Music

             Over the years, music has become a value that many people, including myself, could not live without. Music is more then just sounds that serve as a backdrop to other activities; it affects people on an emotional level. In fact, music can determine what mood a person is in, or can even determine someone’s personality.
             There are many different genres of music, and every genre affects people differently. For instance, upbeat pop songs, or songs that are played in dance clubs, make people happy and give them the urge to dance. Other genres such as rap, heavy metal and hard rock can make people angry or pumped up. Also, some R&B is known to make people sad and depressed. There have even been some scientific studies that prove certain genres can make a person smarter. Even though all of those have been scientifically proven, it does not mean that they effect every person the same way. Listening to heave metal might make some people happy, so it just depends on the person listening to the music. Bottom line, just listen to the type of music that makes you happy. 

            While the sound of the song plays a part in affecting someone’s mood, the lyrics are also a very important part. When listening to songs with sad lyrics or lyrics that tell a depressing story, it does not matter what the beat sounds like. If the person actually listens to the words of a sad song, the lyrics will make them sad. “Last Kiss” by Peal Jam is the perfect example because it does not have a depressing beat, but the lyrics are extremely sad. If one was simply using that song as a backdrop to a different activity, their emotions would not be affected in a negative way. 

            Not only can music affect a person’s mood, it can also affect how the person dresses, or what their style is. For instance, many goth and scene people listen to heavy metal. Other people may look up to a singer they admire for fashion ideas. Music really does play a big role in the world today.
             Music affects people more than we realize. It gives people a sense of identity, security, and comfort. We listen to music to make us feel certain ways, whether we do it intentionally or not. I know for a fact that I would not be able to function without music. I listen to it constantly and I rely on it to keep me calm. Music has become something that people rely on, and it has had so many positive effects on the world.

Karma

            Have you ever heard the phrase, "Karma's a b***h?" Well if I have any philosophy, that would be it. I strongly believe that what goes around comes around, even if it may be a strange concept. Bullies will end up being bullied or just end up in trouble, and people will end up being nice to those who stood up for the bullied kids, or were nice to the "weird kid." Basically, Karma will either be your worst enemy or your best friend.

             Once I heard a story about a nerdy boy and a bully. The nerdy boy did everything he could for charity, and he would do anything to help the needy. However, every day on his way home from school a bully would run up to the boy, knock all the books out of the boy's hands, and call him names. One time the bully even pushed him to the ground. Then, one day a popular football player who was walking home saw all of this happen and stood up for the timid boy. The jock took the boy under his wing and before long the "nerdy boy" was one of the most popular guys in school. The bully ended up in jail for drug possession. Karma showed both of its sides that day; it helped the boy who always helped other people, and got back at the bully. 

            The story, which is true by the way, really shows how Karma acts. I will always try to live by the philosophy of Karma; by being nice to everyone and trying not to judge them, even if I really do not like the person. In my opinion, every person deserves fair treatment, so I try to be nice to everyone and I hope that everyone will be nice to me in return. So far, my philosophy and attitude have served me well in life. 

            Also, another way that Karma acts is if someone is born into poverty, or grows up in a poor family, but they work hard and keep a good attitude, eventually they will get what they deserve. Actually, my dad is the perfect example for that statement. He grew up in a mobile home with his mom, four younger siblings, and a different "step dad" every few months. He was constantly surrounded by drugs and other bad influences, but he did his best to ignore all of that. Every day since he was 12, my dad worked his but off to provide for his family, even when his own parents couldn't. My dad was even forced to drop out of high school half way through his sophomore year so he could feed his younger siblings. By the time he was 21, my dad had married my mom and started a very successful construction company. In my eyes he definitely got everything that he deserves. 

            To sum things up, Karma will always catch up to you. Whether it affects you in a good way or bad way is completely in your own hands. What goes around comes around, so if you want fair treatment, then you better treat others fairly. In some ways, you can be comforted by Karma, because if someone does something mean or rude to you, just know that eventually they will get what they deserve. For instance, look at the "nerdy boy," he became popular and loved, and my dad finally got the life that he deserves. So the next time you have the urge to do something mean or rude, remember that Karma will get you back.