Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t it a little weird for Marvin to be writing about this?” And my honest answer to that question is that it probably is. But, this a point I’ve had to argue every time I mention I happen to like one or more “One Direction” songs.
Before I dive into my reasons, I just want to say something that we should all know: Music is music. Enjoying something we find pleasing isn’t something people can just change. We all have our taste and shouldn’t criticize someone for having a different taste, or finding enjoyment in a song that they enjoy, but you might not.
I’ll say this now and it should be obvious: I enjoy boy bands. I’ll agree that many of them have a great amount of songs, along with having songs that I don’t find audible. My playlist consists of songs by One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer, The Wanted, and a few others that you may or may not have heard of.
Now, I have no problem telling people that I enjoy songs played by these bands, but that hasn’t always been the case. Growing up, whenever I would tell others that I enjoyed a few One Direction songs, I was always criticized or told that I had “girlie” taste in music. I shouldn’t have to point out the problems that come with judging someone’s taste in anything as long as it’s not harming themselves or others.
Classifying a boy band song as “girlie” or anything negative because you don’t like it only continues the cycle of this inherent stigma that boy bands are only for the enjoyment of a certain gender – when that isn’t the case.
As we know, most artist make songs for the enjoyment of others. People (boys and girls, alike) enjoy singing any song by N'SYNC or Backstreet Boys, and I’ve never heard anyone get judged for enjoying that kind of music. The both of them are boy bands – so what makes them any different than One Direction or 5 Seconds of Summer?
Alright, there are differences in the bands, but these concept is still the same. There is nothing wrong with liking boy bands. If you still feel the need to judge others, then go right ahead, but you’re only contributing to the very problem I'm calling attention to.
I just want to let all the guys know that they can enjoy any boy band song and it’s completely alright and nothing is wrong with you. If you enjoy jamming out to “She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds of Summer or even “No Control” by One Direction, than that’s completely alright. These are great artist, and I find it hard to believe that someone would dislike EVERY single one of their songs.
To wrap up this article, let everyone enjoy their musical taste. If a guy enjoys rocking out to Zayn Malik’s vocals, that’s absolutely alright. Just tell the haters “Bye Bye Bye.”
