Aesthetic identity is the relationship between social groups/classes and artistic genres that begin to represent each other due to cultural alignment. This could be in the sense of visual arts, music, literature, or any form of art. In history, there are evident patterns of social groups, and their general interests that form the foundation of that genre today. Although many music genres spread throughout numerous cultures and social classes, they tend to originate in a certain area. Arabesk music in Turkey and Folk music in America have similar originations, both strongly corresponding with a certain social class and serving the same purpose.
Although it may not be as noticeable in present times, there is a strong correlation between music and social class which is often referred to the aesthetic identity. "Their" and "our" are used when speaking of arts, music, or literature that aligns with their lifestyle and values. The less educated, poorer, lower class civilians were drawn to country, easy listening, and heavy metal, while the wealthier, upper-class communities preferred jazz, classical, and rock music. Often it is assumed that wealth and education are the primary factors in their musical taste, while in reality this factors in gender, age, ethnicity, and cultural background. It is known that the upper class tends to dislike what the lower class likes, and vice versa, which creates a rather definite line between which social class likes certain genres. In the 1900s, both Turkey and America were still experiencing social conflict due to social and economic oppression, which led to the individual growth of different social groups. This gave each community a chance to claim their "own" musical genre that represented them best.
Arabesk music is an Arabic style of music that was at its peak of popularity from the 1960s through the 1990s. It was heavily influenced by Byzantine and Arabic influence while also incorporating Balkan and middle eastern hints. There was a heavy focus on the idea of love, longing, and melancholy. This type of music was often symbolized with somber photography as the album cover, with tears flowing down rosy cheeks. The main consumers of Arabesk music were the urban migrants who came from the rural Anatolian area who were not involved in the process of westernization. Due to the general population who had an interest in this genre of music, it was disdained by many of the social elites. The people who chose to listen and create this "root-like" music were said to be lower class migrants who were anti- westernization. It was said that this genre actually created an analogy with the disintegration of state and person as well, which was very against Kemalist views. With the leadership of Ataturk came a society that was eager to be purely Turkish, which excluded any Arab elements, including in their music. Classical music, operas, and symphonies seemed to be in the elitism of the desired Turkish regime. Although Arabesk music was originally the genre of lower-class immigrants, it is now one of the most popular types of music in Turkey.
Folk music in America is very similar in the way that there are certain groups of people that are more likely to be attracted to it. Also, know as traditional music or roots music, the genre is widespread from gospel all the way to bluegrass. They are considered "roots" music due to the foundation it laid for the later development of musical genres in the future. Similar to any sort of folk art, roots music is considered to be one of the most expressive musical genres in centuries. The lives, dreams, and tragedies of ordinary peoples were portrayed in these songs and sung in very casual settings, such as a front porch or around a fire. Often times they focused on the social conflicts that they were experiencing as middle to lower class civilians. The unequal treatment and power based on race and class strongly affect the consumption and accessibility of certain genres to different communities. Roots music was directly tied to the many social movements, such as the Civil Rights movement, which then led to a development of technology and a wider spread audience of this folk-like music. The freedom of speech and action that the music provided them created a platform for the communities to speak up and refuse to be restrained.
Both Arabesk and Folk/Roots Music were generally intended and created by middle to lower class societies that were likely resented by the elite groups. The artists of this genre likely did not see themselves as artists, but rather just contributors to the community. It was difficult for these people to establish themselves as there were fewer outlets and opportunities for exposure as a musician. Although the upper class seemed as though they were above this sort of music during the time, they are now considered to be some of the most popular genres in both Turkey and America. The cultural exposure and historical significance that both Arabesk and Roots music bring these musical genres to a different level of value, and it took a bit longer for the upper class to realize that. The reflection on social change and the clear historical progression within these genres makes them unlike anything else. Although it is said that the less educated were the ones related to the folk type genres, they may have actually been the more educated after all. This could be due to the constant battles they had to fight in order to stay afloat in an ever-changing society. With the roots of rural and ethnic musicians, it just took a little bit of exposure to acquire a more vast audience, leading to further accreditation.