Italy.Germany.France.
The US.Australia.Each has its own unique language,upon which conversation is shared.
Drill down further and that language identifies a region,specific location,even social environment.And the groups and individuals within.
Without the ability to accurately speak ‘the language’ you can’t create connection-you cannot converse.
Such disconnect is heightened when looking to build relationships with young people.Without the ability to speak the language your message is lost.And in 2021 the language that young people use has never been more layered-and externally influenced.
In order to guide,mentor and/or educate young people current knowledge of language is everything,as is a genuine understanding of its source-music.Language,social and fashion cues are all clearly presented by music-and further layered by social media and discourse.Any communication with young people that isn’t thoughtful structured and offered against a genuine knowledge of music and the artists both in front of and behind the microphone (producers/graphic designers/dancers) is hollow.And will not hit home.
This knowledge is nothing new.Being (at least) ‘on trend’ is important in any market,but none more so than education.
Education however sees itself as education and therein lies its biggest issue.Education simply cannot be ‘just’ education-it must entertain.
And entertainment is the most competitive of markets.Young people the most discerning of ‘buyers’.On any given day education competes against music,social media,the internet (and more)not to mention various levels of socialization and ‘adventure’.In order for the education system to affect influence and change,it has to change.And quickly.
Changing an entire system is incredibly difficult particularly if progress is blocked by fear or the need for control.As an individual working with the framework of education I have made a conscious choice to offset education with entertainment.Carefully curated,culturally accurate and historically recognized entertainment.