Chechnya music decision reminder of US freedoms
As you flip your radio stations around today, be thankful
According to CNN, officials in the Russian Republic of Chechnya have issued a ban on music that they consider too fast or too slow.
That’s right, readers.
In Chechnya, residents can only listen to music with a tempo ranging from 80 to 116 beats per minute.
According to CNN, the rule applies to all “musical, vocal and choreographic compositions.”
We did a little research, out of curiosity, to see what that means.
Imagine, for a moment, a world without Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. Or Landslide, by Fleetwood Mac. Desperado by the Eagles. All of these songs fall in the 60 bpm category – and would be banned.
At the other end of the scale, above 116 bpm?
In the 120 range, we find Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know, Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, Groove Is In the Heart by Deee-lite … you get the picture.
According to a 2005 study in the medical journal Heart, music can alleviate stress, improve athletic performance, and improve movement in neurologically impaired patients with stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
The study noted that listening to music with a slow or meditative tempo had a relaxing effect on people, slowing their breathing and heart rate, while faster music had the opposite effect, NBC News reported.
And readers, that makes sense – just think of the impact upbeat music can have to get you pumped for a task like cleaning.
But in Chechnya, that choice is gone.
According to CNN, the decision was made to ensure that Chechen music and dance align with “Chechen mentality and musical rhythm,” citing the cultural heritage of the people.
Music is an integral, essential part of our lives. It evolves with us, bringing us comfort in times of need, and celebrating with us in times of joy. Regardless of our individual tastes, our choices are our personal soundtracks.
We can’t imagine that choice being gone.
Chechnya has been accused of human rights violations against women and the LGBTQ community for years, so perhaps this decision isn’t a surprising one. And given those human rights issues, there are bigger issues at play than losing access to one’s choice of music.
But when you turn your radio on later today, and tune in to your favorite station, take a moment and think about Chechnya. And be thankful that you have the ability to love whoever you choose – and to tune in to whatever you choose.