The Martlet
7 February 2002
by Chris Bodenbender
Have you read the article "When Noise Annoys" in last week's Monday Magazine? Well, you should because it is really good. And if it didn't open your eyes and ears, maybe I can.
Did you ever notice that the commercials on tv are way louder than the tv series around them? Of course the reason being that if something i suddenly louder, it catches your attention. However, if an annoyance factor comes into play, the attention is not as intended but of a more negative kind.
Years ago in a German tv magazine somebody complained about the louder tv commercials. The network responded saying that the commercials are sent to them that way, so it's not their fault but the fault of the commercial producers.
Well, talk about a pathetic excuse. What do the sound technicians at the tv network get paid for then?! It's their job, dammit!
But "loud" is popular and so cool, isn't it. Everything has to be loud nowadays to give yourself some kind of rush and annoy everyone around you. Even taste has to be loud, according to some stupid chips commercial. Part of a rebellion . . . against what? Your hearing? Kindness? Because other people might otherwise think that you are actually a nice person? (I had some really awful ghetto-blaster people living next door in residence. I still hate them and if I'll ever get into the position to . . . . )
Hm, maybe many people are so numb inside that they don't feel anything unless it blasts their eardrum and the base makes their body shake. Which obviously makes you feel something, but where is the emotion? Not some hollow coolness feeling but an actual fulfilling emotion. Evidently not a goal of a loud culture.
Yes, I do go to concerts and dance clubs but not without my earplugs. However, it is a difference if it is loud at these places (which seems to be part of the deal and I accept that) or at someone's own private space due to some inconsiderate neighbour. Then "loud" indeed becomes noise.
