4-1 Discussion_Wellness and the Humanities
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Southern New Hampshire University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
402
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jun 23, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by SargentCrown16310
4-1 Discussion: Wellness and the Humanities
Each discussion is meant to be a collaborative space for conversation in which to process the concepts within the course. To ensure an interesting and respectful discussion, you are encouraged to think creatively about your initial posts and build upon the points made by your peers. Discussing challenges that face our world often means investigating opinions and ideas different from your own. Remember to remain thoughtful and respectful towards your peers and instructor in your discussion post and replies. It is also important to review the module resources and read the prompts in their entirety before participating in the discussion.
Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.
For your initial post, address the following:
1. Select an item of cultural expression that you think relates to wellness and briefly describe it. Examples of cultural expression may include but are not limited to movies, music, dance, advertising, artwork, television shows, and viral videos from social media.
2. What social message might your cultural expression be communicating about wellness?
3. What might be the social implications of this message?
A cultural expression I chose that relates to wellness is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical
“The Phantom of the Opera.” Aside from being one of my favorite Broadway musicals, it can be related to wellness in several ways, particularly its themes, character development, and emotional impact on the audience. The musical provides a platform for emotional expression, both for the characters and the audience. The intense emotions portrayed, love, jealousy, fear, and redemption, allow viewers to experience a form of catharsis, which can be therapeutic and contribute to emotional wellness (Dominguez, 2019). Listening to music can reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function. A 2022 review and meta-analysis of music therapy found an overall beneficial effect on stress-related outcomes (Reynolds, 2023). The powerful and emotive score of the musical can provide these benefits to the audience. Phantom’s character has a premise of redemption and forgiveness that can resonate deeply with audiences. Lastly, attending this musical can be a social activity that fosters connections with others, bringing light to unmasking social negative views on physical deformities and mental illness on oppressed individuals who differ from what is considered social “normality.” In summary, The Phantom of the Opera relates to wellness through its emotional depth, exploration of mental health issues, therapeutic
music, cultural engagement, and themes that promote personal growth and social connection.
References
Dominguez, K. (2019, June 27). Musical Theater & Mental Health. PsychoSocial.
https://psychosocial.media/2019/06/27/musical-theater-mental-health/
Reynolds, F. (2023). The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being. American Psychiatric Association.
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-
mental-well-being#:~:text=Recent%20research%20suggests%20that%20music,a
%20role%20in%20mood%20regulation.&text=A%202022%20review%20and
%20meta,effect%20on%20stress%2Drelated%20outcomes
.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help