Each year when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces its nominations, I enjoy discussing the merits of this act and that band. I participate in the fan voting. It's fun, and I do take it to heart, to some extent, because music is such an important part of my life. This year I voted for Iron Maiden, The Spinners, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and George Michael.

This may seem like a hodgepodge list (and I'm not a huge fan of George Michael) but I felt that this year, these nominees were most worthy of induction. And every year, I'm pulled into debates about who should AND shouldn't be nominated and inducted into the RnRHoF. 

People reveal a great deal about who they dislike when the voting takes place. I read on social media a lot of slagging of various musicians. "This guy isn't rock 'n roll!" "This band is crap and only sells records because they are sellouts!" are typical sentiments. Then there are the people who complain that hip hop, country, soul, pop, and other genres don't really belong in the Rock Hall of Fame.

Some of their comments border on racism, homophobia, sexism, and other nastiness. But it all boils down to a few basic themes: what exactly IS rock 'n roll, and what ISN'T rock 'n roll? And why does this generate such heated feelings? Who gets to determine what qualifies as rock 'n roll-- should we take the "big tent" approach or get hypercritical about the determinants? 

Music, in many ways, is about identity: which groups and genres do you like? Which are your favorites? Who makes up the soundtrack of your life? Who is akin to your enemy in music? 

The Grammy Awards show also generates a great deal of press and a lot of emotional tumult. Sunday, February 5th, was the annual show, and as always, I spent much of my evening watching it. I enjoyed it mostly for the performances, less so for the actual awards distribution. I was thrilled to watch Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson on stage, as well as the Hip Hop 50th Anniversary tribute with multiple artists, as well as Kacey Musgraves playing the late Loretta Lynn's guitar, and Bonnie Raitt and John McVie playing a tribute to the late Christine McVie. I cheered for Lizzo's award win.

Social media was full of praise and even more teeth gnashing at the awards, including the winners, losers, presenters, and performers. People griped about this winner and that, complaining about the "popularity contest" that the Grammys really is.

What I find interesting and, to some, alarming is how much hatred is riled up by both the Rock Hall of Fame and the Grammys. We really see more about what people dislike than like. Is this a marketing coup? What do psychologists think about these displays of dislike that are greater than like?

Music is a major part of our identities. The likes and dislikes help shape our personalities.