Music Censorship
Censorship in music is a topic that has brought about much controversy in the past two
decades. There have been many different arguments on the topic, however the
question still remains as if it should be censored or it should not be censored.
Before you can form an opinion on this, you must hear both sides of the argument
on this much-debated topic. Some people believe that music should be censored so all
audiences can hear it without it containing any controversial lyrics. Others believe it
should not be censored and musical artists should be able to speak, sing, rap, or rhyme
freely without anyone censoring them.
Religious or moral beliefs have a great influence on how a person feels about censorship,
and as generations pass on the common beliefs on it may change. Right now, America is
more uncensored than ever. However, things were very different a few generations ago
.
Some people believe music should be censored. They believe some of the
language musical artists use is vulgar, obscene, and crude. Also the fact that music is
played on medias such as radio and television, which are free to listen to by all audiences,
and there are many parents that wish for their kids not to hear foul language. On
radio and television any controversial language is either silenced, edited out by a soft
sound, or some artists make two versions of their songs; one that is made for the artist’s
album, which is uncensored; and one for televsion and radio with any controversial words
change to be acceptable for all audiences. This does not include
cable television, which can be audited by parents since the parents must order and pay for
the channel to be viewed.
Preventing or punishing speechis a clear violation of the First Amendment.
When you really think about it, it is a violation of the First Amendment, which says:
Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. The
First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech, and censorship is violating
peoples’ rights to say whatever they want to say. It is sometimes difficult to understand
when a child gets punished for using foul language meanwhile the child’s parents have the
right to criticize and petition the government whenever they feel the need to do so. Many
musical artists feel that when they are forced to change lyrics their rights are being
violated. In some artists’ songs they like to express their feelings towards somebody or
something, and it hurts them to be censored because the new words implemented are not
from his or her heart. They feel that they are being held down.
Due to the amendment made by our founding fathers I do not believe there will ever
be an answer to the question whether or not music should be censored. The way I see it,
it should not be censored. Many children often hear explicit language from older siblings
or parents at an early age. They believe that since someone they look up to uses those
words, they should too. Eventually, everyone will be exposed to language they do not
find acceptable. Foul language is not permitted on medias such as television or radio
because it is an all audience media. However, on albums the artist is allowed to use any
words he or she sees fit.
The question, of course, is, who should decide what you read or view- the
church, the stateor you? In my opinion, the answer to that question is: you. Censorship
on television channels such as Nickelodeon , or PBS is understandable due to the fact
that mostly young children programming is broadcasted on those stations. However I find
it unnecessary to censor stations generally viewed by older audiences. It is now a
requirement by law for record companies to put stickers on tapes and compact discs that
say: Parental Advisory. Explicit Lyrics. The reason that law was passed was
because many angry mothers and fathers sued artists and/or record companies for
releasing albums that contained explicit lyrics, and now their child goes and repeats
their newly learned words to people such as their teachers, principals, and other friends
who then spread word around to their parents. I would tend to believe that many of those
parents used those same bad words in front of their children at one time or
another. They probably did not say it to their face, but the fact still remains that the child
heard his or her parents say those words, thus the child assumes it is normal to say that
word. Many parents also complain that the art on music albums’ covers and
insides. They argue saying that too is vulgar and should not be allowed.
I believe music should not be censored due to our First Amendment right. When
a parent hears foul language on their child’s stereo or television, they should not complain
to the network. Government is doing all they legally can to protect the childrens’ young
ears from the foul language that is out there. If a parent hears their child listening to foul
language, they should not complain to anyone but themselves. If they don’t like the
content, they can always return it to the store. This way they can be
positive that their child is listening to music that is acceptable in their eyes.
In conclusion, censorship in music is wrong in my opinion. Artists should be
allowed to say whatever they want. That is what our founding fathers based this country
upon: freedom. The government is doing an excellent job in making the First
Amendment suitable for all. If parents have a problem with it, it is because they did not
properly supervise their children.