Bradleys Expansion and Modern Music - Essay Example

If you pay close enough attention to the history of music in this country one might say that the music has changed with every generation. It reflects the hopes, dreams, and fears, of the people living in that period of time. The same can be said of philosophy and, even, religion. It is affected by the social “feel” of society that exists around it. One type of music is one that reached mainstream ears within this last decade. This style of music, which also represents a social grouping, is called “Emo.” It can be described as a softer, more emotional genre of “punk,” but harder-edged than “gothic” sounds.  The singers of these songs confess longings, and sins, cry out against the conventional, and crave an escape from the immediate. ("Urban Dictionary: Emo," 2012) This is easily reflected in the image presented in Paige Bradley’s “Expansion.” This is a beautiful visual representation of the desire for or potential of the human being to ascend from the confines of its physical form. The ultimate and ideal form of escape.

It is not just music that can be influenced by societal concerns, but, both, philosophy and religion, as well. There is an innate freedom of the modern era that allows freedom of thought. The variation of beliefs and philosophies that exist and are expressed is immense. That said there is so much potential thought, so much potential creativity, and so much possibility that, eventually, all of mankind will have no choice but to burst from the restrictive confines it no longer needs. This, also, can be compared to the image and message of Bradley’s “Expansion.” This is that moment when this person is released into a new existence whatever it may be. It is like a rebirth. Lastly, most religions have been established for centuries and are difficult to influence to change. However, even some of the world’s strictest and unchanging religions could find an agreeable familiarity in viewing the image that is “Expansion.” Here we see a restive, peaceful, person transcending from their mortal human shell to become their natural ethereal state. This is an expression that can easily be perceived as supportive of many religious views.

In the end, as with literature, film, and television, the areas of philosophy, music, and religion are affected by the needs, wants, and concerns of the people who live within that society. The theme of this age seems to be escapism. The potential and enticement to be able to go beyond what we are is an underlying and largely shared desire. Human beings today live stressful, restrictive, and sometimes disappointing and difficult lives. ("Paige Bradley," 2012) Is it really surprising that they seek to escape and such an image like the “Expansion,” which allows people to believe the idea that it could happen? This lifelike expression of a peaceful transition, like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, is a natural process that was meant to be. This could be very encouraging for many people in the world today.