Cross-posted from “Enjoy the Silence: Your life is not a movie, so stop soundtracking it 24/7” by @alyaza@beehaw.org in !humanities@beehaw.org
The composer John Cage told us to “not discriminate against sounds.”
He challenged us to become interested in what we usually perceive as noise and incorporated it into his compositions. Actually he said that the main difference between experimental and non-experimental music is the inclusion of noise.
Cage didn’t own a smartphone. He didn’t constantly stream music.
In the age of WiFi and Bluetooth speakers, we seem to believe that every activity in life needs an idealized, artificial soundtrack, whether it’s working or unwinding, running or relaxing.
Tech corporations have instilled and nurtured that belief in us. Their aim is to “maximize engagement”. The longer we listen, the more indispensable they become – and the more profit they make.
I very rarely listen to music. Maybe I’m just weird
About the only time I can enjoy quiet is outside with birds & wind to mask my tinnitus. Inside, it’s just Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. So I keep background instrumental music playing most of the time.
I can relate, but luckily I got used to it :) I can sit in silent meditation without issues nowadays. I hope your situation improves, I know your pain
