[NurdlyPeon]

I have to disagree with you. You are trying to focus on the individual, and I am trying to say that there are objective criteria that transcend any particular individual. You can be a good person and listen to heavy metal, just as you can be a good person and shoot heroin. I'm not talking about the person. And I'm not saying that ALL heavy metal is bad, I'm sure you can find exceptions to any rule. I am saying that, objectively speaking, and on balance, the heavy metal screechy depressing crap just really doesn't make that much of a contribution to our society. That's not hateful, and it's not elitist, and I really don't care one way or the other. I'm just trying to make what I believe to be an objective comparison.

[monday]

"I am saying that, objectively speaking, and on balance, the heavy metal screechy depressing crap just really doesn't make that much of a contribution to our society."

The purpose of music is to inspire people or make them happy.

You may say that "from my limited experience and point of view, heavy metal screechy depressing, ...... doesn't make a contribution" and I will agree with you.

Since music isn't an objective medium like math or science that can be measured, only a fool would claim that it doesn't make it's fans as happy as classical music makes it's fans.