Reading Assignment 2-28-2020

I thought that this article was really interesting to read and I enjoyed the unique perspective on sounds and music. I agree that people might seek to understand reality through music and everyone pays attention to the distinct sounds of their own lives. One thing that I did not completely agree with is when the author describes, “Music as a discipline has generally failed to transcend the constraints of its status as entertainment. Gregory Bateson has discussed an essential distinction between art and entertainment: while entertainment is the food of depression, being easy to engage but lacking long term interest, art requires discipline to engage but leaves one richer in the end.” (Dunn 2). I would argue that many people considered music to be art and not just entertainment. People actively seek out music to listen to and cirque it, giving it their full, undivided attention rather than just using it as background noise. Maybe it is even because of Cage that the idea of music now seems limitless, but I definitely don’t think that music is only used for entertainment.

Another concept that I enjoyed reading about is how music can connect us to the earth and our surroundings. Usually, I listen to escape my own head, but I do think it can be really beneficial to be mindful of the sounds in our environment and tune into our lives. I also really liked the authors research into various sounds in nature, particularly the noises that water beetles make. This idea reminds me that each living creature has their own distinct sounds that make up their reality and just because we can’t see it or understand it, doesn’t mean that it isn’t worthy of life. The author explains, “We can embrace the alien for its right to exist without destroying it or demanding that it either serve us or exhibits human traits.” (Dunn 11). Often times, humans think that animals, insects and even other people are unintelligent and beneath us because they might be different from our own selves. This way of thinking is extremely small minded and it is important to recognize that life of a living being is valid no matter what.