Says Who Music Censorship in the New Millenium
Citizenship in America holds many rights. Among these rights are the right to vote, the right to bear arms, and the most widely treasured but largely manipulated, right to free speech. As a citizen of America the right to free speech comes along with many responsibilities, but for the small percentage that exercise their right of free speech to a large public forum, it comes with many stipulations. The more prominent figures under a barrage of criticism are those involved in the arts. In our history classic books have been burned, news stories have been edited, and music has been turned off. What's interesting about this group is that the latter is not covered by the first amendment. In this essay I will be exploring the accusations made based on the influence of music, the backlash of the artists, and hypothesize how the scapegoat accusations and censorship of music will affect the twenty first century. First I would like to address the idea of music censorship. When the majority of the population thinks of music censorship the first amendment comes to mind. Americans are mislead in this assumption. The first amendment states, "Congress shall make no law representing an establishment of religion, or p
In the wake of the Columbine massacre and the White House summit where President Clinton asked makers of CDs, movies, and video games to stop marketing violent products to children Richard Patrick of the rock group filter voiced his opinion to reporter Christopher O'Connor. Among some other choice words he stated "[The President and other politicians seem to be suggesting that] It's not the parents who are to blame for children. It's not religion. It's not the fact that these kids have slipped through the fingers of society. It's not the institution that has failed the kids. It's pop music. It's movies." (Massmic) The History of Music Censorship(2000). [Online] Available: http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Studio/3329/history.html. Hull, M. (1999). Censorship in America (First Edition). California: ABC-Clio. In looking at music history and considering the ban of jazz music in the 1920's I feel that until the older generation has passed, acceptance will not be unanimous. Jazz, by today's standards, is thought of by most as mellow, non-abrasive music. The stigmas that followed it around eighty years ago have been forgotten. The fact is the question remains, where should the line be drawn for what our society considers acceptable. If in this day mainstream music is pushing moral codes such as murder, adultery, and domestic violence, how long will it be before society deems today's music mellow and non abrasive? Eminem (1999). The Way That I Am. The Marshall Mathers LP. Interscope Records O'Connor, C. (1999). Addicted to Noise. [Online] Available http://www.massmic.com/corockslamclinton.html.
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Approximate Word count = 2663
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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