Listening to rock music is a community. This group is a community because of the type of music they listen to. Everyone who listens to rock music has a bond. I can go up to a stranger, ask what kind of music they listen to and if it is rock music, like I listen to, then we will immediately have something in common and something to talk about. Even though we are are strangers we are part of the same community. We are part of a community that listens to rock music.
The community of "rockers" is held together by a love for rock music. It is held together by an appreciation for musical talent and variety. Some rock music has deep meaning behind it, and some is meant for just banging your head too. Whichever it is, we all love and cherish it. It is a part of our lives.
Alot of times "rockers" will share similar interests. Alot of times they tend to enjoy going to concerts, playing a musical instrument, playing rock band or guitar hero and listening to rock music. They seem to have the idea that rock music can take you somewhere you have never been before. Others have the idea that as Jack Black says in the movie, "School of Rock" we are "sticking it to the man!". Most "rockers" despise rap music. They may feel it is a disgrace that it is even called music, since no one is ever playing an instrument. If you listen to rock music you tend to have friends that listen to rock music. That is just they way that communities work.
Sometimes it can be difficult for the community of people listening to rock music. They are labeled "devil worshippers" and "goths". Well, I am neither of those things, but I could never live without rock music. When I am tired and feeling down in the morning, I pop in a little Disturbed or Mushroomhead to get me going. I understand that that music is not for everyone. I do also not understand how rap music is for anyone. The separation of "rappers" and "rockers" is a significant one in our society. You could see two groups of kids standing on the street corner and immediately pick out who is who. The "rappers" probably have their hats on sideways, wearing baggy jeans, with the possibility of gold chains around their necks. The "rockers" will most likely have shirts with band names on them and darker clothes with maybe some skull accessories. What a difference! It is a difficult contrast between the two communities and makes it difficult for both to survive. Not only are people who listen to rock music a part of a community, but they are shaping their identity through that community.
There are ways that I fit in with this community and there are ways that I do not. I do listen to rock music, I do own a few shirts with band names, I do have some skull accessories, I do not like rap music and I do appreciate the beauty of a musical instrument. I do not just listen to rock music. I enjoy the blues, jazz and other varieties. I do not always wear dark clothing. I rarely go to concerts (to expensive) and I am not "gothic" or a "devil worshipper". I do have a love and appreciation for rock music. I value the appreciation that these other "rockers" have for their music. I am proud to discuss the different kind of musicians, instruments and lyrics that are used in rock music. I do not like the labels that are put on such a community as this. I would probably not label myself as a rocker, although I respect those that do. I think I do not fully fit into the role, but I will always share the same love for rock music and that is what makes me apart of this community.
Emily Osnes
