ic. This type of music can lead to a state of mind where these activities are a main focus in a person’s way of life. According to Freud, the id is the part of the person which desires certain things, but is controlled by the ego and superego (Freud, 65-68). When a person enters a stage such as this in their life they are completely controlled by the id. The music is an ally to the id, helping it achieve its desires. To illustrate this point further, a closer look at the actions is necessary. A concert’s purpose is to allow fans to listen to a band perform live. If the rational part of one’s self, the superego, were in control, it is highly unlikely that someone would begin shoving random people to the beat of a song. Though this behavior would not normally be tolerated, it is viewed as acceptable because the participants are at a certain music concert. These actions “toe the line” between expression and violence. For the most part, this aggressive behavior is instigated and carried out by males. By nature the males of the human species are more prone to violence and exhibitions of strength than females. Music is a powerful means by which these people deem it permissible to act in such a manner. There may be other factors involved with this behavior such as male angst and stress, but the driving force is undoubtedly the music. When a typical heavy metal song is played there is an intense beat that penetrates to the soul. The most common rhythm in many of these songs lends itself to sharp, powerful, and rigid movements. In a society where the men are seen as the dominant sex, they need a place to display their masculinity. Those who don’t have any other outlet find their release in their “physical appreciation” of the music. It is logical to deduce that males need a place to release their natural selves, and the music at these concerts provides just such a place. Music fr...
