‘Psychological Torture Chamber’: L.A. Subway Plays Classical Music, Critics Go Bonkers

In an effort to prevent homeless individuals from bothering others on the subway system, the Los Angeles Metro has been playing classical music at a downtown subway station since January. The music includes symphonies, concertos, and piano sonatas written by composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Vivaldi. However, critics have called the music “torture,” claiming that it promotes an elitist atmosphere.

The Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro station has been used as a refuge by homeless people, especially during the rough weather that has plagued the city in recent weeks. To address this issue, the Metro’s operations and security team worked with law enforcement to play classical music with the goal of restoring safety at the transit station and supporting an appropriate atmosphere for transit customers who wait an average of five to 10 minutes for the next train to arrive.

While some critics claim that the music is too loud and dystopian, others believe that it is divisive and promotes hierarchies of sound. Musicologist Lily E. Hirsch argued that playing classical music in public spaces like subway stations is aimed at attracting and making certain people feel comfortable based on their associations with classical music. She compared this technique to fancy cheese shops that play classical music to make customers feel like they are part of an elite upscale world.

L.A. Metro spokesperson Dave Sotero has responded to the criticism of the music, insisting that the music is not loud at the MacArthur Park station. He also stated that the music has contributed to a 75% reduction in calls for emergency services, a more than 50% reduction in vandalism, graffiti, and cleanups, and a nearly 20% drop in crime. Critics, however, continue to call the playing of classical music at the subway station a “psychological torture chamber” that privileges certain individuals while excluding others.

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Since January 1, alleged overdoses have led to the death of 22 people on Metro buses and trains. The transit officials claim the music has contributed to a significant reduction in crime statistics and therefore support this method of rehabilitating public spaces.