listen to music for the meaning and emotion of it, not for the hype and trend of it.
2. Racial and Historical Factors in Pop Music.
How pop music today is influenced by the racial and historical factors that shape some artists’ choices, and how this affects the representation and diversity of pop culture?
Another factor that influences the pop music of today is the racial and historical background of some artists, and how this affects the representation and diversity of pop culture. Pop music is not a monolithic genre, but a diverse and dynamic one, that includes artists from different races, ethnicities, cultures, and countries.
Some of these artists may have faced or witnessed oppression and discrimination in their lives, and may use their music as a way to express their identity, voice their struggles, and claim their power. For example, consider these lyrics from some of the most influential artists of color in pop music:
– “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man / Let me handle my business, damn” (Jay-Z, “Diamonds from Sierra Leone”).
– “I’m so fancy, you already know / I’m in the fast lane, from L.A. to Tokyo” (Iggy Azalea, “Fancy”).
– “I slay, okay, I slay, okay, okay, okay, okay / Okay, okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation” (Beyoncé, “Formation”).
– “I’m a star, how could I not shine? / How many ladies in the house? / How many ladies in the house without a spouse?” (Lizzo, “Juice”).
These lyrics suggest that some artists of color may feel the need to flaunt their wealth and status, and to assert their dominance and confidence, as a way to overcome the barriers and challenges that they have faced in their careers and in their society.
They may also use their music as a way to celebrate their culture and heritage, and to inspire and empower their fans and communities. They may also use their music as a way to challenge and critique the systems and structures that have oppressed and marginalized them, and to demand justice and equality.
However, while this may be a valid and understandable motivation for some artists, it may also have some negative implications for the listeners and the society, especially the young and impressionable ones. If pop music constantly portrays money and possessions as the symbols and sources of power and success, it may create stereotypes and expectations that are unrealistic or harmful.
It may also reinforce the idea that materialism and consumerism are the only ways to achieve happiness and fulfillment, and that they can compensate for the lack of love and respect. It may also overlook the other aspects and dimensions of the artists’ identity and culture, and reduce them to superficial and stereotypical representations.
Therefore, pop music today should be more mindful and responsible of the racial and historical factors that shape some artists’ choices, and how this affects the representation and diversity of pop culture. Pop music should not ignore or deny the experiences and struggles of the artists of color, but it should also not glamorize or normalize the materialistic and consumerist values that they may adopt or promote.
Pop music should also not homogenize or tokenize the artists of color, but it should also not segregate or isolate them. Pop music should celebrate and appreciate the diversity and creativity of the artists of color, and it should also encourage and support the dialogue and collaboration among them and with other artists.
3. Pop Music’s Changing Tone on Social Issues.
How pop music today has changed its tone before, especially regarding sexism and homophobia, and how this shows that it is possible and necessary to change it again regarding materialism and consumerism?
Pop music today is not the same as it was in the past. It has changed its tone and content before, especially regarding sexism and homophobia, and it has shown that it can adapt and improve with the times.
Pop music used to be full of songs that were sexist and homophobic, that objectified and degraded women, that mocked and excluded LGBTQ+ people, and that perpetuated harmful stereotypes and prejudices. For example, consider these lyrics from some of the notorious songs of the past:
– “I know you want it / But you’re a good girl / The way you grab me / Must wanna get nasty” (Robin Thicke, “Blurred Lines”).
– “You know I love you, I always will / My mind’s made up by the way that I feel / There’s no beginning, there’ll be no end / ‘Cause on my love you can depend” (The Shirelles, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”).
– “I’m not trying to be rude / But hey, pretty girl, I’m feeling you / The way you do the things you do / Reminds me of my Lexus coupe” (R. Kelly, “Ignition”).
– “Do you really want to hurt me? / Do you really want to make me cry? / Precious kisses, words that burn me / Lovers never ask you why” (Culture Club, “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”).
These lyrics suggest that the pop stars of the past were sexist and homophobic, and that they did not respect or value women and LGBTQ+ people. They also imply that the listeners should accept and follow these attitudes and behaviors, and that they should not question or challenge them.
However, this tone and content was not only offensive and harmful, but also outdated and irrelevant. It did not reflect the reality and diversity of the society, and it did not inspire or empower the listeners.
Fortunately, pop music has changed its tone and content before, and it has cleaned up its act regarding sexism and homophobia. Pop music has become more inclusive and respectful of women and LGBTQ+ people, and it has featured more songs that celebrate and support them. For example, consider these lyrics from some of the progressive songs of the present:
– “I’m not just a pretty girl / I’m more than just a picture / I’m a daughter and a sister / Sometimes it’s hard for me to show / That I’m more than just a rumor / Or a song on your computer” (Maggie Lindemann, “Pretty Girl”).
– “I’m beautiful in my way / ‘Cause God makes no mistakes / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born this way” (Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”).
– “You don’t own me / I’m not just one of your many toys / You don’t own me / Don’t say I can’t go with other boys” (Grace, “You Don’t Own Me”).
– “I’m coming out / I want the world to know / Got to let it show / I’m coming out / I want the world to know / I got to let it show” (Diana Ross, “I’m Coming Out”).
These lyrics suggest that the pop stars of the present are more inclusive and respectful of women and LGBTQ+ people, and that they value and appreciate them. They also imply that the listeners should embrace and celebrate their identity and diversity, and that they should not be ashamed or afraid of them. This tone and content is not only progressive and positive, but also relevant and meaningful. It reflects the reality and diversity of the society, and it inspires and empowers the listeners.
This change in pop music shows that it is possible and necessary to change it again regarding materialism and consumerism. Pop music has proven that it can evolve and improve with the times, and that it can respond and contribute to the social and cultural issues of the day.
Pop music has also shown that it has a responsibility and an opportunity to use its influence for good, and to promote positive and meaningful messages that can inspire and empower the listeners.
Therefore, pop music should change its tone and content regarding materialism and consumerism, and it should create more songs that value love and happiness over money and possessions, and that reflect the essence and spirit of pop music.
4. Pop Music and Gen Z’s Sadness.
How pop music today is related to the sadness and depression that Gen Z’s favorite songs express, and what this reveals about the psychological and emotional effects of materialism and consumerism?
The final aspect of pop music today that I want to explore is how it is related to the sadness and depression that Gen Z’s favorite songs express, and what this reveals about the psychological and emotional effects of materialism and consumerism.
Gen Z, or the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is the most diverse and connected generation in history, but also the most stressed and anxious one.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 91% of Gen Z adults reported feeling symptoms of stress, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability, in the past month. Gen Z also reported the lowest average happiness score among all generations, and the highest rate of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
One of the ways that Gen Z copes with their stress and sadness is through music, and specifically through their “bag playlists” of sad songs. Spotify’s data shows that Gen Z’s top search globally is “sad”, and that the listening to sad playlists is up 45% year over year.
Some of these songs include “Good 4 You” by Olivia Rodrigo, “10 Things I Hate About You” by Tate McRae, “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Happier than Ever” by Billie Eilish, “I Hate You I Love You” by Gnash, and “Traitor” by Olivia Rodrigo.
These songs are all breakup bangers that express the pain and anger of losing someone you love, and they resonate with Gen Z’s feelings and experiences.
But why are Gen Z so drawn to sad songs, and what does this have to do with materialism and consumerism? Dr. Michael Bonshor, a music psychology expert, explains that there are several reasons why Gen Z listens to sad music.
– First, sad music helps them to regulate their emotions, by providing a safe and cathartic outlet for their negative feelings.
– Second, sad music helps them to empathize with others, by creating a sense of connection and understanding with the artists and the fans who share their sadness.
– Third, sad music helps them to reflect on their lives, by offering a perspective and a narrative that can help them make sense of their problems and challenges.
However, sad music can also have some drawbacks, especially if it is influenced by materialism and consumerism. If pop music constantly portrays money and possessions as the symbols and sources of happiness and success, it can create a false and unrealistic expectation for Gen Z, who may feel inadequate and dissatisfied with their lives.
It can also make them more vulnerable and dependent on external factors, such as their relationships, their social media, and their peers, for their self-esteem and well-being. It can also make them more prone to depression and anxiety, if they lose or fail to achieve these things.
Therefore, pop music today should be more balanced and diverse, and it should offer more alternatives and solutions for Gen Z’s sadness and depression. Pop music should not only express and validate their negative emotions, but also inspire and empower them to overcome them.
Pop music should also not only promote materialism and consumerism, but also encourage them to find other sources of happiness and fulfillment, such as their passions, their hobbies, their goals, and their values. Pop music should also not only feature sad songs, but also more uplifting and optimistic songs, that can boost their mood and motivation.
Some of the ways that Gen Z can cope with their sadness and depression, besides listening to music, are:
– Finding alternative sources of happiness and fulfillment, such as their passions, their hobbies, their goals, and their values. These can provide them with a sense of purpose, meaning, and joy, that are not dependent on money and possessions.
– Seeking professional help, such as counseling, therapy, or medication, if they are struggling with their mental health. These can provide them with the support, guidance, and treatment that they need, and help them to overcome their challenges and improve their well-being.
– Listening to more uplifting and optimistic songs, that can boost their mood and motivation. These can provide them with a positive and hopeful outlook, that can help them to cope with their problems and achieve their dreams.
Conclusion.
In this article, I have argued that pop music today is too focused on promoting materialism and consumerism, and that this has negative effects on the listeners and the society.
I have compared and contrasted the pop music of today with the older songs that celebrated love and happiness over money and possessions, and I have explored the possible reasons and consequences of this shift.
I have also discussed how the music industry has changed its tone before, especially regarding sexism and homophobia, and how it can change it again regarding materialism and consumerism.
Finally, I have examined how pop music today is related to the sadness and depression that Gen Z’s favorite songs express, and what this reveals about the psychological and emotional effects of materialism and consumerism.
Pop music is a powerful and influential medium, and it can shape the values and culture of different generations. Therefore, it is important that pop music conveys positive and meaningful messages, that value love and happiness over money and possessions, and that reflect the essence and spirit of pop music.
Pop music should also be more diverse and creative, and it should feature more songs that are innovative, diverse, and meaningful. Pop music should also be more inclusive and respectful, and it should celebrate and appreciate the diversity and identity of the artists and the listeners.
I urge the artists, the listeners, and the industry to be more aware and critical of the messages and values that pop music conveys, and to seek more diversity and creativity in pop music.
I also encourage the readers to share their own opinions and experiences with pop music, and to explore other genres and styles of music that may suit their tastes and preferences better. Pop music is not just a genre of music, but a way of life, and it can make a difference in the world.
5W1H
For the first paragraph, about how pop music today differs from the older songs that celebrated love and happiness over money and possessions, and why this matters, here are some questions:
– What are some of the older songs that you like or remember that valued love and happiness over money and possessions?
– Where do you usually listen to pop music, and how does it affect your mood and behavior?
– When did you first notice the difference between pop music today and the older songs, and what was your reaction?
– Why do you think pop music today is so focused on promoting materialism and consumerism, and what are the consequences of this message for the listeners and the society?
– Who is Cheno Conor, and what did she say and do about the materialism and corruption of the music industry?
– How do you feel when you listen to pop music today, compared to the older songs?
– How do you think pop music today influences the values and culture of the listeners and the society?
– How do you think pop music today can improve its message and quality, and make it more positive and original?
– How do you think the Grammys can recognize and reward the songs that do not brag about buying things, and make it more fair and relevant?
– How do you think Cheno Conor’s statement and suggestion for the Grammys affected the music industry and the pop culture?
For the second paragraph, about how pop music today is influenced by the racial and historical factors that shape some artists’ choices, and how this affects the representation and diversity of pop culture, here are some questions:
– What are some of the racial and historical factors that have influenced some artists of color in pop music, and how do they express their identity and culture in their music?
– Where do you learn about the experiences and struggles of the artists of color in pop music, and how do you empathize and relate with them?
– When do you think pop music became more inclusive and respectful of women and LGBTQ+ people, and what were some of the songs that celebrated and supported them?
– Why do you think some artists of color may feel the need to flaunt their wealth and status, and how does this affect the representation and diversity of pop culture?
– Who are some of the artists of color that you admire and respect in pop music, and what are some of their songs that you enjoy and appreciate?
– How do you appreciate and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the artists of color in pop music, and how do you support and empower them?
– How do you learn from and relate to the experiences and struggles of the artists of color in pop music, and how do you empathize and understand them?
– How do you think pop music today can be more mindful and responsible of the racial and historical factors that shape some artists’ choices, and how can it avoid stereotypes and expectations that are unrealistic or harmful?
– How do you think pop music today can be more inclusive and respectful of women and LGBTQ+ people, and how can it feature more songs that celebrate and support them?
– How do you think pop music today can encourage and support the dialogue and collaboration among the artists of color and with other artists, and how can it create more diversity and harmony in pop culture?
For the third paragraph, about how pop music today has changed its tone before, especially regarding sexism and homophobia, and how this shows that it is possible and necessary to change it again regarding materialism and consumerism, here are some questions:
– What are some of the songs that were sexist and homophobic in the past, and how did they objectify and degrade women and LGBTQ+ people?
– Where do you think the sexism and homophobia in pop music came from, and how did it reflect and influence the values and culture of the society?
– When did pop music change its tone and content regarding sexism and homophobia, and what were some of the factors and events that contributed to this change?
– Why do you think pop music should change its tone and content again regarding materialism and consumerism, and what are some of the benefits and challenges of this change?
– Who are some of the artists that have used their influence for good, and have promoted positive and meaningful messages in pop music?
– How do you remember and react to the songs that were sexist and homophobic in the past, and how did they affect you and the society?
– How do you think pop music changed its tone and content regarding sexism and homophobia, and what were the factors and events that contributed to this change?
– How do you think pop music improved its quality and diversity by changing its tone and content regarding sexism and homophobia, and how did it inspire and empower you and the society?
– How do you think pop music can change its tone and content again regarding materialism and consumerism, and what are the benefits and challenges of this change?
– How do you think pop music can use its influence for good, and promote positive and meaningful messages that can inspire and empower the listeners and the society?
For the fourth paragraph, about how pop music today is related to the sadness and depression that Gen Z’s favorite songs express, and what this reveals about the psychological and emotional effects of materialism and consumerism, here are some questions:
– What are some of the sad songs that Gen Z likes to listen to, and how do they express their pain and anger?
– Where do you think Gen Z’s sadness and depression come from, and how do they cope with their stress and anxiety?
– When do you listen to sad music, and how does it help you to regulate your emotions, empathize with others, and reflect on your life?
– Why do you think materialism and consumerism are related to Gen Z’s sadness and depression, and what are some of the false and unrealistic expectations that they create?
– Who are some of the people or resources that can help Gen Z with their sadness and depression, and what are some of the alternatives and solutions that they can offer?
– How do you cope with your sadness and depression, and what are the sources and solutions that you find helpful and effective?
– How do you think pop music helps or hurts your sadness and depression, and what are the songs that you listen to and how do they affect you?
– How do you think materialism and consumerism are related to your sadness and depression, and what are the false and unrealistic expectations that they create for you and the society?
– How do you think pop music can offer more alternatives and solutions for your sadness and depression, and what are the songs that you would like to listen to and how would they help you?
– How do you think pop music can reflect and appreciate the reality and diversity of your generation, and what are the songs that you would like to create and share with others?
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and that you learned something new and useful about pop music and materialism. If you did, please show your support by liking, sharing, and following this article. Your feedback and engagement are very important and appreciated. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more articles on pop culture and society.
Tâm Pacific
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