I’m surprised and dismayed that there seems to be a general notion in some quarters, that the preponderance of loud music in our communities is a legitimate part of our culture. Frankly, I don’t accept that premise and feel that those who do are selling out our proud heritage and supporting a form of cultural prostitution. Harsh words, yes – but how else to respond to the harsh reality being faced every day by those of us who suffer from the merciless bombardment of boom-box music and other noises.
I refuse to believe that the majority in our strong Christian society actually endorses unnecessarily loud music which interferes with the peace and quiet of those who need it. Yet I am aware that cultural prostitution is becoming a major problem here.
This may not seem like much of a shock to many people since so many other forms of prostitution have already been well established in our communities. But at least most of the other forms are well hidden, or somewhat under cover, so to speak. Loud music on the other hand, is blatantly exposed, nakedly displayed from cars, bars various shops, street corners and other places – even from the fronts of private dwellings. Those who accept unnecessarily loud music as “part of our culture,” are allowing and encouraging the prostitution and contamination of our culture by unwholesome elements.
Why should we cater to the lowest and most debasing forms of human expression and ignore or allow the erosion of more valuable forms of refinement, enlightenment and enrichment. What is the thinking behind this; the rationale?
I believe that the popularity of unnecessary loudness in our community should be seen not as a legitimate part of our culture, but as an unfortunate anomaly, an aberration which prostitutes and cheapens our precious cultural image. Surely we ought to be projecting something much better than that as our primary cultural expression. But unfortunately, the guardians, trustees and promoters of our cultural heritage, all seem to be sound asleep (get it?) like a bunch of Rip Van Winkles, and twice as hard to arouse.
The resulting tawdry boom-box phenomenon that has sprung up with its cancerous spread, has infected many areas and brought discomfort and misery to many victims, while its agents cavort and aggressively pursue their vicious agenda.
I’m trying to do what I can to awaken the Rip Van Winkles from their slumbers, but I sure could use some help. If you’d like to join the anti-noise campaign, please call Amba Trott at 469-1424 or 765-3559. Maybe we can have a revolution and get rid of some of the cultural prostitution that destroys the peace and quiet and diminishes the quality of life for so many of us.
