“All I want for Christmas is you!” Currently the most popular Christmas song on the top 100 list, Mariah Carey’s rendition of this classic tends to make us do one of two things; jam our hearts out or reach for the seek button. As Thanksgiving comes to a close, we find society to be on opposite ends
of the spectrum with Christmas tunes. You could be the family who has their tree decorated before the turkey is put away, or the people who put off shopping until Christmas Eve. No matter where we see ourselves on this spectrum, Christmas music shows us just how influential music can be
Ecclesiastes 3:1 explains, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.“ Sooner or later, the majority of us are going to be singing the Christmas carols without the itch to change the station. Much like Christmas music, each genre has a time and a place it fits best. I also believe a certain genre of music has the ability to show us some pretty cool things. From the surface, each genre is unique in its sound and message, but on the inside, it also shows a certain attitude and personality.
I am a huge fan of rap music. However, I don’t like the negative messages or the profane language used quite often. Sometimes, it pays to look beyond the lyrics and general sound, though. When it comes to rap music, I really appreciate the attitude and personality that can be displayed.
We all have these two pieces in our own lives, but let’s put a definition to the words. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines attitude as “a mental position with regard to a fact or state.” Indeed, our attitude reflects what we feel inside towards a certain situation. Personality refers to the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. In short, I like to think of personality as how others see us in correlation with how we act.
In particular, rap music exemplifies a confident attitude and an energetic personality.
“I’m so fancy
You already know
I’m in the fast lane
From LA to Tokyo
I’m so fancy
Can’t you taste this gold
Remember my name”
The song “Fancy,” by my home girl Iggy Azalea is a great representation of confidence. There isn’t a moment in the song where she wavers from knowing who she is and exactly what she wants to do. From the lyrics above, I can tell that Iggy Azalea will let nothing stand in her way of doing what she needs to do.
In 2013, Eminem set the record of rapping 6.5 words per second with his hit, “Rap God.” The entire song has 1540 words. American classic Bruce Springsteen averages 280 words per song. That’s quite a difference. I can’t tell you what the song says word for word, but what I do know, is the amount of energy that radiates from his skills is something to appreciate.
What music you listen to shouldn’t change as a result of this blog. As the proud follower of 90 custom Spotify playlists, I see the value in all music. Rap, however, shares the attitude and personality we should be adopting at this time of year. As the holidays draw near, we find ourselves needing more confidence and energy than usual to endure each day leading up to Christmas vacation.
Our attitude influences our personality in ways we don’t even notice. During the holiday season, we have many times when both pieces, attitude, and personality, might be challenged. With Christmas break right around the corner, many of us are preparing for final tests or turning in a long list of assignments. Maybe, you’re stressing out because of the financial burden that comes with Christmas shopping, or simply not knowing what to buy for someone. As an FFA member, it’s easy to become overwhelmed after fruit sales and fall events. No matter what you’re going through, it becomes quite easy to lose our energy as we enter the holiday rush. Take a minute to think about December and all you have to accomplish before Christmas break. For some more than others, it can be tiring just thinking about reaching that point.
Just like Christmas music, we each have the choice to jam our hearts out with confidence and energy. We also have the choice to hit the seek button, which keeps our attitude and personality the same as it was before. This holiday season, we can approach each task a little differently than usual, which can help us successfully work up to the Christmas holiday.
Recently, I made a list of everything I have to accomplish before Christmas break. Teaching violin lessons during finals week, reading my 600-page horticulture book or preparing for a trip to South Africa were just three tasks that could leave me as nothing but a nervous mess. Instead, I chose to be confident in myself, knowing that with the right amount of energy, I could accomplish them. This holiday season, will you adopt a confident attitude and exert energy into all you do? Or will you hit the seek button, hoping your tasks work themselves out?
As Demi Lovato would say, "What's wrong with being confident?"
Well friends? Nothing.
Stationed by the Flag,
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