Hi, my name is Brianna, and I’m a One Direction fan.
-waits for judgment-
As a Christian, and more specifically as someone who is trying to identify myself as a writer with good, worthwhile things to say, I feel like I shouldn’t say that. As though I shouldn’t admit that I have tickets to a One Direction concert, I blare Taylor Swift while driving down the highway, and know most of the words to “Call Me Maybe.” As though my partaking and yes, my enjoyment, of these things detracts from anything worthwhile I may have ever said or written.
Content of these pop culture pieces aside, there is a sense that fun, lighthearted, “bubblegum” things such as these do not belong in the life of someone who seeks meaning, value, and purpose. “Guilty pleasures” we sometimes call them.
I don’t appreciate it.
There are many reasons why people may choose not to listen to these types of music, and I respect those. It may be a content issue, a stylistic issue, or a myriad of others.
But others’ reasons for not listening to them does not give automatic grounds to judge others who choose differently.
Listening to One Direction doesn’t cancel out the 4 years I spent getting a degree in Bible and Theology, something I take seriously and intend to continue to study, even if only ever outside the classroom, for the rest of my life.
Singing along to Taylor Swift doesn’t negate any morsel of truth I may have posted on here in the past or in the future.
Knowing the words to “Call Me Maybe” doesn’t mean I am less intelligent.
I like catchy lyrics.
I like bouncy beats.
I like a little lightheartedness.
It’s not as though listening to these types of music is all I do, all I base my life and thoughts and actions on. I happen to really, really like Mumford and Sons (and this is why). I love musicals. I sometimes listen to classical when I’m grading papers or writing. My favorite genre is acoustic folk-y type stuff. And Christmas music? Love it.
My musical tastes are varied and far-reaching, as are my other interests in life.
I like a little pop culture now and then. I don’t think this is something I should feel guilty about or ashamed of.
So when I tweet about being on the road to the One Direction concert, or post a status about dancing to “Call Me Maybe” at a wedding reception…please, don’t judge. There’s a lot more to me than that.
~Brianna!~
p.s. What elements of pop culture do you enjoy? Have you ever felt guilty for it? Why?
The Art of Becoming 
Oh, Brianna. We’re, like, the same person.
I’ve had the same thought…such as when I pin something One Direction and can almost guarantee you’ll pin it too. 😉
Brianna, I bop along with the tunes along with my middle schooler. I often have flashes of should she be listening or shouldn’t it be Christian and I haven’t a conclusion but I bop right along with her in the car. When something is questionable it is an opening for a discussion.
Enjoy your concert! Denise (It so happens that I posted a story from my middle schooler today on my blog- hope you visit)
Hey Denise, thanks for reading! That’s a great point–listening to these types of music can be a way to start discussions. Not that that would be my entire reason for listening, since I do like it, but another good way to look at it. Thanks for taking the time to chime in!
Are you watching The Voice! We love it– I am pulling for Sylvia– and Trevor and there is something special about Bryan Keith! And there is the Scottish guy whose name escapes me– I also am very alert of the lyrics and reminded that Satin was once the greatest of angels and a musician! We do need to be alert so I do not diminish that– I am still going on!! Love God and keep in touch– I hope to return- D
I’ve recently listened to One Direction out of curiosity and it wasn’t my cup of tea, but good on you for sticking with your tastes in music! It happens far too often these days that people will hear of someone not liking a group and then blindly say they dislike it too, and criticize people that do like it. It’s a breath of fresh air to read something along these lines.
It’s true–One Direction isn’t for everyone, but way to give them a try before deciding you didn’t like them. Just as I’m a fan and don’t want people judging me on that, I’m perfectly content with people NOT being fans of them as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Absolutely! You seem like a genuinely nice and cool person. Thank you!