Music is and always has been a main fixture in American culture, and Florissant is no exception.

For teenagers across the country as well as around the world, when we listen to music, it accounts for more than offensive lyrics and pulsing beats.

At McCluer North, the music students listen to is apparent by the manner in which they dress. All the Kanye West-lovers usually shop at Urban Outfitters, which can include a multitude of skinny and straight-leg jeans. Many girls who try to emulate Rihanna's style usually find inspiration from look-alike ensemble in the racks of Forever21 and Charlotte Rousse.

I've noticed that, for the most part, the students at my school act the same way their favorite musical artist behaves. For example, when Kanye West decided to grow out his hair during the promotion of his 808's and Heartbreak album, many guys at McCluer North chose to do it as well. When Rihanna changed her hair color to a fiery red, girls did that, too.

In the afternoons, when school is dismissed, everyone who drives to school likes to blast music with the windows rolled down as they speed out of the student parking lot. It's funny because the car is always filled with a gang of people, and the song choice tends to let you know who they are, as if they're all shouting, "This is what we listen to!"

If I were to blast a Deathcab For Cutie song, (one of my favorite rock bands) I would get evil stares from the majority of African-American students. On the other hand, I would hear someone (of the opposite race) tell me how they love that song.

Personally, I really enjoy listening to rock; I don’t confine myself to one genre of music.  It really bugs me when someone asks me what type of music I listen to, and when I reply, hip-hop, country, rock and roll and R&B, it surprises them that I did not only say hip hop or R&B.

I find it really insulting for someone to assume that simply because I am African American that I should strictly listen to Gucci Mane and Wiz Khalifa, especially when I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. I believe that music is for everyone, regardless of race.