DEAR ABBY: My taste in music has changed throughout my life. I liked pop when I was young because that's what I heard played on the car radio. Then in eighth grade I started to like music from the '60s to the '90s. But now I'm a sophomore in high school, and I have become a fan of rap and electronic music.
A lot of adults think rap is trash. I understand that it may cover some mature subjects like selling drugs, violence, sex and living in the 'hood. But I still find rap songs to be a pleasure to listen to.
Am I wrong to enjoy rap music? This may sound irrational, but I know employers search social media profiles. If I make the fact that I enjoy rap public, will they reject me? These are just thoughts that have crossed my mind, so I'm asking for some advice. -- HIP-HOP FAN IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR FAN: As your experience illustrates, people's taste in music can change as they grow older. Many people enjoy listening to rap music without indulging in the lifestyle that's described -- including, I have heard, some of the performers who write and perform it.
If you like a particular genre of music, I see no reason why you can't continue to enjoy it. Although some employers check the internet profiles of prospective employees, I have never heard of an applicant being rejected for a job because of his taste in music.