Why Metal Music Does Not Create Violence in Teenagers

Loud, aggressive, and fast, metal music has been accepted worldwide as an acceptable genre of music. Yet, some people cannot comprehend a genre of music that thrives on being the horror movie of music, and purposefully creates controversy at nearly every turn. “The media has irresponsibly finger-pointed” (Sterngold). One of the most recent examples of metal being blamed for a national tragedy was in the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Here, a song by Drowning Pool was blamed as the sole motivator for the shootings. However, the most prolific example of the media irresponsibly finger-pointing at metal music has to be the case of Columbine. After the Columbine shootings, the authorities placed sole blame on Marilyn Manson and his music for the shootings suggesting that Manson’s music, or his fans, incite violence (Sterngold). The only problem with their claims was the fact that the two shooters did not listen to, nor where they fans of, Manson’s controversial music. This brings the question of whether or not the claims placed on metal music for leading to violent behavior are true and can be supported. An example of what those who think metal has a direct correlation to violence say that Manson’s music promotes “hate, violence, death, suicide, drug use, and the attitudes and actions of the Columbine High School Killers (D’Angelo). However, the other side of the story can be best stated by Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo when he said, “We’re telling stories. It’s not actions-it’s just music. It’s fantasy stuff, just putting thoughts on paper, that’s a crime?” (Considine). Although metal is dark, heavy, and often times inappropriate, it does not have a negative effect on an otherwise normal and productive listener, especially teenagers, because metal is just a different genre of music, meaning that its lyrics do not have a negative affect on an otherwise normal listener. To begin, artists are too often misinterpreted and bashed with claims that are