Music soothes the Savage Beast

Or does it?

Despite the recent media reports, the discussion and media attention surrounding Prussian Blue is not new. Neither is the attempt to use music as a propaganda tool. Ironically some of the material performed by the twins was written by Ian Stuart Donaldson who was the forefront member of Skrewdriver as well as considered by many to be the godfather of the Skinhead music scene in England back in the late 70's early 80's. Even his death by a car accident in 1993 is claimed by supporters to have been the work of the British Government.

During the Vietnam War, songs were also used as a way to unite people to a common goal. Nor is this the first time music was used to promote an anti-war message. In 1916 several songs were written to promote an anti-war message as well, one of them was titled, "Don't Take My Darling Boy Away", another was "I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be a Soldier". Most of us know that not only in this country but in Germany music was used as a way to stir emotion, support during the 1930's and 1940's. Music has been used at times to celebrate Patriotism as well as try to encourage revolution or social change ever since man began to sing. Revolution Rock is said to have contributed to helping change in Chile and Argentina as well as Bob Dylan is viewed as helping to create social change here among some of the many music history moments. Rastafarians used music and as you can see, the examples could go on and on. Music has succeeded at times yet also at times failed create the desired response. Yes Disco could be seen as a failed attempt :-)

This is so recognized there are College Courses on this subject, just one College out of many; from the University of St. Louis, Course Title: Music as Propganda Tool:

A study of music as a tool of individuals or government and other authorities to teach, to persuade, to beguile a society in various periods and places of world history. Topics include Beethoven and the rise of democracy, nationalism in nineteenth century Europe, music in eastern and western religions, official art in Marxist-socialists states, and protest songs of the sixties.

The link in the head title provides an indepth look at this subject for those of you who want to read more about it.

So in the end? Can music save your mortal soul?