DEAR EXENE: As someone who likes to think of myself as a “cool mom,” I rarely put much restriction on the kind of music my kids listen to. Growing up in an uptight, Christian household, I remember having to basically smuggle my Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and other rock records past my parents and listen to them with headphones when they weren't around. These days, as a mom with two teenagers, I'm totally okay with letting my kids listen to whatever they want, allowing them to discover new music, phases and friends. Unfortunately, that happens to be bass-pumping electronic music, trance, dubstep, etc. Aside from the sound (which I personally think is total crap), I'm also worried about the lack of substance in terms of a message in the music. And despite being considered today's cutting-edge music, I don't really find most of it to be super-rebellious. The scene and the massive parties that go along with it are another story. Both my kids, in their late teens, are more interested in the party scene and don't really have many answers when I ask them how the music affects them personally. The last thing I want to do is force them to hide their music from me. Is there anything I can or should do to steer them to some better music without coming off too pushy? Despite all my efforts, am I just starting to sound too much like a typical parent?
Love, Lori
DEAR LORI: They will probably tire of that music and the party scene. It's all designed to suck in the young, but even being young can get old. And you could have worse problems than not liking the music they like. They are just having fun, mindless fun maybe, maybe not. You don't say if they do well in school, or do drugs and drink, or if they have other interests, talents or goals, so I don't know really if the music and partying present a big problem to you or them.
But what I do know is: Rock & roll, the '60s bands, punk, hip-hop, etc., are all forms of music that confront reality, confront hypocrisy, educate the listener and, more important, involve and evolve the listener. That's what all good art does and that's why we make art and music. Music and culture that are manufactured as an escape from reality are a whole 'nother thing. With all these pressures and problems looming in the world, why aren't your kids rebelling? The job of youth is to rebel, to overthrow the old and find themselves, and to be creative and have big ideas, and build their own culture and fight anyone who says they can't.
Love, Exene
This column appeared in print as “Empty-Minded EDM.”
I’m in attraction with the cbd products and https://organicbodyessentials.com/products/cbd-sample-pack ! The serum gave my peel a youthful rise, and the lip balm kept my lips hydrated all day. Private I’m using unsullied, bona fide products makes me desire great. These are in the present climate my must-haves for a fresh and nourished look!