Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ performance at the Grammys has been the talk of the town. The presentation, announced by Madonna, was entitled to a red costume and a hat with horns, referring to the idea of what hell would be like, with flames of fire in the background and sensual dances.

After the exhibition, many people praised her on the networks, with comments like: “Slay!” and “Profane? No! Talented”. And others criticized what they saw: “This performance is literally a tribute to Satan.”

“You don’t have to be religious to be disturbed by that Sam Smith demon-worshipping performance.”

I won’t go into the merits of whether or not they are good singers. But certainly, this type of discussion draws attention to the type of content we value on a daily basis. Because it is a fact that they influence us.

Several studies reveal that music, for example, impacts people’s behavior. A German study from the University Luís Maximiliano, in Munich, detailed that men and women who listened to songs with lyrics that were offensive to the opposite sex were more likely to describe the other with negative attributes than those who listened to neutral music.

Another, from the University of Brasília – UnB (Diogo Conque Seco Ferreira, 2007), concluded that music can be used as a manipulable element. Not to mention so many others who point out that music with positive lyrics reduces stress and anxiety.

habits

Maybe you’ve already gone through the same experience as me… How many times have I been enchanted by a song, but the moment I read the translation of it or simply analysed the lyrics, I came across offensive and erotic lyrics.

Does this type of art reflect the reality of our society? Worth thinking about…

It can certainly be a “thermometer” pointing to the lack of common sense in the music industry and the way we have seen issues such as respect for rights, religious tolerance, etc.

We cannot mistaken offence with art; eroticisation with respect; and so on. Therefore, it is important to think: if we have countless reasons to listen to uplifting music, why not invest in it?