I read an article the other day on Upworthy.com about the effects that different genres of music have on peoples' minds, bodies, and communities. Rap music may minimize depression; classical music has been shown to deter crime; pop music can help augment your physical workout. These claims are not surprising yet some people miss out on musical benefits simply because they have sworn off one or more genres: I won't listen to opera because I don't understand the words; I won't listen to metal with all of its screaming; jazz is out of the question because it's too sporadic. No one should be forced to listen to something they dislike but occasionally giving a chance to a genre you don't usually listen to isn't an unreasonable proposition. You may just find something you enjoy.
It occurred to me that there is a direct parallel between this and peoples' choices for what they read, if they read at all. Twilight ruined all young adult literature for me; nonfiction is just so boring!; classical literature is out of date and dense.
An article from the website Reading Rockets illustrates how different genres expose young readers to a variety of vocabulary, imagery, and inspiration that they would not otherwise be privy to. Fantasy and science fiction, for instance, bolster imagination, while historical fiction helps children to value and learn from the past. The article points out that there are subgenres of writing that "complement 'traditional' fiction", much like musical subgenres complement the Top 40 charts. For listeners and readers who want to start slow, this method is probably a good basis.
Listening to different types of music and reading different types of texts also helps us become more globally competent, as well as globally accepting. The State of New Jersey Department of Education states in its language arts literacy standards, "A diversity of reading material (including fiction and nonfiction) provides students with opportunities to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially as they consider universal themes, diverse cultures and perspectives, and the common aspects of human existence" (C-8). In a world quickly shrinking with each advent of technology, yet still tainted with prejudice and ignorance, this is hugely important; especially for young people whose characters, beliefs, and values are heavily malleable and evolving.
No matter which genre of writing is your favorite, be sure to give other genres a try once in awhile. As Upworthy.com's mission statement reminds us: we're all part of the same story.
Works cited
Canty, Erin. The effect different genres of music can have on your mind, body, and community. Upworthy.com. April 5, 2016. Accessed June 15, 2016. http://www.upworthy.com/the-effect-different-genres-of-music-can-have-on-your-mind-body-and-community
Nace, Dr. Felicia. Why Children Benefit from Reading a Variety of Books. State of New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 30, 2016.
http://www.state.nj.us/education/parents/articles/life/books.htmNew Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Language Arts Literacy. NJ.gov. (2004).
http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2004/s3_lal.pdfThe Importance of Reading Widely. ReadingRockets.org November 6, 2012. Accessed June 30, 2016. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/importance-reading-widely
It occurred to me that there is a direct parallel between this and peoples' choices for what they read, if they read at all. Twilight ruined all young adult literature for me; nonfiction is just so boring!; classical literature is out of date and dense.
An article from the website Reading Rockets illustrates how different genres expose young readers to a variety of vocabulary, imagery, and inspiration that they would not otherwise be privy to. Fantasy and science fiction, for instance, bolster imagination, while historical fiction helps children to value and learn from the past. The article points out that there are subgenres of writing that "complement 'traditional' fiction", much like musical subgenres complement the Top 40 charts. For listeners and readers who want to start slow, this method is probably a good basis.
Listening to different types of music and reading different types of texts also helps us become more globally competent, as well as globally accepting. The State of New Jersey Department of Education states in its language arts literacy standards, "A diversity of reading material (including fiction and nonfiction) provides students with opportunities to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially as they consider universal themes, diverse cultures and perspectives, and the common aspects of human existence" (C-8). In a world quickly shrinking with each advent of technology, yet still tainted with prejudice and ignorance, this is hugely important; especially for young people whose characters, beliefs, and values are heavily malleable and evolving.
No matter which genre of writing is your favorite, be sure to give other genres a try once in awhile. As Upworthy.com's mission statement reminds us: we're all part of the same story.
Works cited
Canty, Erin. The effect different genres of music can have on your mind, body, and community. Upworthy.com. April 5, 2016. Accessed June 15, 2016. http://www.upworthy.com/the-effect-different-genres-of-music-can-have-on-your-mind-body-and-community
Nace, Dr. Felicia. Why Children Benefit from Reading a Variety of Books. State of New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 30, 2016.
http://www.state.nj.us/education/parents/articles/life/books.htmNew Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Language Arts Literacy. NJ.gov. (2004).
http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2004/s3_lal.pdfThe Importance of Reading Widely. ReadingRockets.org November 6, 2012. Accessed June 30, 2016. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/importance-reading-widely
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