Violent Lyrics

New Scientist is reporting that a new study suggests that songs with violent lyrics increase aggressive behaviour in people. Well, this should please those who harp on about song lyrics driving all to kill our neighbours. While it doesn’t seem to me to be revolutionary, I note this article because the study, apparently, “contradicts a popular suggestion that music loaded with violent imagery, such as some rap and heavy metal, are cathartic in venting aggression” [source]

I think I have missed something here. I thought the popular suggestion was that such lyrics turned us all into gun-wielding maniacs and that such music needs banning. Or have I missed some social change somewhere …

On this day…