Music has been an integral part of American society and our culture. Whether it be Rock, Jazz, Blues, Hip Hop, Country, what have you, they have all played a part in shaping our society. Music has shaped our personalities, our ideas and thoughts and, to a much larger extent, shaped us as both a nation and individuals. I certainly know I wouldn't be me without all of the music I have listened to in my life time. Music has shaped me into what I am today. The same can also be said about our culture.

To give an example, I bring you back to the mid '60's. It was a different time back then (so I hear, at least). America found itself in an un-approved war and our government was strife with dirt politics and scandals. People had no reason to mistrust our government before. We had all assumed they were playing fairly and had the best intentions possible for ruling our nation. During this time, a movement known as the "Counter Culture" emerged. It was a form of protest from the largely quiet young Americans. The 18-24 age group was all but silent in politics before. That all changed when the Vietnam conflict began. America's youth were enraged and increasingly became annoyed with the way our country was being run. They were greatly influenced by politically savvy artists, calling for peace and an end to war.

Artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and others defined a movement. American youths could relate to these artists and became passionate about politics and freedoms because of it.

Jimi Hendrix, in particular, was on the fore-front of criticizing our political arena whether it be intentional or not. His outrageous behavior on and off stage were far from the norm. Breaking and lighting guitars on fire were thought to be acts of insanity from outsiders and the older generations. To his followers, they were signs of rebellion and freedom from the restraints of society. He was being himself and in doing so, broke many social barriers.

That is what I believe culture to be. A series of social barriers. Is culture not defined to be a generally accepted perspective of a nation or group of people? In that case, then one would not find it impossible to see culture as being, figuratively, a large glass house. A house of glass barriers. You can see inside the house, and out from all directions. People looking in may see something completely different from people looking out. Culture is only what you find "acceptable" in your life.

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