Not long ago I read a story which the author ended by assuring readers that the characters were living “in harmony” with one another. When used in the context of people relating with each other, this phrase hints at a metaphor. The language of music usually surrounds this word “harmony.” When I sing something other than the melody of a song, I am harmonizing; or one may comment on the harmony in a certain piece of music. Many people enjoy music: music they make alone or with others and music performed by another. Music speaks to people, bringing back memories, or affecting someone’s mood. Perhaps music can also teach us about interacting with others. Metaphors often show another perspective on a subject, so what can we learn about “living in harmony” from how we experience music?
A soloist, singing a tune alone can be awe inspiring; and unison singing where all sing the same note is beautiful in its own way. Often, however, I find myself missing the other notes that make up the chord. Many different parts sung or played together to make up one musical piece creates a special kind of beauty. Such diversity is present in most songs. With common knowledge about the song and the key a wide variety of notes can be sung and yet all is “in harmony.” Though many of us appreciate such diversity when in filling out a song, it comes as no surprise that diversity in groups can be uncomfortable. Humans tend to gravitate to those with whom they share commonalities. Diversity comes on many levels: surface levels such as appearance and demographical differences exist, as do deeper levels of difference on issues of beliefs and values (Burn 232-233). However, just as different harmonies have their place and their role in beautifying a single song, diversity can enhance social process. The “value-in-diversity hypothesis” suggests that encouraging diversity in a group creates positive outcomes. Diversifying the skills, perspectives, and knowledge bases represented also increases the skills available to the group, the knowledge presented in group discussion, and perspectives through which each topic is weighed. Diversity viewed in this way enhances group productivity and strengthens collective decisions (Burn 243).
Just as diversity potentially strengthens a group it also presents greater opportunity for conflict. Heavy with the connotation of pain and loss, conflict seems to increase the incentive to work towards group homogenization. Some, however, paint a different picture of the role of conflict. Freedom of choice and the differences between people simultaneously enrich our lives and lead to disagreements. Conflict then, is normal and natural (Lederach 117). If this is so, then peace can hardly be the absence of such conflict but rather the way in which we work through the inevitable disagreements. Musically, we often prefer songs in which interest is added through dissonance. For example, many hymns which have been preserved and passed down through generations embrace this clash and resolve. Even "Amazing Grace" allows for a few minor chords, and "Great is Thy Faithfulness" exemplifies several instances of dissonance and resolution within the inner voices. Many of our favorite musical pieces show us the beauty of moving through conflict toward resolution; a movement which enriches the entire experience. Likewise, conflict handled constructively can deepen our relationships, strengthen our decisions, and instigate positive change (Burn 202).
In his book The Moral Imagination author John Paul Lederach writes that metaphor, “creates an image of what the experience of living in the world is like” (72). Next time you hear music, listen for the metaphor of “living in harmony.” Listen for the individuality of the various parts joined in creating one song. Revel in the movement through dissonance toward resolution. Music calls these phenomena normal and in turn we call it beautiful.
Sources used:
Burn, Shawn Meghan. Groups: Theory and Practice. Canada:Thomson Wadsworth, 2004. Print.
Lederach, John Paul. The Journey Towards Reconciliation. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1999. Print.
Lederach, John Paul. The Moral Imagination. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. Print.
