CHFA | Global Languages Senior Colloquium
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
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Major
Psychology and Spanish
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Robert Fritz
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Abraham León is a junior at Murray State University double majoring in Spanish and Psychology. He is fascinated by how emotions and cognition are shaped by both natural and evolving technological factors. In his free time, he enjoys running, biking, and listening to music. Next academic year, he plans to advance his psychology studies and complete the remaining credits for his Spanish major.
The Provocative Yet Absorbent Nature of Reggaeton
Reggaeton has experienced a prominent surge in global popularity, as evidenced by its exponential rise on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 2020s. However, this rise has also sparked controversy, with many scholars arguing that reggaeton’s lyrics reinforce gender stereotypes and promote the sexualization of women. While much of the discourse surrounding reggaeton revolves around its controversial lyrics, fewer studies have examined the genre’s popularity. This gap in research overlooks the psychological appeal of reggaeton, preventing a more comprehensive understanding of why the genre continues to resonate with listeners. This presentation addresses this gap by analyzing YouTube comments on three reggaeton hits to explore how individuals emotionally engage with the genre. Using music therapy theory as a framework, I categorize the comments into three themes that contribute to the genre’s popularity: collective identity, nostalgia, and rhythm. This presentation shifts the focus from reggaeton’s controversial lyrics to its psychological impact, contributing a more comprehensive understanding of how reggaeton fosters cultural belonging within Hispanic communities. Ultimately, I challenge the critiques of reggaeton by illustrating its role in shaping identity and emotions. Despite its controversial lyrics, reggaeton remains widely popular because it draws in listeners through collective identity, nostalgic connection, and rhythmic attraction, reinforcing its profound cultural and emotional impact. This research shows how reggaeton’s significance runs deeper than its lyrics and, instead, acts as a source of connection and strength for marginalized listeners.
The Provocative Yet Absorbent Nature of Reggaeton
Abraham León is a junior at Murray State University double majoring in Spanish and Psychology. He is fascinated by how emotions and cognition are shaped by both natural and evolving technological factors. In his free time, he enjoys running, biking, and listening to music. Next academic year, he plans to advance his psychology studies and complete the remaining credits for his Spanish major.
The Provocative Yet Absorbent Nature of Reggaeton
Reggaeton has experienced a prominent surge in global popularity, as evidenced by its exponential rise on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 2020s. However, this rise has also sparked controversy, with many scholars arguing that reggaeton’s lyrics reinforce gender stereotypes and promote the sexualization of women. While much of the discourse surrounding reggaeton revolves around its controversial lyrics, fewer studies have examined the genre’s popularity. This gap in research overlooks the psychological appeal of reggaeton, preventing a more comprehensive understanding of why the genre continues to resonate with listeners. This presentation addresses this gap by analyzing YouTube comments on three reggaeton hits to explore how individuals emotionally engage with the genre. Using music therapy theory as a framework, I categorize the comments into three themes that contribute to the genre’s popularity: collective identity, nostalgia, and rhythm. This presentation shifts the focus from reggaeton’s controversial lyrics to its psychological impact, contributing a more comprehensive understanding of how reggaeton fosters cultural belonging within Hispanic communities. Ultimately, I challenge the critiques of reggaeton by illustrating its role in shaping identity and emotions. Despite its controversial lyrics, reggaeton remains widely popular because it draws in listeners through collective identity, nostalgic connection, and rhythmic attraction, reinforcing its profound cultural and emotional impact. This research shows how reggaeton’s significance runs deeper than its lyrics and, instead, acts as a source of connection and strength for marginalized listeners.