In our everyday life we are surrounded by stereotypes. Women can’t drive. Men don’t like to ask for directions. And a “basic white bitch” like me listens to Justin Bieber and Fetty Wap.

Right?

Wrong.

Women can drive. Men do ask for directions. And despite my Ugg boots and North Face jacket, I listen to rock music.

Why would a girl as “basic” as me listen to this genre of music, you may be wondering? Well, if you look at Justin Bieber’s music, his songs pretty much all sound the same, have the same message, and are about the same two people. If you look at Fetty Wap lyrics, they’re all about using girls as sex toys and doing drugs.

Now don’t get me wrong, I still listen to some of these artists' songs, but they are by far not my favorite. Instead, I choose to listen to rock, with some of my favorite bands being Papa Roach, Theory of a Deadman, My Darkest Days and Flyleaf.

If you really listen to these artists' lyrics, they all tell a story. And it’s not a story about a guy smoking a blunt and then hooking up with a girl. They tell personal stories of broken hearts, falling in love, and the hardships of their lives. There’s a rock song for any mood you’re in. If you’re feeling sad you may listen to “Scars” by Papa Roach, and. when you’re angry you could listen to “Bitch Came Back” by Theory of a Deadman. If you’re happy though, you can always turn to “Magnetic” by Flyleaf.

I will admit that some rock songs can be quite vulgar at times, but I just find such beauty in the lyrics and how they’re delivered with such strong emotions in the ones that are not. They make you feel something, and isn’t that how music originated? Isn’t that the original purpose of music? These songs tell the stories of love and loss. Depression and strength. Trust and hurt.

The power of music is incredibly strong, and that’s why I am so in love with this particular genre. I’m not ashamed to be an avid fan of these bands, and I never will be. So next time you find yourself bashing rock music or anyone who listens to it, I strongly encourage you to bite your tongue and try listening to the messages instead. You may just end up feeling these emotions and hear the beautiful messages too.