“Ur the only one excited about beck winning- U don’t get a Grammy for being relevant years ago.” This was a text I received from my cousin within minutes after one of my personal favorite artists, Beck, received a Grammy for his album “Morning Phase.”  After becoming rather defensive and working up on attitude, I realized that some people view this award show as an outlet not to recognize artistry, but rather popularity.

Since I was an adolescent, I have had the pleasure of growing up around music.  I moved around quite a bit, but my parents never failed in making sure that the music we listened to never changed.  I attended the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for the first time when I was just six months old.

And as time has passed, I have grown to have my own personal taste, while still maintaining the understanding of well-written music that my parents drilled into my brain.  In my house, discussing music is like discussing politics: there’s always something to talk about.  We view music as an art that must be shaped and understood in order to receive praise.

So, when I found out that other people’s view of the Grammy’s were different than my family’s, I was a bit taken aback.

“I definitely think that [the Grammys] have evolved into relevancy,” Anna Peacher-Ryan (11) said.  “But, I think at its roots the awards are definitely artistry.”

My understanding of the awards has been that they are given to those who have worked hard to make, produce and compose music that deserves to be recognized; however, others see it as a way to congratulate those few artists who have either just made their big break or have been in the Top Forty.

“Beck, him being the one writing his own music, won, and I think that gives music a chance,” Ms. Williams, the Choral Director here at White Station, said.

This dispute over why Beck won rather than Beyoncé is based solely on the fact that her fan base is larger and more international.  But, while her abilities and image may be great, she is infamous for not writing her lyrics, while Beck does.  Yet, she maintains her persona of greatness and artistry.

Why is this?

Because our society is based around the idea that only popular things or people should be acknowledged for their doings, while others, who may have worked just as hard or harder, are left in the dust due to their lack reputation.

This needs to change.  We must learn to allow those who are not relevant to be recognized for their talents.  We must be able to appreciate people’s abilities rather than their repute.  Talent is more than the amount of followers on twitter.