musicians don’t want tunes used for torture
By allen0187
@allen0187 (59761)
Philippines
December 10, 2008 6:14am CST
i came across this article when i was browsing this evening. i didn't think it was possible but i was really surprised about the things that i read. click the link for the full article, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28144557/.
according to the article, rock music is usually used to "break down" the prisoners in american camps in iraq, afghanistan, and guatanamo bay. loud music is played constantly for 16 straight hours and some prisoners have thought of suicide after their aural ordeal. now, rock music isn't the only music used for this type of torture, others use rap like eminem's "slim shady" and children songs like the theme from sesame street and barney. this really takes the cake!!!
musicians are divided in the issue. some musicians like tom morello, a former guitarist of rage against the machine and now with audio slave, wants this practice to stop. others, like steve benton, bassist of the band drowning pool, says "that they're proud that their musis is used in interrogations".
what's your take on all of this? let's have an intelligent discussion about the subject. i'm looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
10 Dec 08
I have read similar references to this concept allen and it is definitely an interesting way to break people down! One thing I do know is that there are certianly a number of songs out there that drive me crazy being played just the once, so hours and hours on end of the same song would probably break me down eventually as well. (Especially Barney! 
) I can appreciate how some musicians would be opposed to this too; but surely it is a better alternative than using physical torture against other human beings? Maybe the musicians that have an issue with this should look to strike a deal with organizations that use their music and charge them royalties? lol.
) I can appreciate how some musicians would be opposed to this too; but surely it is a better alternative than using physical torture against other human beings? Maybe the musicians that have an issue with this should look to strike a deal with organizations that use their music and charge them royalties? lol.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
10 Dec 08
The funny thing is allen, these musicians may actually have a proven case to do just that! These organizations are arguably using their music for work related tasks and even though they are not generating revenues for its use, it is still being broadcast for a means other than personal enjoyment! And thanks for reminding me about "Barbie Girl" too by the way. If Barney ever releases a cover of that I may just jump off something very high up! 
@allen0187 (59761)
• Philippines
10 Dec 08
well, if that is the case then perhaps these artist, especially those that disagree with the practice, should do just that. i'm sure thought that these government agencies can find a way to not pay these artist their royalties.
1 person likes this
@tryxiness (4544)
• Philippines
22 Jan 09
I guess, music targets your soul. And you know rock music has this kind of hard core messages being delivered and when this is constantly being played, it works like any brainwashing tool does.
I am so glad that Tom Morello does not agree of this. The very essence of their music is (aside from it being a form of art) to touch people's lives and not torture. 
@allen0187 (59761)
• Philippines
23 Jan 09
agree with you there. tom morello is clearly against this because of his beliefs. he always carried it when he was still with rage against the machine and up to now his revolutionary beliefs can be heard in his songs.
thanks for the reply.
happy mylotting and cheers!!!
@nvtellan (1907)
• Philippines
22 Dec 08
Well, to each is own. Some musicians think their music is beautiful, artful, tasteful and heavenly but in reality people some people think of their music as crap or just plain tasteless. To solve this issue is for the army or the government to ask the artist if he/she is willing to have his/her music be used as interrogation or breaking down tool.
@allen0187 (59761)
• Philippines
28 Dec 08
yeah, that's true. just this morning when i logged in, i saw an article in yahoo about the list of world' worst singers. lol! singers who are in the list should have their songs used by the military to torture prisoners. lol!
personally, i got my own list of singers who really annoy me but you're right, to each his own and what may sound as music to my ears may sound irritating to others.
happy mylotting. cheers!!!
