Before class ended today we had been discussing music, and its effect on war. We likened the effectiveness of listening to music in battle, to running or doing a sport while listening.
I totally agree that music does aid some people when they are running or doing a difficult task, but most of the sports we mentioned were not team activities. We referred generally to snowboarding and running, neither of which have a direct need for camaraderie.
This year during crew we are no longer allowed to listen to our ipods while we run, and we listen to a CD player/radio as a team when we are on the ergs. At first, people were really upset. I always used to run with my ipod, and I dreaded running without it. However, as the weeks went by, our team bond began to grow. We started talking while we ran which strengthened our lungs, and the team started to function as a productive unit.
This is all speculation, but perhaps some of the camaraderie and brotherhood is lost when soldiers are off in their own little world trying to disassociate themselves from their actions. You always hear about the deep bonds between men who fought in
Another interesting topic I figured I would mention is the effect of music when it is AGAINST war. A perfect example would be
3 comments:
There is no question that music can provide an adrenaline rush that is helpful for activities such as athletic competition and combat. I researched the use of music in the Iraq war and found out about a 2004 documentary titled "Soundtrack to War". The film consists of interviews with soldiers about the music that they listen to during missions. Not surprisingly, favorites included AC/DC and Jay-Z. A more intersting issue presented was the idea of war becoming like a video game, which we touched upon in class. Although removing combatants from the reality of war might have serious consequences, I don't think that it necessarily would cause a signifigant drop in camraderie. After going through difficult training and risking their lives together, I think that soldiers still will feel strong connections to each other. Again, this is speculation, and we might have to wait some time before an accurate conclusion could be made. Soldiers from World War II still gather together with their units. Sixty years from now, if Iraq war veterans still meet with their fellow soldiers, we could make a more definite assessment of the effect that music has on soldiers.
To answer your question, I think that patriotic songs are more effective. While anti-war songs attract a loyal following, the number of people actually moved by the music is low relative to the general population. Patriotic music, on the other hand, can inspire nationalism in the masses of a country, especially when it is endorsed by the government and introduced at a young age.
I think I agree that patriotic songs are more effective. They are learned at an age when we don't necessarily have an opinion about politics.
Plus even people who are anti-war still sing patriotic songs to support the troops.
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