In the colorful world of parenting, there are some things you simply can’t avoid passing down to your children. Whether it’s a distinctive nose or a knack for sarcasm, these little quirks are part of what makes families unique. But what about the intangible inheritance – our tastes in music, art, and culture? Is it right for parents to enforce their cultural preferences on their children?
Take Liam Gallagher, the ex-Oasis frontman, for example. Over the weekend, his son Gene revealed that Gallagher “forced The Who and The Beatles” on him and his siblings. Pop music from the likes of Justin Bieber or One Direction was a no-go in the Gallagher household. This scenario is not unique. Many parents believe it’s their duty to shape their children’s cultural landscape, often pushing their own artistic tastes as gospel. While some may cringe at the idea, sharing your cultural tastes with your kids isn’t just acceptable – it might be a moral imperative.
The Importance of Shared Experiences
Art is a bridge connecting human experiences. Whether it’s through listening to music, watching films, or visiting museums, shared cultural activities are a way for families to bond. When parents introduce their children to their favorite bands, movies, or books, they aren’t just passing on preferences; they’re sharing a piece of themselves. This can enrich a child’s life, offering them a broader perspective and a deeper connection with their parents.
A Personal Connection
For many, the sharing of tastes is a way to connect with their roots. Cultural preferences are often a mosaic of exposures and influences accumulated over a lifetime. Introducing your children to the music, films, and books that shaped you can create a vital sense of continuity and identity.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
In our fast-paced society, where new trends constantly overshadow the old, parents play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. Without parental influence, timeless works of art might fade into obscurity, lost to the relentless march of modernity. The films of Laurel and Hardy or the bluesy tunes of Bessie Smith may seem archaic to today’s youth, but parents can keep these treasures alive by sharing them with the next generation.
Striking a Balance
However, there’s a fine line between sharing your tastes and imposing them. Gallagher’s decision to forbid pop music like Justin Bieber or Harry Styles might have been a step too far. Sharing your tastes should be about opening doors, not closing them. Children need the freedom to explore and develop their own preferences. Introducing them to great art is one thing, but it’s essential to allow them their own discoveries and tastes.
A Form of Teaching
As the late Stephen Sondheim said, “Teaching is a sacred profession, and art is a form of teaching.” Parents, as the primary teachers in their children’s lives, have a responsibility to introduce them to the arts and culture. It’s about teaching them about the world and, in turn, about themselves. Whether children embrace or reject these lessons is less important than the exposure itself. For some, like Gene Gallagher, who now fronts his own rock band, these early influences can be profoundly formative.
In the end, sharing your cultural tastes with your children is more than just a parental prerogative; it’s a way of preserving our shared heritage and fostering deeper connections. So go ahead, play that Beatles album, watch that classic film, and maybe, just maybe, your kids will thank you for it someday.
