Kade Little
Music and Identity
Fall 2023 Class ePortfolio
Final Paper and Reflection at bottom
Final Paper and Reflection at bottom
I'm from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and I studied finance and sales. When it comes to music, my main influence has been my family. I really enjoy all kinds of music, and for me, it's more about enjoying it with others. Surprisingly, my hometown didn't have a big impact on my music taste. I mostly got into music based on what my friends liked.
Formative Papers
Evolving Perspectives on Music and Identity
Kade Little
10/7/23
Throughout this course, I have encountered very different readings, discussions, and group projects that have profoundly shaped my perspective on music and identity. This essay explores a specific reading, event, or discussion that led to a significant shift in my understanding of identity. This came in the form of how people's identity is completely based on social interactions, and how music taste is very personal yet music identity combines both social and emotional factors. Identities seem so personal because they are what make us unique but they are shaped by how people view us not how we view ourselves.
When I began this course, I had some thoughts about music and identity, some of which I was aware of, but many were hidden in the back of my mind. I used to think that music was mostly for fun or socializing and didn't have much impact on who a person is. But as I went further into the course and worked on group projects, my view started to change. I used to believe that music and identity were separate and unrelated, but now I'm starting to see how closely connected they are.
Several course readings, particularly those exploring the intersection of music and cultural identity, further shifted my perspective. It became apparent that our musical choices are not isolated but interconnected with broader cultural and societal contexts. Merton says every living being is unique and distinct from one another, and this individuality should not be seen as a flaw. Instead, he argues that the essence of perfection lies in embracing and cherishing this uniqueness. The quote emphasizes that the beauty and completeness of each created entity do not stem from conforming to some abstract standard but rather from fully embracing and expressing its own inherent identity. He encourages a perspective that values diversity and acknowledges that the essence of perfection can be found in the authenticity of each being. He celebrates the inherent worth of individuality, highlighting that the world is richer for the diversity of unique identities that exist within it. This was one of our first readings and helped set the groundwork for what my perspective on identity would be.
According to Hood, Individuals adapt their behavior and presentation of self according to how they are perceived by different people in various social contexts. He underscores the idea that our self-presentation is dynamic and influenced by the roles we play, such as spouse, family member, boss, or friend. Each interaction offers a unique reflection of our identity, leading to multiple facets of our personality being revealed to different people. Despite others' perceptions, the quote highlights the inherent complexity of personal identity, as no single individual or group can fully comprehend the entirety of who we are due to the multitude of roles and contexts in which we exist. In essence, it emphasizes the ever-changing nature of our self-concept shaped by diverse social interactions. This is where my social view on identity comes from and what started my thinking.
Elferen: Music, whether experienced in virtual or mobile contexts, has become intimately intertwined with individuals' daily lives, shaping their identities and self-expression. It serves as a means through which people connect with their memories, emotions, and social communities, ultimately contributing to the formation and reflection of their personal identities. This reading introduced the idea that our musical preferences and histories are deeply intertwined with our personal narratives and identities. It made me realize that the songs we cherish and the music we resonate with are not merely random choices but reflections of our experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds.
Personal identity is deeply intertwined with social factors as it involves an individual's self-concept and self-definition, which are influenced by their roles in relation to significant others, membership in social groups and categories, and the meanings constructed within their cultural and historical context. These readings highlight that personal identity is not solely an internal construct but is shaped and constructed through interactions with others, societal discourse, and the dynamic interplay of individual, relational, collective, and even material aspects. They emphasize that personal identity is a multifaceted and socially contextualized concept, emphasizing the importance of both individual agency and the broader social environment in shaping one's sense of self. As I navigated these readings and discussions, I began to appreciate the complexity of identity. It was no longer a fixed concept but a dynamic interplay of various factors, with music being a significant contributor. My understanding of the multifaceted nature of identity deepened, and I started recognizing the subtleties and nuances within my own musical preferences.
One of the most transformative experiences in this course was our group project centered around groups of people and the common qualities of those groups. The Smash Up decks project was the most eye-opening assignment because when we were thinking about how to make the cards. We all had different ideas and kept running into social criteria and how we all had different groups of people depending on where we were from and who we are. The Smash Up game directly related to my thesis on identities because it highlighted the complex nature of personal identities. Identities are often seen as deeply personal and unique to each individual, but the game illustrated that they are also influenced by external perceptions. In our group project, where we created playing cards representing various group identities, we shared our personal experiences. This activity revealed that identities are not solely shaped by how we view ourselves but are also significantly impacted by how others perceive us. It emphasized that our identities are a dynamic interplay between our self-concept and the external perspectives that society imposes on us.
Writing the Synthesis Paper was quite thought-provoking because I had to express what identity meant to me. It made me think deeply, and it transformed our readings into practical knowledge that I could apply. This project also prompted me to reconsider my earlier beliefs about music and identity. I came to realize that these preferences carried more profound significance, tying me to my background, cultural heritage, and personal development. The concept of identity directly relates to the thesis that identities are shaped by external perceptions rather than solely by self-perception. The paper's exploration of how individuals belong to various social groups and adapt aspects of their identity to fit in with these groups aligns with the idea that identities are influenced by how people view us, leading to the construction of multifaceted and adaptive identities. Additionally, the paper's discussion of technology's impact on music consumption and identity formation highlights how external factors can shape individual identities, further supporting the thesis that our identities are not solely a reflection of our self-perceptions but also influenced by external influences and group affiliations. Overall, the complexity of identity and its interconnectedness with external perceptions and group dynamics reinforces the notion that identities are not purely personal constructs but are deeply shaped by external perspectives.
In conclusion, my journey in this course has been a transformative one, marked by a profound shift in my perspective on music and identity. I now recognize music as a powerful conduit for expressing, shaping, and understanding our identities. This newfound understanding will impact my future pursuits, making me more aware of the depth of music and its significance in the intricate fabric of human identity. I've always believed that empathizing with others is crucial to grasp the reasons behind their actions.
Works Cited:
Elferen, Isabella van. “Virtual Worlds from Recordings to Video Games.” In The Cambridge Companion to Music in Digital Culture, edited by Nicholas Cook, Monique M. Ingalls, and David Trippett, 209-226. Cambridge, Cambridge University press, 2019.
Hood, Bruce. “The Looking Glass Self.” In The Self Illusion: How the Brain Creates Social Identity, 71-115. Toronto: HarperCollins, 2013.
Merton, Thomas. New Seeds of Contemplation. New York: New Directions, 1972.
Vignoles, Vivian L., Seth J. Schwartz, and Koen Luyckx. “Introduction: Toward an Integrated View of Identity.” In Handbook of Identity Theory and Research, 1-27. New York: Springer, 2011.
FINAL PAPER
The Lifelong Impact of Music on Identity
Kade Little
12/10/2022
Music & Identity (HNR-3603-01)
In the big picture of our lives, there’s something pretty amazing playing in the background: music. It's not just those tunes you hum along to; it's actually a powerful force that helps shape who we are. This journey is all about uncovering just how much music influences us from the time we're little until we're all grown up. Imagine those early years when you were a tiny human. Those nursery rhymes you heard weren't just fun songs; they were like little builders working on your brain and heart. They were setting the stage for a lifelong friendship with music. Now, fast forward to the wild ride of being a teenager. Music becomes this cool way to express yourself and connect with others. It's not just about the beats; it's about discovering who you really are. But the story doesn't stop there. As we grow up, music sticks with us through thick and thin. It becomes our guide through the ups and downs of being an adult. Now, we're not just talking about how music makes us feel. I believe that our musical preferences take shape during our early years and persist throughout our lives, subtly influencing our perceptions of music for decades after our preferences are established. Exploring this phenomenon is of particular interest to me as it contributes to the uniqueness of each generation, becoming a nostalgic relic as individuals age, reflecting the musical landscape of their past.
I want to make this a trip through studies and personal tales, creating a big picture of how music really changes and molds us. Using our group's research and personal experiences I want to dig deeper into how our taste in music affects us and how our tastes change as we age. But why should anyone care about this beyond their favorite tunes? Because this exploration is bigger than just personal playlists; it’s about how music is part of the stories we all share. It's not just background noise; it's a cultural thing. I want to peel back the layers of the sounds around us, figuring out how, from the very first lullabies to the last notes of our lives, music is more than just background noise. I think music player a much larger role in our character than we think I this essay will explore that.
In the teenage years, our group's findings suggest that the music we pick isn’t just random; it's influenced by the people and places around us. It's like our surroundings are the conductors, and we're learning the basics of our musical taste. In early adolescence, our readings show that what we listen to often mirrors the sounds of our family, friends, and the places we hang out. It's like we're building the foundation of our musical identity, taking bits from here and there, creating our initial playlist. Like many people, my initial encounters with music were influenced by whatever my parents played in the car. This laid the foundation for my music taste. However, before connecting with my peers, the music I was exposed to primarily reflected my parents' preferences. As a result, my lifelong musical preferences were not strongly influenced during this period.
Our exploration into the impact of music on identity during adolescence takes a pivotal turn as we delve into the iPod era. In the midst of adolescence, when we're figuring out who we are, the iPod makes its grand entrance. The group's research unveils how this tiny device with a distinctive click wheel revolutionizes the way we engage with music. It's like getting a backstage pass to the concert of our lives. The most significant influence of the iPod was its unparalleled accessibility to music. I could now easily reach music from anywhere in the world and share my favorite songs with peers. This marked my initial chance to exchange music within my generation, shaping our collective musical preferences.
Our readings underscore the idea that the iPod isn’t just a gadget; it's a conductor's baton, placing unprecedented control in the hands of teenagers. Suddenly, we can curate our own musical experiences. It's not just about listening; it's about actively deciding what tunes accompany us on the journey of self-discovery. The essay from our group work emphasizes that the iPod marks a shift from the days when radio or the environment dictated our musical choices. It's a transition from a passive audience member to an active composer of our personal symphony. In the context of adolescence, this shift is monumental.
Think of it as a musical toolkit for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence. The research highlights how, through iPods, we gain the power to regulate our emotions. It becomes a shield, a soundtrack that helps us navigate the highs and lows of teenage life. Moreover, by creating personalized playlists, we're not just controlling our emotions; we're also shaping our spatial awareness. It’s like crafting a bubble of privacy, a sanctuary of sound in the bustling public spaces of adolescence. As we grapple with the challenges and triumphs of adolescence, the iPod becomes our ally. The group essay emphasizes that it's not just about having a portable music player; it's about making active, intentional choices. It’s a declaration that our musical journey is personal and intentional. In the broader canvas of identity formation during adolescence, the iPod becomes a brush, adding strokes of independence and choice. It's not just about the music we listen to; it's about how we choose it. The arrival of the iPod during our formative years becomes a chapter in the larger story of how music actively shapes our identity.
The iPod era, explored in our group's findings, introduces a transformative shift in the narrative, aligning seamlessly with the broader exploration of music's impact on identity during adolescence. As the iPod takes center stage, it becomes more than just a portable music player; it metamorphoses into a conductor's baton, offering unprecedented control to teenagers. The group's essay underscores that this tiny device revolutionizes how we interact with music, marking a departure from passive consumption to active curation. The iPod becomes a toolkit for navigating the emotional maze of adolescence, empowering us to regulate emotions and craft personalized playlists. The beats of rap, which emerge as a powerful undercurrent in my own musical journey during these years, illustrate the dynamic interplay of genres. The familiar melodies of my parents' choices linger in the background, but rap becomes the anthem of school years, weaving a narrative uniquely reflective of the complexities of teenage experiences. In the grand symphony of identity formation, this chapter is a testament to the iPod's role as a brush, adding strokes of independence and choice to the canvas of our evolving musical identity.
This exploration dovetails seamlessly with the question of whether musical preferences become fixed by the age of 14. The teenage years, marked by intense hormonal changes and cognitive development, align with Daniel J. Levitin's assertion that puberty makes everything, including music, seem profoundly important. The iPod era, as outlined in our findings, becomes a pivotal backdrop for this assertion. The concept of neuroplasticity challenges the notion that our brains become hard-wired, introducing the idea that our neural connections remain malleable. As we delve into the neurological research, particularly Donald O. Hebb's insights into how neurons wire and unwire based on shared signals, it becomes evident that our taste in music is not concretely set at the age of 14. The essay's journey through the intricacies of neuroplasticity aligns with the evolving narrative of adolescence and the transformative power of music during this period. It bridges the gap between the formative years explored in our group's findings and the broader understanding of how our brains continually make and break connections, expanding our music taste while preserving the emotional memories associated with past favorites.
As we move forward in these teenage years, music becomes more than just background noise. The group's research emphasizes that it starts becoming a part of who we are. It's not just about enjoying a good beat; it's about expressing ourselves. Our essay suggests that younger teenagers tend to link musical styles with certain groups, forming opinions about their peers based on the tunes they like. Our collective exploration into how music shapes identity during adolescence points out that it's like looking in a mirror. The kind of music we choose isn’t just about personal taste; it's about how we see ourselves and others. It’s a way of painting our identity with musical strokes. Think about it like this: the music we grow up with, especially during our younger years, forms a sort of musical foundation for the rest of our lives. When we're kids, the songs our parents play in the car or at home become the starting point for what we end up liking. However, before we start getting into music with our friends, our preferences are usually shaped by what our parents enjoy. This initial exposure doesn't have a huge impact on our long-term musical choices. This shared musical identity is what sticks with us as we grow older. Different generations have different music preferences because what's considered cool in music is always changing. Nowadays, these differences happen even faster because of how quickly music trends and popularity shift. Personally, I've noticed that most of the new music doesn't really click with me anymore. Instead, I find myself going back to the songs I loved during my teenage years. It's like those tunes are a part of who I am, and they bring back memories of that time in my life.
As the chapters of my adolescence unfolded, the musical notes began to shift, finding a new resonance in the vibrant and lyrically charged world of rap music. While the familiar tunes of country and the classics persisted at home, the beats of rap became the anthem of my school years—a powerful undercurrent that surged through conversations in crowded hallways and echoed in the playlists of my peers. My parents' love for country and the nostalgia of '80s and '90s hits remained the foundational chords, but the introduction of rap music by my school friends marked a distinct turn in my musical journey.
The shift from the melodic tales of country to the rapid-fire verses of rap was more than just a change in genre; it was a cultural immersion. The storytelling tradition of country met the raw narratives of rap, creating a dynamic interplay of musical genres. This mirrored what I was experiencing during my adolescence. Online playlists, now filled with rap verses and hip-hop beats, became the backdrop to our teenage adventures. The lyrics, often provocative and socially charged, became a medium for self-expression and cultural exploration. While my parents' musical choices lingered in the background, the foreground of my teenage years pulsed with the beats of rap, weaving a narrative that was uniquely mine. This was when my music taste became mine, more former from peers and media of my generation.
The study on autobiographical memories and music preferences during late adolescence and early adulthood sheds light on how our musical experiences from this period create enduring imprints on our memories and preferences. The reminiscence bump, a phenomenon where individuals recall more memories from a certain period, is notably pronounced during these formative years. This research delves into the impact of music on autobiographical memories, preferences, and emotional responses, introducing the concept of cascading reminiscence bumps, indicating the transmission of musical cultural influence across generations.
Drawing parallels with my own journey into adulthood, the study aligns with the idea that the music of our parents' generation plays a pivotal role in shaping our early musical experiences. The home environment, filled with the tunes favored by our parents during our childhood, becomes a backdrop for the development of our musical tastes. Parents actively participating in our musical education further solidifies this influence, creating a unique distribution of music-evoked autobiographical memories over the lifespan.
The reminiscence bump, commonly associated with vivid and emotionally significant first-time experiences, finds resonance in the study's focus on the powerful cue of music in retrieving autobiographical memories. As I approach adulthood at 21, this research prompts reflection on the potential enduring impact of the music that has accompanied me through my teenage years. The study's exploration of how music preferences stabilize with age offers insights into the evolving symphony of my adult identity, suggesting that the harmonies of my past will continue to reverberate through the chapters of my life.
As I move into adulthood, music is more than just a background noise; it's a guide. The idea that musical preferences become steady with age seems true, even in the early years of adulthood. The songs that used to play in the background of my teenage adventures are now taking the spotlight, becoming part of my identity with a comfort and familiarity that's both reassuring and defining. This sense of distancing from younger generations isn't something unique to me. All my friends have their own music preferences, yet we share a common thread through what was popular when we were teenagers. As the divide grows between the current popular music and our preferences, the contrasts between generations become increasingly evident.
Streaming services shape musical preferences from childhood to adulthood. In early years, algorithms and curated playlists influence taste development. As we grow, the ubiquity of music on streaming platforms transforms how we engage with it. While concerns about devaluation arise, streaming contributes to a fluid musical identity. Moving into adulthood, this influence persists, enhancing connections with music during life changes. The stability of preferences increases, with older adults often favoring music from their past. Streaming services, a constant thread, connect our musical journey across the years. Streaming services open up a vast array of genres, allowing listeners to explore music more extensively than ever. The ability to access any music at any time contributes to the faster evolution of musical preferences across generations. Music is changing rapidly, and streaming platforms accelerate the life cycle of popular songs and trends. Platforms like TikTok and other social media channels play a role in this, as songs become overplayed quickly, leading to fatigue even before experiencing the full track traditionally.
In the past, the availability of music was more limited, often constrained by physical formats like vinyl records, tapes, or CDs. This limitation naturally led to a more gradual evolution of musical trends. People in their 20s and 30s during the 80s, for instance, shared a more common musical landscape during their teenage years. The radio, MTV, or shared cassette tapes played a significant role in shaping a collective musical experience.
Fast forward to today, and the musical ecosystem has undergone a seismic shift. Streaming platforms not only offer an extensive catalog but also algorithms and personalized playlists that cater to individual tastes. This level of personalization means that two people, even with a small age gap, might have vastly different exposures to music during their formative years. Moreover, the influence of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has compressed the lifecycle of popular songs. Trends spread like wildfire, and songs become viral sensations in a matter of days. While this rapid dissemination allows for the discovery of new music, it also leads to quicker saturation and, at times, a sense of fatigue. So, when comparing a 21-year-old and a 16-year-old today, their musical preferences might showcase a more significant divergence. The sheer volume and accessibility of music, coupled with the rapid turnover of trends, contribute to a musical landscape where individual tastes are not only diverse but can also change more swiftly than ever before. It's a musical journey that mirrors the dynamism of the digital age we find ourselves in.
We're looking into how music impacts people throughout their lives, not just during their teenage years. It gets interesting when we focus on older folks and the music they enjoy. Even though we usually link rock and pop music with younger generations, older individuals have a unique relationship with music. Despite facing physical challenges and having less energy as they age, many older people feel that music has this incredible power. It makes them feel young inside and acts like a timeless friend, no matter their age. This becomes especially important as the music industry needs to adapt to cater to an older audience. They're realizing that places where live music happens, like concert venues, might need changes to better suit the needs of older listeners.
Now, let's dig deeper into how music affects the well-being of older adults. Research shows that doing music-related activities, such as singing or playing instruments, has big benefits for the elderly. Besides just being fun, these activities help with thinking skills, social connections, and emotional well-being. Music becomes a tool for bringing people together, helping them connect with their past, feel empowered, and strengthen their sense of identity in their communities. Knowing how much music positively affects older adults suggests that the music preferences they developed earlier in life continue to influence how they experience and find meaning in music as they get older.
In life's grand narrative, music is more than a background; it's a force shaping identities from childhood to adulthood. The journey reveals how music molds us, exploring pivotal moments like the transformative iPod era in adolescence. Music becomes a toolkit for emotional navigation, crafting sound sanctuaries during teenage years. As we transition to adulthood, streaming platforms accelerate musical evolution, highlighting the contrast between teenage favorites and current trends. The paper extends its exploration to older adults, showcasing how music remains a timeless companion, positively impacting cognitive skills and emotional well-being. In essence, this journey through music is a profound exploration of shared human stories, demonstrating how music shapes identities across generations, from the rebellious beats of adolescence to the comforting melodies of old age.
Citations:
Kade Little, Steve Casey, Lexie Young, Regan Stillman, Quinn DeWitt, Mackenzie Scalzo. “Case Study 1: How Does Our Musical Identity Change Over Time As We Age?” (2023)
Kade Little, Steve Casey, Lexie Young, Regan Stillman, Quinn DeWitt, Mackenzie Scalzo. “Case Study 2: As we age live music will continue to have a positive impact on our bodies?” (2023)
Kade Little, Steve Casey, Lexie Young, Regan Stillman, Quinn DeWitt, Mackenzie Scalzo. “Case Study 3: Does the evolution of technology concerning music, have a positive impact on listeners and accessibility?” (2023)
Krumhansl, Carol. Zupnick, Justin. “Cascading Reminiscence Bumps in Popular Music”
Psychological Science, 24(10): 10-17
Levitin, Daniel. This is your brain on music: The science of a human obsession. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
Final Reflection
Kade Little
Critical thinking, in my view, goes beyond just looking at simple cause-and-effect relationships. It's about digging deeper into a situation, understanding its complexities, and getting to the core of problems rather than just addressing surface issues. This involves thinking outside the box, going beyond what you've been taught, while still building on the knowledge you've gained. It's a way of thinking that encourages questioning assumptions and being open to different perspectives, combining what you know with a willingness to explore new ideas. Essentially, critical thinking is a flexible and thoughtful approach to understanding and solving problems.
Explanation of Issues: “Now, we're not just talking about how music makes us feel. I believe that our musical preferences take shape during our early years and persist throughout our lives, subtly influencing our perceptions of music for decades after our preferences are established. Exploring this phenomenon is of particular interest to me as it contributes to the uniqueness of each generation, becoming a nostalgic relic as individuals age, reflecting the musical landscape of their past.”
Evidence: “The teenage years, marked by intense hormonal changes and cognitive development, align with Daniel J. Levitin's assertion that puberty makes everything, including music, seem profoundly important.” “The study on autobiographical memories and music preferences during late adolescence and early adulthood sheds light on how our musical experiences from this period create enduring imprints on our memories and preferences. The reminiscence bump, a phenomenon where individuals recall more memories from a certain period, is notably pronounced during these formative years.”
Influence of Context and Assumptions: “My parents' love for country and the nostalgia of '80s and '90s hits remained the foundational chords, but the introduction of rap music by my school friends marked a distinct turn in my musical journey.” “This was when my music taste became mine, more former from peers and media of my generation.”
Student's Position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis): “This sense of distancing from younger generations isn't something unique to me. All my friends have their own music preferences, yet we share a common thread through what was popular when we were teenagers. As the divide grows between the current popular music and our preferences, the contrasts between generations become increasingly evident.”
Conclusions and Related Outcomes (implications and consequences): “In essence, this journey through music is a profound exploration of shared human stories, demonstrating how music shapes identities across generations, from the rebellious beats of adolescence to the comforting melodies of old age.”
I believe I did a decent job in explaining the issue related to musical preferences. I started by emphasizing that I wasn't just talking about the emotional aspect of music but delving into how our music tastes form early in life and stick with us. I pointed out that this phenomenon continues to influence our perception of music for many years, shaping the musical landscape of different generations. I think this helps to clearly state and describe the issue by highlighting its development over time and its impact on individuals. Overall, I aimed to make the concept easy to understand by connecting it to the lasting influence of early musical preferences on our perceptions throughout our lives.
I think I did well in providing evidence to support my points about the impact of music during adolescence. I cited Daniel J. Levitin's perspective on how puberty intensifies the significance of music, incorporating an expert viewpoint to strengthen my argument. Additionally, I referred to a study on autobiographical memories, linking it to the late adolescent and early adulthood period to emphasize the lasting influence of musical experiences during that time. By discussing the "reminiscence bump," a phenomenon where people recall more memories from a specific period, I aimed to provide additional context and interpretation. Overall, I believe I effectively used information from sources to create a clear analysis and synthesis, while also incorporating expert viewpoints to add credibility to my argument.
I think I successfully addressed the influence of context and assumptions in my discussion about my musical preferences. I explicitly mentioned the foundational influence of my parents' love for country music and '80s and '90s hits. This acknowledges the assumption that familial preferences shape our initial musical inclinations. Additionally, I recognized the impact of my school friends introducing rap music, signaling a shift in my musical journey. By acknowledging the influence of peers and media, I highlighted the contextual factors that played a role in shaping my evolving music taste. Overall, I believe I effectively identified both my own assumptions and the external contexts that influenced my musical preferences, providing a comprehensive view of the factors at play in my narrative.
I believe I effectively conveyed my position on the generational gap in musical preferences. I took a clear stance, expressing that the sense of disconnect from younger generations is not unique to me but is shared among my friends. By acknowledging the individuality of our music preferences while emphasizing a common thread from our teenage years, I considered the complexities of the issue. I also made it a point to acknowledge the diversity of my friends' preferences, showcasing an awareness of different perspectives within our shared experience. Overall, I think I successfully took a specific position on the generational contrasts in music tastes, recognizing both the commonality and diversity among my peers.
I effectively concluded my exploration of music preferences by highlighting how it's a profound journey through shared human stories, shaping identities across generations. Although I didn't explicitly address opposing viewpoints, the inclusion of diverse musical influences suggests an awareness of varied perspectives. The identified outcome is the lasting impact of different musical phases on shaping individual identities over time. Overall, my conclusion logically ties back to the diverse aspects discussed earlier in the exploration.
Moving forward in my critical thinking journey, I aim to reach the Capstone level by consistently challenging assumptions, seeking diverse perspectives, and deepening my analysis. I realized I didn't have enough sources in my paper, and I wanted to add more evidence beyond just my own experiences and the experiences of others. To improve, I plan to find and include information from a variety of reliable sources to make my arguments stronger and more convincing. This way, my paper will be more well-rounded and credible.