Geography

Music and Geography are Intertwined as One

Kimberly St. Cin

10/21/2014

Music is an important and extremely useful tool in the way we learn and to deny its power is to waste a truly wonderful resource. Music has had an important impact on society for as long as people have made music. Though some would look at music as a small footnote in the progression of humanity, it is in fact a much greater force; for some, it defines their very existence. Music is a driving force in society; it has been present since the dawn of man. It has acted as a means for giving a cultural voice to minorities and has also served as a starting point for resistance to culture that is seen as the norm. In this way, music has served as a means of rebellion. Minorities have found a voice for their culture and an outlet for their frustrations through music. For example, the Gypsies have been long persecuted in many countries, but one of the constants that they enjoy is that music have always been able to give them an outlet for their grievances. Another such example is the African Americans, who experiences the combinations of hard times and prejudices along with rough working conditions found a great release in blues and gospel music.

Music has other roles other than just relaxation and self-expression. Music has helped many in otherwise almost hopeless situations escape poverty and give them hope for a better tomorrow. One such case is Esteban Ruisero, a young boy who lives in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, one of the most violent cities in the world. Esteban has found a way to escape his everyday life through music. He plays the clarinet with the Esperanza Azteca Juarez Youth Orchestra. Before this, he states his life had no