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Using Classical Music As a Form of Social Control

Posted by samzenpus on from the feeling-of-dread-in-f-minor dept.

cyberfringe writes "Classical music is being used increasingly in Great Britain as a tool for social control and a deterrent to bad behavior. One school district subjects badly behaving children to hours of Mozart in special detention. Unsurprisingly, some of these youth now find classical music unbearable. Recorded classical music is blared through speakers at bus stops, outside stores, train stations and elsewhere to drive away loitering youth. Apparently it works. Detentions are down, graffiti is reduced, and naughty youth flee because they find classical music repugnant."

2 of 721 comments (clear)

  1. A Clockwork Orange by fear025 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    from A Clockwork Orange:
    Alex: No. No! NO! Stop it! Stop it, please! I beg you! This is sin! This is sin! This is sin! It's a sin, it's a sin, it's a sin!
    Dr. Brodsky: Sin? What's all this about sin?
    Alex: That! Using Ludwig van like that! He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music!
    Dr. Branom: Are you referring to the background score?
    Alex: Yes.
    Dr. Branom: You've heard Beethoven before?
    Alex: Yes!
    Dr. Brodsky: So, you're keen on music?
    Alex: YES!
    Dr. Brodsky: Can't be helped. Here's the punishment element perhaps.

  2. This tactic is being used against adults also. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Where I live there is a notorious corner for crack cocain, prostitution, bloody fights, and anything you can imagine.

    Despite constant city owned surveillance equipment the activity continues.

    The local Diner installed speakers and pipes out jazz, classical, etc. I find it to be kind of nice mood music, for an elevator.

      It has cut down on the drug dealers, kids hanging out, street performers, and the homeless who are normally sitting on the sidewalk asking for change. Apparently the softly played music is enough of an annoyance that they go away.

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