Classical music deters anti-social behavior at transit centers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the use of classical music as a strategy to deter anti-social behavior at transit centers, particularly in the context of a city initiative in Tacoma, Washington. Participants explore the effectiveness of this approach, referencing studies and drawing parallels to other unconventional methods of influencing behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that studies in other cities suggest classical music can deter anti-social behavior at transit centers.
  • Others express skepticism about the effectiveness of such simple solutions for complex social issues.
  • One participant draws a parallel to the use of calming colors in correctional institutions, suggesting that environmental factors can influence behavior.
  • Another participant humorously critiques the choice of classical pieces, specifically mentioning "Ride of the Valkyries" as potentially inappropriate.
  • There are references to personal anecdotes related to music and its effects, including humorous takes on how different genres might influence various demographics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of skepticism and curiosity regarding the effectiveness of playing classical music to deter anti-social behavior. There is no consensus on the validity of the approach, with some supporting the idea while others question its practicality.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the potential influence of sound and color on emotions but do not delve into specific mechanisms or empirical evidence supporting these claims. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the broader implications of using music in public spaces.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in urban planning, public safety, behavioral psychology, and the effects of environmental factors on social behavior may find this discussion relevant.

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TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - Believing gangs and Mozart don't mix, city police and Pierce Transit officials are mounting a classical attack on a growing problem of street gangs at bus stops.

This week speakers are being installed to transmit classical music from KING FM radio of Seattle at the Tacoma Mall Transit Center, a tactic designed to reduce the number of young hooligans who deal or buy drugs at the bus stop or use public transportation as an easy way to circulate between the mall and other trouble-prone places...

Studies in other cities indicate classical music deters anti-social behavior at transit centers, Baker said...
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/8810622.html
 
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Likewise, playing hip-hop on your porch will shoo off pesky elderlies with their rocking chairs.
 
I wouldn't recommend "Ride of the Valkyries" or anything else by Wagner to be played, though..
 
Thats crazy, simple ideas to complicated problems.
 
Reminds me of the "calming" pink paint in correctional institutions.
 
arildno said:
I wouldn't recommend "Ride of the Valkyries" or anything else by Wagner to be played, though..

When I was in college, I woke up from a nap (after an all-nighter) distinctly hearing "And who, dressed as Clark Kent...". It turned out the guy in the room next to me was playing the "Ride of the Valkyries"!

(And if you understand that, you are as God-awful old as I am!)
 
Hanae4fun said:
Thats crazy, simple ideas to complicated problems.
Actually, colours and sounds DO in subtle ways influence emotions and can gently guide them in certain directions.

Artists throughout the history have known that.
 
HallsofIvy said:
When I was in college, I woke up from a nap (after an all-nighter) distinctly hearing "And who, dressed as Clark Kent...". It turned out the guy in the room next to me was playing the "Ride of the Valkyries"!

(And if you understand that, you are as God-awful old as I am!)

I'm not, nor am I American. My mind has been busy to see what Superman has to do with the Ride of the Valkyries, but I have been unable to solve the puzzle you posed..:cry::cry:

Could you please enlighten me; I'm intrigued..
 
out of whack said:
Likewise, playing hip-hop on your porch will shoo off pesky elderlies with their rocking chairs.

A long time ago I saw a cartoon in a hi-fi magazine showing a man in a natty business suit walking along with a boombox perched on his shoulder. Two ghetto dudes are watching him, and one of them says something like, "Oh no, here comes that dude with the Olivier Messiaen again!"

(I have to admit that Messiaen would probably shoo off most of the pesky elderlies as well as the hip-hop types...)