So to roll with the topic of freedom of speech and such, there is no better example of a violation of this amendment then the Parents Music Resource Center. This group, founded by Tipper Gore, seeks out to take control over the music we listen to, and stop all the songs the PMRC think are too inappropriate, specifically sexual and violence references, for younger listeners. Tipper's main thought is that rock or any kind of music is infecting children with messages they do not understand. This all lead to the infamous 'Tipper Sticker' or the Parental Advisory sticker.
Many artists went to court to refute the sticker to be put on albums. I think it is obvious that Tipper wanted to benefit children but i think that should be left up for the parents decision. This also drastically lowered record sales because people who are not kids, teenagers, could not and still cannot purchase albums with such a sticker on them. Music is meant for a different interpretation for all different listeners. Along with this, many songs are misinterpreted because what a song might say is not supposed to be taken to heart. Many artists have a persona for which they right their songs and that also effects the content of the song. Most notable of that are David Bowie and his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, and even arguably bigger, Eminem and his violent person of Slim Shady. At the beginning of Eminem's best Cd, in my opinion, The Slim Shady LP, he talks about the persona and how it should not be taken literally. In yet many people accused him of being a psycho that beats woman and hates homosexuals. None of which is the case.
Even with the obvious signs of censorship and a clear violation of the first amendment the Parental Advisory sticker remains and has become very common. What i have noticed on the other hand, is the lack of editing done on albums with the sticker on them. I have come across a few Cd's that the only word really edited is the F-Word. There does not to seem like there will ever be a time where what we say can truly be free. You cannot even say something about the president being killed without being investigated by the Secret Service.
I'm mixed about this. I completly understand where Tipper Gore is coming from by trying to censor music, he doesn't want young kids learning about htings they shouldn't, however does it really work?
ReplyDeleteYou say "This also drastically lowered record sales because people who are not kids, teenagers, could not and still cannot purchase albums with such a sticker on them." You may be right that you can't go to a store and buy something with a parental advisory sticker on it, but i wouldn't know. Basically the only music i get now is over Itunes, and for years I have been able to buy pretty much any music i want, sticker or no sticker.
I also agree that "Music is meant for a different interpretation for all different listeners." Music can be anything that you want it to be. This is what makes music so good.
Wow, I did not know that Tipper Gore and the PMRC were the source of the Parental Advisory sticker. Although I believe that some songs may indeed be inappropriate for children of certain ages, I also believe that freedom of speech is important. I believe music should have more leniency in its lyrics compared to something like a large public display.
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