Bridging Cultural Divides Through Music

Although many people believe that birds are the only animals that sing, science shows that this is not the case.  All kinds creatures, both large and small, perform vocalizations that could be considered as song.  Whales, one of the largest mammals on earth, sing to their offspring and to each other. Gibbon monkeys, who mate for life, often sing duets as something of an identifier.  Even certain species of squirrels sing to ward off predators.  These vocalizations act as a form of communication that can convey a myriad of ideals and thoughts to other creatures.  Without the ability to form words, these animals intentions are made clear, and in many cases, are well respected.

Man can learn a thing or two from the animal kingdom, as it would appear that song can be utilized as a language that can be understood by anyone.  In a way, we have mastered the art of communication in this regard via vehicles like opera.  Even if one doesn’t speak a word of Italian, one can be moved by the emotions conveyed on stage by the talented actors. We can apply these methods to reach across the aisle and foster understanding in different lands.  While many people believe that these types of ideals are fanciful at best, teaching the world to sing in perfect harmony is an ideal whose time has come. What can be a nobler or more worthy challenge for a musician than using their talent to affect positive change? By taking a page from nature itself, we can use music to take down the barriers that have kept the world apart.  In this way, we can take a brave step forward towards a future free of the dark animosities that we currently accept as an inherent aspect of human behavior.

James Webster

I totaly agree with this statement. I once went to the Phantom of the Opera play and it was all in French. I absolutely loved every second of the show, despite not being able to understand a single word. And believe me if someone asks, I know exactly what this play was about. In a similar way I have also been to quite a few concerts in foreign countries and well, the fact that I don't speak the language did not prevent me from enjoying them.

Christy

You are absolutely right James. Another clear example is Sigur Ross. I mean these guys have virtually come up with their own language. Perhaps now I understand why they did this... A very interesting and insightful thought indeed.

Mars 2000

What I enjoy reading about this blog is that it is an eye-opener, honest and beautifully written. There is a mysterious power of music that even animals can convey a message through music. It made me realize that music is used to symbolize a connection between all things and all people. Thus, bridging the gap between different cultures and beliefs.

Constantine

The film 'August Rush' can truly relate with this article. The heart of the story is how we respond and connect through music. It is about a young boy who believes that he's going to find his parents through his music. I'm a musician and I agree that music brings peace and harmony and can make the world a better place to live inspite of different languages.

stranger

I conform. Animals echo their behavioral pattern much better when exposed to music. I have my observation with my dog. Everytime I played music, the kind of music he always hear, he gets along with the melody. he's like singing too. I can't explain it any futher but I believe that music links the gap between humans and animals as well.

Tiny Tina

Interesting facts you have there. I've been a member of performing arts guild in my school. Members of the group composed of different backgrounds but we manage to connect with each other through the creative arts and music we love. Music really help us bring down the barriers in regard to different languages and cultures.

logan

I appreciate with what you have written here. Listening to multicultural music allows me to value different culture and feel the connection of the song even if I don't understand a word or two. It's the rhythm, the melody, the instruments played that offer positive results. For instance, it leads me to curiousity and wants to study and learn about their language.

Dalrymple

You have mention about opera as an art of communication which is very true. I'm an opera fanatic and I have faith that performing arts can bring human beings closer to each other. Art simply has enabled a human being to explore, question, and make sense of not only the individual self but also the culture in which one lives.

Lancelot

This is something I can connect with. Animals and Opera have one common denominator: Music. Indeed, music is a universal language. It is able to transcend the arbitrary boundaries that humans devise to separate themselves from others. I'm hoping that people will realize how effective music can possibly offer a means to bridge political, ethnic, and religious divides.

anastacia

Citing my experience, our public art group is rich with different cultures. Most of the members are clueless about the other members' cultures, and they have negative views. However, things started to change when the group started to do something together that they both passionately cared about, even if sharing a music stand in the orchestra with someone from that cultural group.

earnest

If there's anyone here who is an advocate for bridging cultural conflicts through music, then I would be the number one. I met my fiancee in a band concert. She lives in a foreign land. We have different cultures and different backgrounds but we both shared similar interest in music. That's how music works in my life. Love this article.

the psalmist

A perfect attempt of unifying diverse groups. Music and art performances showcase the importance to know different people groups. Watching cultural plays made me realized that there are more similarities than differences. It helps me to learn about and appreciate the musical traditions of other countries. Reading literatures can also provoke us from thinking of ourselves and others.

Me_Me

I think that art was given to us for this very purpose -- to help us get past our differences. I don't know if we can do it, at least, perhaps not in out lifetime, but it is worthy endeavor...

One Love

I saw a you tube video one where musicians were singing in a language I didn't understand but the beauty of the music and the song brought me to tears. If music does not have the power to bridge divides I don't know what else can.

African Dancer

I love cultural plays and I took a friend of mine who was not of African descent to see one with me. he was surprised at how universal the theme was. There are so many misconceptions abut other races that could be dispelled through artistic enterprises.

Art Maven

If people would get outside of their comfort zones they would see the rich diversity that exists in the world--and how this diversity enriches and teaches us. I live in the South and there are still so many people who believe in the separation of the races -- they do not understand how this actually hurts humanity in the end.

Artsy Dartsy

I know--these same people have all these stereotyped ideas about other groups and races and don't know a thing about the culture because they don't hang out with anyone from it. That is why it is a good idea to showcase positive films and not those that keep the stereotypes going.

Art Maven

Theater is a great place to cultivate cultural ideals through art. Plays tend to look at various types of ideals from diverse, cultural viewpoints.

African Dancer

Dance classes are also a good place to cross the divide when you think about it--and there are so many different styles and types--even fusions that bring different styles together. You can learn a lot about a culture just in the way they moved and interpreted music through dance.

Eric C.

I like how this post talks about how man can learn a thing or two from animals. We tend to have this arrogant perception that we are so much more evolved than lower beasts so much so that we even humanize them--but animals can teach us about taking life as it is and staying in tune with nature and fellow creatures.

Laureli

I have seen animals make art, sometimes intentionally and other times unintentionally--I think they have their own specialized way of teaching us humans how art should be utilized in the fact that they don't feel the need to critique--they simply do what they feel...

DiCarpio

Right. This is truly thought provoking. People, through music and arts, learn tolerance, respect, attitudes, and values of people of other cultures. Art mediums like theater, fosters in individuals the capacity to appreciate diversity, sensitizes students to the feeling of others, and helps them understand individual differences. In conclusion, it bridges the gap that has already been existed ages ago.

Big Wheel

But why does the gap exist--what caused it? was it because other cultures can be so different from ones own -- or that people look different--act different--speak differently? what is this about the unfamiliar that makes man so afraid? Seems we should be embracing exploration as a part of our nature.

Parallel Universe

Even within ones own culture we can fear change. Think about it--every revolution, from civil rights to woman’s suffrage was met with bloodshed and violence. We automatically want to resist anything new or different--but during those turbulent times music, theater, art put a face on movements to place it in perspective people understood.

Laureli

well, I suppose fear is a natural thing--it can be good, for example, to fear dangerous things that can kill us, like raging lions -- I just wish there was a way to eradicate irrational fear. Is there a way to do that without destroying the survival instinct?

Parallel Universe

Probably won't change much--maybe not in our lifetimes at least. But I am hopeful that we are moving in the right direction, if we do not of course, go backwards in history. Lets keep our eyes forward --

African Dancer

There are far too many people who will make sure we do not forget history. There are those who will want to silence those voices, because those dark aspects make them uncomfortable, but as long as we remember we will evolve as a race -- the human race

Equestian

Amen to that! I hate it when I hear people say they want people to keep silent about historical things. Dark subjects should make you feel uncomfortable -- someone once said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it and this is true.

Laureli

I know, right, this is why I love the idea of using art or music to paint a retrospective of where we have been and where we are going. That type of thing can be very compelling.

April

I would definitely pay to see something like that! I really enjoy cultural things that can bring humanity together as a race and not as separate entities. It is such a blessing that God gave us the ability to learn and grow with one another via the arts.

Jack Frost

Quite a nice site you folks have here and i am really enjoying reading all thee posts. I also enjoy talkign to fellow artists. You're right--if anything can shape and mold the world and bring it together it is art! That is why it is important to keep it pure and honest free of corporate greed...

Laureli

Hi Jack--if you don't mind me asking--what kind of art do you create?

Jack Frost

Mostly portraits and landscapes--painting and acrylics. Not masterpieces mind you but I gretaly enjoy what I am doing.

Laureli

All art pieces are masterpieces -- don't be so hard on yourself! I love dabbling in paints myself but I like oils. They are hard to work with though and you can't make any glaring mistakes. A friend of mine has been trying to get me into tempura.

Jack Frost

I used tempura and it is great although it has its own minor problems. try it out!

Rainne

There are so many people who wish to keep us angry and afraid. I think some guy was talking about how he didn't want to belong to the world or something. I hate politics so I do not remember who he was. But I am like, hey, we all belong to the world and shutting that out is what is killing us as a race.

Serendipity

i agree--we need one another. we have to continue to try to reach out even when it is hard to do. only the immature and the frightened do not understand the need to find common ground. we do not need to take these folks lead, in fact, we should ignore them and continue to press on towards peace using any means necessary--including art.

The Spiritualist

Some people do not understand and let fear lead them. Art is the one thing we have that even those who freak out about our differences can find solace in art--if they are open to the idea of it...

Jan

Я высоко оцениваю то,что вы написали. Прослушивая музыку разных народов,я начинаю понимать ценности различных культур, ощущать связь с песней даже если слова мне непонятны - это ее ритм,мелодия,энергетика. В конце концов все это пробуждает у меня интерес,хочется узнать их язык,историю,уклад жизни людей...

Ignecius

Yeah, It's the rhythm, the melody, the instruments played that offer positive results. For instance, it leads me to curiousity and wants to study and learn about their language