*PLEASE NOTE: this is an OPINION. Please try to read it with an open mind. *
In November 2011, the musical world was shook to its core once again when the metal-core (a sub-genre of metal) band Motionless in White released their music video “Immaculate Misconception”.
While the moral of the song is to be true to and stand up for yourself against all odds-a philosophy that has become an issue in recent years- much of the public saw it differently. All they saw was the singer, Chris “Motionless”, costumed as Jesus Christ. The public (primarily consisted of devout, outspoken Christians) were in a total uproar. However, the interpretation is lost in translation.
The intention of the video was “to basically parallel the 2 time periods of our band and all the open minded people in the world’s present day life and the time period of Jesus’ life and show how similar they are.” Explains Chris Motionless, on tumblr.com (November 2011).
Though Motionless in White is not the first rock or metal band to release a shock factor; in this day in age, they definitely left an impression on people’s minds, as well as my own.
When I saw this video, I thought “this makes sense; we’re really not so different, despite the obvious cultural evolutions.” It also made me think about how closed minded some people are when it comes to music, especially genres that constantly go against the grain and typically go in deep in the human psyche.
Rock and metal have always been ostracized by the public since the reign of Elvis Presley. But some forget how some other genres, like rap and hip-hop for instance, are also criticized. The classic motto of rock is “drugs, sex and rock ‘n roll” (considered by many as a negative and almost sinful way to live and think) and for hip-hop/rap, they’re typically related to drugs, sex and violence.
Drugs and sex bring about a point that people forget: drugs are ways to escape harsh reality and sex is human nature, no matter how recreational it may seem today.
Truthfully, drugs and sex are just muses to create some of the (what I personally consider) best music out there, though there are plenty of straight-edge musicians that keep everything raw and untainted. But it’s all relatable, if you give it a chance and listen closely to the lyrics.
As for country and pop, they’re almost considered to be “holier-then-thou” when it comes to song popularity and the artists’ image. If it’s catchy and doesn’t involve anything sinful, it’s considered a hit. If it’s opposite, then it’s not.
It should be simple, right?
Except for the little rebellious creature that tends to sneak up on us, especially when it comes to music.
Think of this as a Star Wars movie: pop and country are considered to be the Republic, with the good and powerful Jedi Knights while rock and rap are the “dark side”, the Trade Federation, with the not so good Jedi Knights.
Yet, the devout fans of these scrutinized, negative genres have consistently reported that rock and rap have “saved their lives”. Sure, that might be an extreme way to say “I love this music”, but the point is, these fans felt the positive pulses through their headphones.
Let’s elaborate on a comment made earlier in this piece: go in deep in the human psyche. I’m not saying that pop and country don’t create deeply emotional music, it’s actually not in their forte. Maybe one song is in every album, but not the entire idea. With rock and rap, however, that’s the whole reason that the genre is a genre. Rock and rap create emotional, verbal pieces of art that speak to people.
Of course, art is up to interpretation. Just as “Immaculate Misconception” is up for interpretation. A classic case of “in the eyes of the beholder”, though I guess it could be “in the ears of the beholder”. Mood: Opinionated Music: Motionless In White
SORRY that I ask for band merch every once in a while instead of $500 dresses.
SORRY that I want to go to a concert maybe once every two months instead of partying every weekend.
SORRY that I spend my money on skinny jeans instead of drugs like so many other teens.
SORRY that I spend a lot of time in my room on my laptop instead of out getting drunk and hooking up with randoms.
SORRY that I sometimes ask to go to as friend's house instead of just up and leaving without warning.
SORRY that I cover my bedroom walls with posters of bands instead of shirtless guys.
SORRY that I wear skinny jeans and hoodies out instead of short shorts and t-shirts that could practically be a bra.
SORRY that I blast music instead of trying to sneak out to clubs.
SORRY THAT I'M NOT WHAT EVERYONE EXPECTS TEENS TO BE LIKE THESE DAYS.
