Music Censorship Essay, Research Paper

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 speech?is 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 state?or 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 children?s’ 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.

327