ok i read through most but not all of these posts because i feel this is an important topic to the well being of america and the world. <BR> first off-someone said something about certain people valuing music more as a spiritual thing etc. while others just come to party. this is true although the people who just come to party are being spiritually and mentally affected whether or not they have been socialized to rcognize it.<P>there is this divide between the "music loving artsy people" and "regular folks" ok this is really frustrating, stupid to me and i think its due to alot of things and i think it only escalates with time. there is so much political, economic stuff involved with music today(i.e. the music industry) and that is the problem. where do most people in our society (culture) get their music from? the radio. that is the most common source, people whose parents werent musicians or really "into " music dont tend to go digging for "good" music. they accept that they are not the kind of "artsy, alternative" type of person, they have jobs to go to, livings to make and dont go buying rummaging through music stores or driving far to the "good" concerts: they turn to the radio and that is also a connection with their peers, etc. because its in everyones home and people are on the same wavelength- they come together and share enthusiasm for whats hot. BUT then who controls the radio, who controls where the average person gets their music (their spiritual food, what brings their communities together)? dont you agree that there is a certain amount of brainwashing that goes into radio and music media at the current time? well then, its true if the music is good people will listen HOWEVER there is quite alot of brainwashing (and the perception that the musics quality is accurately measured by sales and radio ,video,media coverage) to get through before a person will or can really open up and realize yes this IS for me and i can feel this. for that reason an extra effort has to be made- by the artists, promoter, video directors,etc to say hey this music is for you!!!<P>this is not by any means to say that the average person is less intelligent or has worse taste- i really feel that is a big misconception. we "good music" listening people give ourselves way too much credit when it really has to do with exposure . maybe we grew up with our parents listening to certain things, or our friends whatever. when you grow up around something with other people around you being into it or excited about it then you associate it as your own and you will be much more likely to see the good in it and feel it.<BR>this kind of mentality isnt just an issue for black people-all people who experience music filtered through the money making machine.<P> music has a serious affect on peoples mentality, spirituality which in turn greatly shapes and affects society as a whole. coming into 2000 it is very crucial that we get people to come together, unify, and strengthen themselves. and not JUST the "artsy, intellectual, conscious,alternative, etc." but them too.<P>PEACE<BR>damn did anyone read all that?<BR>you deserve a cookie-go get yourelf one )