Why certain genres of music shouldn't be overly criticized

Music has apparently always been treated with more concern than any other form of entertainment. Many musicians are the targets of parents, teachers,the media, and society in general. Based on my observations, it is usually rock and rap that are often criticized more than any other genre of music. I believe that the media has shown music genres such as rock, rap, heavy metal, etc. in a negative light because these kinds of genres are not widely accepted among the general population. Where is the criticism against pop, jazz, reggae, country and other such genres? I hardly hear of any country singer or reggae artist being given a bad reputation, so why target some genres and not others?

I have reflected on arguments against listening to "gangster" rappers and "obscene" metal bands because of a certain image projecting negative influences. People refuse to listen to their albums because they feel no connection or anything "positive" within the music itself, however i see no reason why there should be a restriction on only those kinds of musical genres. The Beatles played ballad's, but their song "Helter Skelter" was focused on being loud, noisy, and ridiculous. It was originally intended to be heavy metal and made to demonstrate that they did not only play ballads. Remember that musicians like Elvis Presley along with other musicians of whom now in our modern society look very modest, but in their own respective time were considered to be obscene. For these reasons, music should not be treated as a trend, but rather an art to express individuality and sense of character.

I've heard it's been said before against my choice in music "Listen closely to the music you are listening to..do you see any positive influences? Do you see anything which you can relate to?.." That is not necessarily the goal of music, music does not pick sides, so that is a rather overly judgmental statement. When we were kids, we may have watched superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Spiderman, etc. use violence for the greater good, should we then follow their example? Should we then be against them because they use violence? Why not stop watching violent action-adventure movies simply because they promote violence? More importantly, no one in our society is obligated to fully disclose their personal lives simply to satisfy your requirements of a good role model. Businessmen are there to sell and market products, policemen are present to protect citizens, and doctors are there to help the sick, not to be judged by your standards. Furthermore, musicians are expressing their view and life-experiences, so if i can't relate to it, that's not of much relevance because understanding is the principal goal being set in focus.

With these things in mind, music should never seen as only an instrument for self-improvement because that's not the essence of art in general. Art is the expression of the self whether it expresses positive or negative feelings, thoughts, and emotions. What you want to incorporate into your music or the music you listen to is up to you. In conclusion, the personal lives of musicians should not affect your joy of listening to a particular genre of music.