Music is one of the most powerful cultural tools in any society. It entertains, educates, preserves heritage and often reflects collective emotions. Yet, when music normalises vulgar language and degrading expressions, especially in public spaces, it stops being harmless entertainment and begins to shape behaviour, most alarmingly, of children.
In Bangladesh today, it is difficult to ignore a troubling trend. During New Year celebrations, weddings, roadside programmes, political rallies, local fairs and even family functions, songs containing crude, vulgar, and sexually suggestive language are played repeatedly and loudly. Bhojpuri songs and other types, whether desi or foreign, many of which rely heavily on offensive lyrics, have become nearly unavoidable. What is more concerning is not just their presence, but the unrestricted exposure of children to them.
Children are not passive listeners. They are active learners. Psychologists have long established that children are imitative by nature. They absorb language, gestures, attitudes, and social cues from their surroundings. When vulgar words are repeatedly heard in songs played at public events, homes, or neighbourhood gatherings, children begin to internalise them. These words soon appear in playground conversations, casual jokes, and even classroom behaviour. What was once considered inappropriate slowly becomes normal.
This process of normalisation is deeply damaging. Language is not just a tool for communication; it shapes thought, behaviour, and moral boundaries. When children grow up hearing derogatory references to women, sexualised metaphors, or aggressive expressions set to catchy rhythms, they may not fully understand the meanings, but they learn the tone, the intent, and the social acceptance of such language. Over time, this can lead to increased verbal aggression, disrespectful behaviour, distorted gender perceptions, and a decline in empathy.
Other countries have recognised this challenge and acted accordingly. Content advisories, public broadcasting standards, age restrictions, and noise regulations are enforced not to suppress creativity, but to protect social well-being. Bangladesh, too, has cultural policies and laws related to public decency, but enforcement remains weak and selective.
This is not a call for moral policing. It is a call for social responsibility. Event organisers must be mindful of what they play in public spaces. Parents must be aware of what their children consume, both online and offline. Media platforms and local authorities must enforce content guidelines more seriously. Most importantly, society must stop trivialising vulgarity as "just fun."Because what children repeatedly hear today becomes how they speak, think, and behave tomorrow.
Md. Yeasir Arafat
Student
University of Rajshahi
s2211143179@ru.ac.bd
