Art, Music, Religion - Essay Example

? Art, Music, Religion (Section) Due How Art Impacts our Lives Art in its basic sense refers to the unique expression of a person’s inner self. According to Michael Atlee, it is the embodiment of God’s beauty. It is a recreation of the spontaneous reality drawn from life’s responses and can be expressed in whatever way suitable . This can be through word art or poetry, sculptures, a beautiful painting among others. Consequently, it is the greatest illusion imposed on the wills of mankind as an alternate reality. Hence, it is suffice to say that art has a profound and immeasurable impact on the lives of human beings. Foremost, art is the expression of life and consequently enhances our awareness and appreciation of nature and the gift of life. The artistic visual impression of nature’s scenery such as the sun, rivers and wild animals, enhance the intrinsic value of life and elucidate a sense of nurturing and care by human beings. Second, art is a tool for communication that is used to convey special messages of a social, economic or religious connotation. Hence, it is the voice that reaches beyond the canvass, provokes thought and shapes the perception of people pertaining to the message conveyed. Third, art impacts on the moods of people by eliciting both positive and negative emotions. For example, visual or musical art can stir positive emotions such as happiness, optimism or peace of mind. While some darker form of art, such as those expressing war or hunger, can provoke negative emotions such as depression, anxiety or anger. Consequently, these emotions can affect the daily life of a person in a positive or negative way. Furthermore, art contributes in the building of local and global relations. This is because art is a universal language since the information being conveyed is the same all over. Moreover, the participation in art calls for interaction as people meet in experiencing it or developing it. Consequently it results in the building of interpersonal relations. 2. Art in Puerto Rico Graffiti is a form of street art that involves scratching or scribbling and is derivative of the Italian word graffiato (DeAngels, 2010). It is used to convey messages to the wider public, through the artistic writings or paintings, via public and private surfaces such as buildings and streets. Historically, evidence shows that graffiti existed in ancient civilizations in the form of figure sketches and inscriptions. These were evident from the ruined walls of sepulchers in places such as Pompelli and Catacombs. In the modern period, the use of graffiti in the early 1970s was associated with youth in New York from the Puerto Rican and black communities. These youth incorporated the use of tags by spray painting public city buildings, subway trains and buses. However, the famous revolutionary graffiti artist referred to as the, “father of controversial graffiti”, was Jean-Michel Basquiat. He was the son of a Puerto Rican mother and Haitian father who inspired the spread and growth of graffiti to Puerto Rico. The messages conveyed by his art at the time by the graffiti related to issues such as wealth inequalities, racial segregation and discrimination among others. Consequently, Jean-Michel Basuaiat’s art work cast graffiti into international recognition and inspired the youthful generation in Puerto Rico. Presently, graffiti is used in Puerto Rico as a creative tool for expressing thoughts, ideas and opinions of a political meaning or otherwise. Moreover, the graffiti in Puerto Rican cities such as Old San Juan and Santurce, display beauty and angst that have formed played a part in its culture. The government on its part can control graffiti by distinguishing it from the illegal version of it known as tagging and reigning in on the culprits. The tagging form of art is mostly gang related and driven by the motive of vandalism, controversy to public value and vulgarity. This is opposed to the creativity and beauty in expression in expression of graffiti that the government should legalize and promote its exhibition in the museums of fine arts. 1. How Music Impacts our Lives Music has historically been regarded as one of the oldest therapeutic medicines. The contemporary society is filled with all manner of music at their disposal. This is attributed to the rapid strides in technology that has resulted to the development of music storage devices such as compact discs-phones-pods among others. Consequently, music has become so much overly accessible. Moreover, music has contributed to a number of both positive and negative impacts on the lives of human beings. Foremost, one of the positive impacts of music on our lives, is the scientifically proven therapeutic effects of music. Nice and soothing music has been credited as the safest method of wading off diseases owing to the positive effect it has on digestion, nervous center, respiratory and cardiovascular functions. It is important to note that evidence suggests that musical composition by Mozart have been found to influence the positive health of unborn babies. Moreover, music promotes social interaction and cohesion. This is because music enhances communication between social groupings that consequently result to the promotion of social bonds and identities. In addition, music contributes to the positive change of moods by eliminating boredom, minimizing stress and anxiety. This is more evident when an individual is performing tiresome and stressful work. Consequently music enables a person to manipulate his or her environment in a positive manner. However, on the flipside; music has resulted to some negative impacts on the lives of people. Foremost, certain forms of music are derogatory, vulgar and violent. Consequently, they promote indecent behavior and low morals in society that are sometimes aped by the listeners. Moreover, certain genres of music that are excessively loud with extreme tempo can trigger diseases and suicidal tendencies. 2. Music in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage of music that is well known for the rich sounds of ‘bomba’ and ‘plena,’ as well as the salsa dance. The Puerto Rican music industry was transformed by musical maestros such as Ismael Rivera and Cortijo Rafael. Cortijo Rafael was a renowned composer and percussionist who took the bomba and plena to international heights. Ismael Rivera was equally a famous singer and composer of salsa music. The two combined forces and released world class hits such as “El Negron Bembon”, “El Negerito de Alabama” and “Bombon de Elena” ( Baila Society, 1999). The popularity of their songs was drawn from the messages within that talked about the unique social issues affecting the society at the time. For example the song “El Negro Bembon,” translated as big lipped negro, highlighted some of the racial issues. The song narrated the true story of a black man shot by a white man in the Spanish Harlem area ( Baila Society, 1999). “El Negro Bembon,” fondly referred to the innocent and humble “Big lipped Negro.” The song goes on narrating the reason put forward by the shooter for killing the black man. The shooter blatantly stated to the police officer, who was ironically black, that he shot him because his lips were very big. The policeman was in disagreement with the reason advancement but the judicial system sets the guilty man free without conviction. The song exposed the deep racial discrimination and injustice meted out against the black community in New York. Another hit song that gripped the social conscience was “El Negrito de Alabama.”The song narrated the story of a black man who was killed for eloping with a blonde woman. The song further narrated how the black man sought forgiveness upon his death from Saint Peter. Consequently, it exposed the deep rooted violence and racial intolerance at the time ( Baila Society, 1999).. 1. Impact of Religion in our Lives Religion is used in reference to the belief patterns that formulate the guiding principles necessary for shaping an individual’s orientation and path of life. Moreover, it affects our day to day decisions and behavior patterns. Some of the notable religions that shape human beings globally include Christianity, Islam, Buddhism among others. Although most of these religions differ in their beliefs patterns and worship, there are some general rules that are similar and accepted. For example, the laws against theft and murder are mostly outlined by the world religions. Consequently, religion impacts heavily on the lives of human beings right from conception to death. One major impact of religion across the world religion is the shaping of values that define ethical behavior. One major rule that is prescribed by majority of world religions and influences our values is the Golden rule (Gensler, 2008). It is a short but concise rule that states “Treat others as you want to be treated” (Gensler, 2008).It is the bedrock against which all other religions base their guiding rules and laws. The golden rule shapes our values by instigating feelings of empathy, justice and equal treatment of others in our day to day actions and relations with others. Hence the religious doctrines employ the golden rule to promote ethical and moral behavior in society. Moreover, it is notable that religion impacts on the spirituality of an individual. By applying the golden rule, human beings achieve spiritual nourishment, strength and cleansing as they continually strive to lead a moral and ethical life in their relations. Consequently, the moral behavior inspired by religion, further impacts on the societal relations. It leads to an environment characterized by peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation. Furthermore, the religious doctrines provide opportunity for conflict resolution and global cohesiveness. 1. Religion in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico’s religious belief is mainly aligned towards the Roman Catholic and Protestant religion. These two religions constitute the majority of the population. The other religious denominations present include the Jehovah witnesses, Latter Day Saints and Evangelical Christians. However, the most dominant and religion of choice is Catholicism owing to its strong historical ties in the country. Among some of the rituals practiced in tandem with the Roman Catholicism involve the worship of religious artifacts known as the Vidal Collection. These include things such as Rosaries, Milagros and Santos. The Santos symbolized wood carving models of the Virgin Mary and Saints that the Puerto Ricans prayed for intercession with Jesus and God. On the other hand, the Milagros symbolized miniature body parts that ailing Puerto Ricans presented to the Saints. The rosaries are mostly used by the catholic locals while praying. The religious locals of the Puerto Rican natives also have their own special religious ceremonies known as the “Three Kings Celebration,” also known as the Magi or Epiphany (Arbelo, 2008). The Puerto Ricans dutifully celebrate this day every 6th of January. The Epiphany is celebrated in tribute to the three kings namely, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar, who presented the baby Jesus with gifts (Arbelo, 2008). The importance of this event to the Puerto Rican community, is the sense of belonging and pride for their country as it symbolizes a religious bonding ceremony among the Hispanics. In addition, the Puerto Ricans are able to socially interact freely in their Spanish language. Furthermore, the children are able to creatively showcase themselves through decorative clothes and ornaments while adhering to the theme of the holiday. Moreover, the event provides the children with deeper insight into the Puerto Rican religious and cultural heritage. References Nothing has made music more accessible than optical storage devices, better known as compact disks or simple CDs. (n.d.).sony.net.com. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from www.sony.net/Fun/SH/1-20/h5.html Arbelo, E. (2004, January 5). PUERTO RICO HERALD: Three Kings Continues Joy Of Christmas? Officials Imitate The Magi's Generosity? Another Day To Celebrate? Volunteers Bearing Gifts.PUERTO RICO HERALD: The Voice of Puerto Rico Self-Determination, Volume 9, Numbers 33, 34, Ed. 400. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2004/vol8n02/ThreeKings-en.html Atlee, M. (n.d.). Art and N’ART: Juxtapositions 9. Mark Harden's Artchive. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://artchive.com/juxt/juxt9/juxt9.html Baila Society. (1999, February 3). ISMAEL RIVERA. BAILA Society. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://www.bailasociety.tv/public/468.cfm DeAngels, M. (2010, March 15). A Graffiti Writer Tells It Like It Is: An Interview With Exor on the Streets of Puerto Rico.envrionmentalgraffiti.com. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from www.environmentalgraffiti.com/graffiti/news-graffiti-writer-gets-puerto-rico-and-tells-it-it Gensler, H. (2008, June 10). The Golden Rule. harryhiker.com. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from http://www.jcu.edu/philosophy/gensler/ Read More