Due
to an increase of drinking references in top chart songs, the issue of whether
or not pop songs need to reduce the number of drinking references in their song
lyrics has taken place. In
Jackie Sinnerton’s article ‘Teens Safe Drinking Messages Drowned Out By Boozy Pop
Songs And Videos From Pink, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga’ written in The Sunday Mail on
the 6th of October 2013, it is contended that alcoholic references in pop songs should be
stopped. Sinnerton
employs a concerned yet emotional tone to encourage parents to become aware of
the negative impact of these songs on their children and to act together to
stop these bad influences. Accompanying Sinnerton’s
article is an image. The image shows a young girl sitting against the wall and
she is surrounded by pills and alcohol bottles. Contending that these music
videos are causing the youth to drink which is damaging their health and even
causing further issues such as drugs. In response to Sinnerton's article the Herald Sun published a letter-to-the-editor by Eddie Murphy titled 'Ooops we did it again.' Murphy's article contends that it is parents who need to be responsible for embedding safe drinking messages in their children.
Sinnerton
argues that pop songs are influencing the youth to drink excessively. Sinnerton
opens with referencing to famous pop artists by listing singers such as ‘Katy
Perry’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ in her title. By listing these popular artists, parents
who are aware of their children’s love for popular music will become aware of
the negative impact of these songs on their innocent young ones. The
author goes on to use the emotive words ‘pervasive’ and ‘dangerous’ to describe the
threats of alcohol marketing to kids, these words could cause parents to feel
concerned, worried and responsible for their own children’s health and future.
Sinnerton also draws the reader’s attention to an image which she has
accompanied, the image shows a young girl who is surrounded by not only drinks
but drugs and pills which shows the further negative and life changing impacts
of bad drinking habits that are being mentioned in the lyrics of top chart
songs. The unnoticeable face in the image simply encourages parents to replace
the obscured face of the young girl with their own children and to make them
aware that chances of this happening to their own kids is quite high according
to these pop songs and what they contend. Conversely Murphy argues that rather than pop songs influencing children it is the lack of parenting that is leading to dangerous drinking among children. Murphy draws upon the connotations of the words 'pervasive' and 'dangerous' linking them into the 'inaction' of parents whilst also drawing a limit on potential of the pop-songs of danger. The use of the word 'inaction' positions readers to acknowledge that pop-songs are only 'pervasive' and 'dangerous' if facilitated by a lack of action.
Sinnerton asserts that these songs are almost playing
everywhere and it is out of parents hands to control. She appeals to insecurity by stating that
these songs are playing in ‘public places’ which suggests that children’s
security is at risk and there is nothing parents can do about it. This will
make parents feel worried about the security and freedom of their children in
public that’s being threatened by these songs. Then she uses the adjective of a ‘worried’ mom
that’s aware of the negative impacts of pop tracks that her young son listens
to and that she also finds it hard to avoid when they are being played in public.
This will engage the reader and encourage them to take action as they know they
are not the only mothers or parents that have a problem with these songs. Sinnerton
also enlists a call to action by employing the words ‘I would welcome any moves
to limit the exposure to young children’ from Trina Moloney who is also a
mother. By using this call to action the reader is motivated to take
responsibility as parents for this issue and are encouraged to come together as
one. In response Murphy acknowledges the pervasiveness of pop-music when arguing that the ultimate power is in the hands of parents. Murphy is able to empower parent readers by suggesting 'the dial rests in your hands.' Murphy positions parents to recognize their role as protectors, encouraging parents to desire to actively protect their children. Both Murphy and Sinnerton play on the fears of parents. However where Sinnerton places blame on pop-music Murphy is able to position readers to reflect upon their own role as parents and the place they take in ensuring the safety of their own children.
Sinnerton closes by contending that these teens are the leaders of the future and need to be protected from the songs. Sinnerton draws the reader’s attention to an image which she has accompanied, the image shows a young girl who is surrounded by not only drinks but drugs and pills which shows the further negative and life changing impacts of bad drinking habits that are being mentioned in the lyrics of top chart songs. The obscured face in the image simply encourages parents to replace the face of the young girl with their own children and to make them aware that chances of this happening to their own kids is quite high according to these pop songs and what they contend. Similarly Murphy argues that teens are the future, but that they should be guided towards making responsible, informed decisions. Murphy uses words such as 'inspiring' 'hope' and 'belief' to describe his experience listening to pop-music. He uses his experience as a leader of a church to illustrate the positive power pop music can have on children's lives. Murphy positions readers to recognize his authority as a leader of young people and to want to support his potential to do good in the community.
Sinnerton argues that alcoholic references in boozy
pop songs should be stopped. In employing an authoritative yet emotional tone
Sinnerton concerns parents and makes them aware about the bad drinking
influences of these songs on their children so therefore they consider the
impact of these songs and what it could end up doing to their children. Sinnerton
leaves the reader feeling a sense of worry and responsibility towards their
children’s health and future and are encouraged to act now and protect not only
their kids but the innocent youth in general.
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