Should government censor the lyrics of violent or explicit songs?
No, I oppose the government censoring lyrics of violent or explicit songs, because of our freedom of speech.
Government should not be allowed to censor the lyrics of violent or explicit songs, because it takes away from the message that the person who wrote it originally wanted to portray. I do agree with putting a warning on these songs and CDs letting parents know that there is explicit content on the CDs. But ultimately, it is the parents' obligation to keep their children from listening to things they don't want them to hear.
Posted by: A Whiteheadyes
Music lyrics should be censored not in the intent to downcast the creativity put into each song, but to better moderate the filth modern day Americans are exposed and influenced by through the lyrics of drugs, sex, cursing, mocking religion. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome songs out there with encouraging messages, but as a 16-year-old teenager, I want music to be censored because personally I don't care to hear a bunch of dirty crap in a song, no matter how catchy the tune is, I want an inspiring message
Posted by: AnonymousWhy music should be censored.
Music lyrics should be censored not in the intent to downcast the creativity put into each song, but to better moderate the filth modern day Americans are exposed and influenced by through the lyrics of drugs, sex, cursing, mocking religion.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome songs out there with encouraging messages, but as a 16-year-old teenager, I want music to be censored because personally I don't care to hear a bunch of dirty crap in a song, no matter how catchy the tune is, I want an inspiring message.Posted by: AnonymousDrugs, sex, and violence are not for kids.
I believe it should be censored because all the younger kids listen to these stations and music and might get ideas from all the things about sex, drugs and violence. Kids of this generation are already doing these things at around age 12 and 13. Kids in the next many years to come will be doing it at possibly even a younger age than they are now.
Posted by: Anonymoussilence the harsh language
Yes it should be censored and I understand that if I don't want to hear it then turn it off but young men and women are still listening to it. Quotes like "imma beat you up like Emmett Till" shouldn't even be thought of. People should be inspired not convinced that derogatory terms and violence is positive and cool. There are studies that listening to violent and explicit music has an effect on our mental health making us more aggressive.
Posted by: AnonymousViolent song lyrics may lead to violent behaviour: the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Vol. 84, No. 5).
I have always linked violence with music. This article proves it. We need, therefore, to get rid of violent music on the airways. The article goes on to state that the lyrics of violet songs impacted on emotions. This, it states was a catalyst for aggression which consequently led to negative behaviour.
Posted by: AnonymousCertain Shocking Lyrics
Some gangsta rap is so obscene it wouldn't be able to be broadcast or turned into a screen production, so why is it available to be downloaded by influencible young people who have free range of the Internet? Things have changed, before it was easier to control what content reached which people but we have to adapt for the Internet age and the fantasy of giving people complete freedom is unfortunately unrealistic. Our young people, particularly women are incredibly demeaned, are being damaged by it, I have seen it first hand. Don't ban a genre, but do filter truely shocking content. This is not sensoring the media, it is maintaining decency against some awful portrails of the worst traights of human nature.
Posted by: Anonymousyes
Theres always room for change
yes, children are going to hear the vulgarity at school and in public but why is it nessescary to have them hear it while in the car or listening to their radio in a playroom? Frankly, throwing in crude and sexual lyrics is not that hard so i dont think censoring songs on PUBLIC radio is taking creativity away. Maybe the idea of censoring has nothing to do with rights of the people. it could strictly come down to your values and morals. Im seventeen years old, do i like rap music? yes. But do i think its necessary to have the F-bomb and descriptions of intercorse over the radio? No. i think you can enjoy music just as much without descriminating, mocking or offending certain religons and or people.Posted by: AnonymousMuch like tobacco companies, the music industry targets young people for a majority of their sales. Since that demographic has proven that they are unwilling to police themselves, the government must step in to do so.
As Paul Harvey said many times, "Self government won't work without self discipline." The music industry has had every chance to police itself, but has chosen profits over decency. Much like tobacco, the music industry targets our young people for their sales and they should not be subjected to such trash.
Posted by: F ClaytonLyrics that are explicit are explicit for a reason
People created explicit language as a method of communication for extreme emotion, like, EXTREME. So the fact that they are used as often as they are in music degrades them. The English language becomes less expressive when you can't put as much force behind your words. Lyrics should be censored on radio, and used for actually relevant purposes if they are used in music otherwise.
Posted by: AnonymousViolence could ruin innocent minds
Most of the time, young children come across violent videos, with violent lyrics in them by accident. Maybe their older siblings were watching/listening to it, maybe it was in an advertisement they clicked. They have no idea of what the words mean. They don't even understand most of it. But maybe, they start saying the bad words, start swearing as well. Slowly, they get addicted to it. This has happened a lot of times, especially in families where the parents are busy and don't have time for their kids. If the government censored the lyrics of violent songs, then a lot less children would 'succumb to the dark side'.
Posted by: Anonymouschildrens virgin ears
they dont need to hear such vile music. colt 45. is a prime example about provocitive and drug and gang afiliated music. this muscio should no be broad casted live all around the world for little kids to hear. it just is not right and should not be. i heard colt 45. at a young age and it did alter thoughts, I had pretty bad thouights about girls and i was only in the 5th grade
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be censored.
I follow the jurisdiction of Nadine Strossen, who argued that freedom of expression should be censored under the following conditions: 1) When it is likely to cause immediate harm. 2) When it is part of violent behavior. And 3) When it is addressed to a captive audience that is unable to avoid its harmful effects.
Posted by: AnonymousCensorship would be an effective method of keeping gangsta rap out of the hands of the people who are most susceptible to suffering from its corrosive message.
Those who would proactively go to some lengths to obtain the material through black market channels in the event of censorship are not the intended target for such a censorship to affect.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernment should censor the lyrics of violent or explicit songs.
Yes. The government has a moral duty to censor harmful material for the wider social good. It is in line with this role, therefore, for the government to take such steps as it thinks necessary to protect the public morality and public safety. Individual liberty is secondary to the public good.
Posted by: blueriverskyTheres always room for change
yes, children are going to hear the vulgarity at school and in public but why is it nessescary to have them hear it while in the car or listening to their radio in a playroom? Frankly, throwing in crude and sexual lyrics is not that hard so i dont think censoring songs on PUBLIC radio is taking creativity away. Maybe the idea of censoring has nothing to do with rights of the people. it could strictly come down to your values and morals. Im seventeen years old, do i like rap music? yes. But do i think its necessary to have the F-bomb and descriptions of intercorse over the radio? No. i think you can enjoy music just as much without descriminating, mocking or offending certain religons and or people.
Posted by: AnonymousChildren don't and can't control the music.
The parents should really think about what they let their children listen to. Even at the young age of two years old, which is when they start learning how to talk, children mock what they see and hear. We as parents need to stop the violent language and the negativity of how to treat each other. The sex lyrics are violent and interprets the love between two people to be a domestic situation, rather than a caring and supportive relationship. We try to teach the younger generation how to be nice and caring and honest, but the lyrics to many different styles of music, are teaching them how to not care about themselves or anyone else.
Posted by: tamiGlorifying violence in music is never good for a civilized society.
Whether its gangster rap, heavy metal music, or anything other type of music, if the lyrics of the song promote, glorify, or portray violence in a favorable light it should be censored. If a society allows it's people and especially it's youth to be exposed to harmful messages of this type it hurts the society. It is likely these violent messages in the music will influence some to commit the acts that the artists are singing about and that is never acceptable. I think as a society we should discourage evil in any form and glorifying violence is evil. On the same topic I believe that music that glorifies racism should also be censored. I consider racism and violence equally evil and both should be discouraged.
People have freedom of speech, but I don't believe that writing songs that glorify violence is free speach. Just as threating someone is not free speech. If a muslim came to this nation and wrote a song praising the terrorists for crashing the planes into the twin towers and encoraging others to do it, would it be acceptable? If not, they why would sining about raping a woman or robbing a store be acceptable?Posted by: AnonymousWhat about the kids?? don't listen to TESS (on the right) SHE is wrong
when children hear explicit words, it doesn't necessarily mean they will get encouraged but that doesn't mean that it will not influence them. When they hear a word that is somewhat shunned upon, they will think 'Oh this word is bad, so I will use it to make people mad when I don't get my way.' That's not always the case, but it could happen and I've seen that exact situation happen.
Posted by: AnonymousIt doesn't have to be extreme, it just has to protect the people
Music censorship can be as simple as putting ratings on movies or parental advisory stickers on violent video games.
We have to do these things so parents can know what their children are being exposed and know without watching every single movie or listening to every single song in the world what is appropriate for their children.
Music censorship will just prevent people from saying horrible things- you don't want to walk into a store and have something about you (race, religion, nation of origin, gender, sexual orientation) insulted any more than I do. Without censorship, that might happen.
Censorship does not take freedom of speech unless it is a huge threat "Romney should have won" is okay "The government is evil, get together and kill Obama" is not! Censorship doesn't say people CAN'T say something, they can still sell CDs or have people subscribe to music, it just says I can't be walking through the mall bringing my 2 year old to see Santa and hear a song about how cool heroin is, not a ridiculous thing to ask!Posted by: AnonymousClear and present danger test
With over 90% of prisoners in the United States listening to secular rap music, and the conclusion of psychological tests that prove secular rap music to increase anger and aggression in its audience, than it is no longer an issue of the right of the individual it is moving towards the clear and present danger test.
Posted by: Anonymous
No
It is the right of all the people living in the United States of America to have the right to voice their own opinion whether it be wrong or right. If the goverment were to censor the lyrics in any violent or explict song it would be a very large violation of the first amendment. Any form of censorship from the goverment besides the bleeping on the radio would defeat everything that the patriots who fought for our freedom and our own laws fought for. The goverment has no right to tell us what we can and cannot listen to on our free time or at work. I understand that the goverment wants to improve our way of living and our social pshcology but they can't baby us by blocking out violent or explicit lyrics we are all civiliced enough to know what is wrong and right. End of story.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, because of Freedom of Speech
Free speech.
If someone grows up in a violent environment, that would be all they know. It would be the only way they knew how to express themselves. Taking that away from them would be like banning their language. Some of these people went through violent situations; this is the reality for them. Violence in their lyrics is their way of honestly telling their stories to the world. Also, it’s a good way for them to cope with their past; by expressing it through words instead of violence in the real world.Posted by: AnonymousMusic is music.
Like food, we all have different taste in things. In this case it's music. If you don't like a song because of it's explicit content, then don't listen to it, just like if you don't like fish, tomatoes, pork, etc. then don't eat it. Simple as that.
Posted by: DanielGiovanniGNO! Freedom of Speech
Censoring lyrics isn't only violating freedom of speech, it also violates your freedom of thoughts. A singer is writing from their mind and their feelings. You can't tell someone NOT to think something. And I agree, most of the time by middle school, you've heard of most of the explicit things that are included in songs.
Posted by: AnonymousI think the government should not censor lyrics in any way, even if the song is violent or expletive because freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution and banning often draws more attention than the song would get otherwise.
Censoring lyrics is a way of denying freedom of speech by trying to suppress the writers words and ideas. Trying to censor lyrics of the violent or expletive often make the song more interesting to people and can do just the opposite of what banning it was meant to do. Instead of censoring violent and expletive songs we should focus on allowing these songs to be used only in certain areas, like we do with porn.
Posted by: 54b3rRyonMusic should not be censored because of free speech.
No, because we have our freedom of speech in the first amendment. We can express our ideas and feelings about life. Please let it no do it, I like it how it is and I think it is okay as it is. I love the music how it is. I love it a lot like it is now today.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernment should never censor because of the free speech protection in the 1st amendment.
The government should never censor. That is a direct violation of the free speech protection in the Bill of Rights. Any problems with explicit lyrics should be dealt with by age restrictions such as movie ratings for appropriate age groups.
Posted by: ddeathnoteI think the government should not censor songs since freedom of speech is important.
Although I am not personally fond of songs with violent or explicit lyrics, I do think that freedom of speech needs to be upheld. Warnings on songs are appropriate to warn people when lyrics might not be suitable for all, and it may not be a good idea to play some of these songs over the radio.
Posted by: ColossalJeramy56I vote no.
It is against our 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech. Laws cannot go against or contradict the constitution. We have a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution that we are allowed to say whatever we want, whenever we want, regardless of any other argument. We live in a free country where our rights are protected, regardless of age, race, and gender. Therefore, everyone that likes or supports the 1st Amendment or freedom of speech should vote no. Thank you.
Posted by: Kevin_KileyNOPE!!! I love listening to rap and that would be unfair for the people who like to listen to that kind of music.
I love listening to rap and that would be unfair for the people who like to listen to that kind of music. The Government should not be allowed to censor freedom of speech, because the first amendment of America is Freedom of Speech.
Posted by: AnonymousThey're not as bad as they seem
There is no supporting evidence that explicit lyrics effect society in a negative way. The words are wrote down on paper for the reason of enjoyment and to get out a message and besides, if people want to listen to the song they will use the internet, and or buy it any way.
Posted by: AnonymousDon't ruin the songs.
That's just the way the songs were meant to be and they way they were written. It would be weird just hearing lyrics and then a BEEP as it would ruin the song. Maybe parents shouldn't let their kids listen to that stuff. It's their fault, but don't go ruining the songs, please.
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely not.
It's a simple solution. Don't like the explicit lyrics? Don't listen to them. Don't want your kids listening to the lyrics? Exert more parental control (though they're going to hear the same or worse from their peers at school). This country receives enough coddling and we don't need any more. This need some citizens seem to have for a nanny-state is absurd. It's just lazy.
Posted by: Hammett980Reality hurts, but hey, that's reality
Rap music has been an escape from poverty for many artists, including Tupac, Eminem, Biggie etc. In fact, the most succesful rap artists come from extremely impoverished backgrounds. That kind of 'escape' is considered inspirational in urban communities. Rap artists are trying to show us the reality by their rap music lyrics. This is actually HELPING us!! Would you rather know about violence through bullying or lyrics?? Its your choice.
Posted by: MichiGirl"gangsta rap" music is just entertainment. The government censors music on the radio. Theres no reason the government should censor it any more than already.
some if not most people know that "gangsta rap" music is just for entertainment, not a way to promote alchohal, drugs, sex, etc. Plus in the first argument I said that the government has already censored "gangsta rap on the radio so there's no need to censor it completely more than it has been already.
Posted by: Anonymousnever!
its our first amendment! we have the freedom of speech and nobody can take that away from us!!!! you have the right to make whatever kind of music that you want and we can change the channel if we dont like it. if you censor some songs, it sounds horrible and you dont like it anyway.
Posted by: awsomenessyBecause there is no objective measurement of what is too violent or too explicit, government should not employ censorship.
I admit that for my taste some songs today contain cruel lyrics that are essentially hate speech or that degrade certain groups, such as women. I vote against such songs by not purchasing them and avoiding listening to them. Despite my personal views, I do not want the government to censor before the fact such lyrics. I believe they are protected by Freedom of Speech but more important, I do not think what are essentially partisan governments could ever objectively determine what is excessive. If these lyrics lead to subsequent criminal activities, which is in essence what such government action would be trying to protect against, then I think it is best to find redress for this through the judicial system.
Posted by: SweetieSkippNo, it should not.
It just doesn't make sense because I personally know a lot of people who listen to rock and rap music with "bad" lyrics, but they don't go around killing people... Even I myself listen to music like that. I'm not a killer. Most people listen to music just for the tune. They usually don't only listen to music to listen to the words.
Posted by: AnonymousThey have no right to.
They can't or that would just make freedom of speech be useless. If people don't want to listen to it then they don't have to but to force people to only receive a clean version of a song would make the government look very stupid, as though to say that, "Oh, freedom of speech only applies to something that we believe is right, not what the U.S. residents think.
Posted by: Chadt21Censorship is always wrong.
Enough said. Censoring what individuals say is always unjustified.
Posted by: The_Chaos_HeartNo
The government should not decide what our children listen to. I am a purist and prefer most songs without censors. If I don't want my kid to hear it, I'll turn on something else.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, government should NOT censor the lyrics!
The government should not censor lyrics of violent or explicit songs, due to the "creativity" of those explicit songs. There would be no such thing as Hip-Hop nor Rap if the government actually censored those lyrics. Not only would the government have a lot of people mad at them for that, but those famous rappers and artists would lose money and the world of music would lose talent.
Posted by: EssentialLyricI Think That No, People Have Their Own Life
It is the right of all the people living in the United States of America to have the right to voice their own opinion whether it be wrong or right. If the government were to censor the lyrics in any violent or explicit songs it would be a very large violation of the first amendment. Any form of censorship from the government besides the bleeping on the radio would defeat everything that the patriots who fought for our freedom and our own laws fought for. The government has no right to tell us what we can and cannot listen to on our free time or at work. I understand that the government wants to improve our way of living and our social psychology but they can't baby us by blocking out violent or explicit lyrics we are all civilized enough to know what is wrong and right. End of story.
Posted by: AnonymousDoing this would be unconstitutional.
Music is art and you never see a painting with a censored mark on it. If paintings are not censored, why should music be? Secondly, this falls under the first amendment. If everyone is so careful about following and respecting the laws and rules, then we shouldn't have to have the explicit content sticker on music. Lastly, it should be up to the parents to decide if it is okay for their children to listen to. They should be the only ones to restrict what the kids listen to.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat is the point?
They censor the lyrics so children don't hear about sex, drugs, gangs, swear words, but typically by the time the child is 15 years of age, they kno about sex, they know about different drugs, and have heard gangs or know someone that is in gangs, and probably swearing anyways. So the government censoring lyrics to a song talking about those topics are pointless.
Posted by: AnonymousAny censorship is wrong.
Banning certain music or lyrics is censorship and censorship is wrong! All humans have rights and one of those rights is the freedom of speech. Banning some lyrics or music is basically abusing that human right. I believe that the musicians' voices should be heard. You wouldn't want your government to abuse human rights, would you?
Posted by: AnonymousMusic shouldn't be censored.
People have the right to listen to and view what they wish. It's a part of the right of free expression, and a reason why these songs have the material that some find questionable. We should let artists have full freedom of expression and not have to be censored because of so-called "inappropriate content". Seriously, Parents and guardians can do so their own "protection plans" for their own kids. To each his own; people shouldn't have to be censored just because of explicit terms that are a part of their expression. At the least, it's annoying to those who created the music. At worst, it's offensive that everything they express must be filtered. Just let the concerned parties deal with the issue in their own closed circle, if you don't like it, don't listen; and, let the rest of the world be free from government intervention.
Posted by: AnonymousAnti Censorship
The government has no right to tell us what we can and can't listen to. It's a total violation of the first amendment. If the concern is kids, they're going to find out what sex and drugs are eventually. If it is forbidden to them, they're going to want it more.
Posted by: AnonymousNo way.
If the government tried to do that it would really prove just how unpatriotic the people running this country really are. Where did Freedom of Speech go? Although, censoring the lyrics wouldn't necessarily stop people from hearing the music anyway. If the government censored lyrics in my favorite songs, couldn't i just see the singer in concert and hear the song's lyrics anyway? The government does not have the right to take away our freedom of speech.
Posted by: LincolnOf course not, it would be impossible to regulate
People make songs all the time and put them on the internet under youtube or facebook, it would be very unfeasible to go after actual artists but to censor ALL violent lyrics in songs would simply be impossible. Plus come on, we dont need to be babied by the government, nobody is going to lose their mind because somebody dropped an F-bomb somewhere
Posted by: imabenchNo, there should never be censorship allowed; choices should be personal, not enforced by the government.
Censorship has no place in a democracy. Although I certainly find nothing redeeming in violent or expletive songs, it is not up to the government to enforce its standards on the population. People cannot listen to or read things they don't like, but they shouldn't prevent others from having access to these things. As long as they don't lead to violence, then we should be free to have access to whatever we want.
Posted by: 54IInfernono there shouldn't be
Censorship isn't the radio stations fault. Its the FCC, so if you are trying to blame it on that it would solve it. Music censorship is against our freedom and our way of emotions. Music is here to speak to us when other things cant and we should not have the FCC or even the government changing and cutting up are music like they are grading a math assignment. Yeah I agree some music is offensive but its only a problem if you make it one. We should end censorship and start becoming a true America and listen to what we want and be able to write what we want.
Posted by: AnonymousNo: Artists have the right to express themselves in their work without censorship.
I am a musician myself, and I know how hard it is to write decent music. Every word included in the lyrics; whether they are profane or violent, are an integral part of the artist's expression and are works of art. You do not censor nude women in paintings, so why censor music?
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom of speech
We were born with these rights so the government should have no right to interfere with them. I love music just the way it is with profanity or not, the message that is getting across is very important in the music world.
Posted by: AnonymousOur First Amendment rights.
In our country's First Amendment of the Constitution, it states that we all have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. We should use this responsibly, and yes I do understand why some people may want to censor lyrics, but it is not fair to take away our constitutional rights. If you do not like explicit music, don't listen to it. Simple as that.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government should not censor the lyrics of any songs because there is no objective definition of those terms and it is a violation of our Constitutional right to free speech. Additionally, it is a person's choice to listen to such music.
The government should not be able to censor the lyrics of violent or expletive songs. It is an individual's choice whether or not he or she wants to listen to such music. If someone doesn't like that music, they don't have to listen to it. If they don't want their kids to listen to it, then that's their job to censor it - not the government's job and it shouldn't come at the expense of other people's rights.
Posted by: SandDariThe government should only interfere in getting the money back to the artists and entreprenuers, other then that gov. shouldn't do anything contradictory its own laws.
Whenever a giant body overclouds a mass, they become scared therefore brainwashed, but if one finds away to freedom, and salvation then independence is theirs for the taking. Government just causes more problems, and just like economics, they want to control everything for the fulfillment of their immoral needs. Free enterprise all the way. But there are exceptions to the rules as well, so I prefer a mixed solution. Music is the art to express one's self in every aspect, no outside influence should obstruct the forces at work, ever.
Posted by: AnonymousKids Choice.
Just because kids listen to explicit music or play violent video games does not mean that they are into drugs and crime. Also just because a kid listens to other non explicit music or doesn't play violent games does not mean they are going to stay out of trouble.
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom of speech should protect music just as it does for talking.
Understandably people are upset because violent and explicit lyrics are affecting some of the children in the world. The problem is censoring these lyrics is not going to solve any problems. Music is often used as a scapegoat by irresponsible parents and government officials that want to find someone to blame for the behavioral issues of children. Regardless of whether the music is there or not there are still ways that children can be exposed to violence and the news is one of them.
Posted by: StevyDemonNo censorship!
No, the music should not be censored at all because when the radio bleeps something it puts more attention on the word. The radio would be way more better if the words are not censored because you can get the true meaning of the song. In all uncensor the radio.
Posted by: AnonymousNo Way!
If you dont like a song, you don't have to listen to it. You can just turn it off. If you don't want your children to listen to it, you can decide what those guidelines should be in your own household. Everyone deserves the right to choose what they consider to be entertainment.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government shouldn't censor songs, movies, books, or anything else.
Having the government censor song lyrics is a bad idea. It doesn't make sense, considering that there are books, movies and TV shows with violence and swear words. People don't have to listen to music they don't like, and parents can make rules about what kind of music their kids listen to.
Posted by: N Schroeder 60No!
People have a brain and a conscience. Just because they hear about violence in lyrics doesn't mean that people will copy and be influenced by what they hear. People have a choice! If they know they will be influenced by the lyrics then they should simply not listen to them. Why should everyone suffer when there is a simple solution?
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom of speech should be an essential human right, something no one should be able to regulate.
Censorship is a tough topic. On one hand we have people who don't want themselves or their children exposed to certain elements, on the other we have every humans essential right to expression. The problem with censoring a single word from a sentence or line is that it doesn't change the /meaning/ of whets being said. A song that is going to have unacceptable words in it likely has an unacceptable topic as well. It does little good to censor the word, when it's the sentiment you don't want exposure to. My feelings on that, your rights stop at the end of my nose. What you choose to have, or not have, in your life is none of my business. What is my business is when you try to inhibit or prevent me from having free access to those things. You have the right to choose what you want around, which means you can choose to change the channel, write to stations you enjoy and ask them not to play vulgar things and any other means of self-censoring with out affecting others.
Posted by: R0II4IcyMusic is freedom and we deserve to make our own choices.
Music is something that people should be able to freely decide to listen to or not because music is freedom and it is an escape for most people. If the government takes that away from us, what else do we have? If they ever do that to us, I am pretty sure a bunch of people will be mad. I would be one of those people.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government does not need to waste the time and money to censor lyrics.
The government already spends to much time and money worrying about what regular every day Americans are doing. This is a job left up to parents, stores, and websites that carry these music products. If a store or website feels like they would be better served not to offer possibly offensive products, they have the choice to pull them or offer alternatives. Parents also need to be involved in what their children are listening to.
Posted by: 5h035BowNO
You don't have to listen to music with explicit lyrics. No one says, " If you don't listen to rap, ill kill you!" No one says that
"All art...is a mirror. If you don't like what you see, do what you can to change it - but don't silence the artists. They speak the only truth we can all hear." (Shelly Palmer)
To tell artists they can't put topics, such as rape, drugs, or murder, in their songs, make them carry around bad memories with them, like luggage. It's wrong. Don't censor music.Posted by: AnonymousYou can't tell someone to create art a certain way.
You can't make someone paint a rainbow when they want to paint a storm. It's just not right. It is also like saying the color blue is ugly. now no one is allowed to where blue or anything containing blue because someone else might see it. It just doesn't make any sense.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government censoring song lyrics is a violation of the first amendment.
I don't think that the government should be able to censor the lyrics of violent or expletive songs. The first amendment gives us the right of free speech, and the censoring of songs is a violation of a right gave to us by our lands fore fathers. If parents don't wish for their children to hear such violent or sexually explicit lyrics, they should better monitor the music they purchase from stores or download off the internet.
Posted by: CiriHug2The government should not censor any song lyrics, as it would deprive music artists of their Constitutional right to free speech, and open the door to other forms of more invasive censorship.
Government should not censor the lyrics of violent or expletive songs because that would deprive the artist of their right to free speech and would be an open door to other forms of censorship. One of the basic freedoms an American citizen has is the right to free speech. The free speech that often must be defended is not everyday speech, but opinions, songs and text that some people may find offensive. There are already many ways in place to prevent offensive songs from being heard, including radio edits and restricted sales to minors. In addition, if government censorship was established, who and what would be the standard for evaluating the speech? At what point would the censorship go to far? Would art forms such as paintings and books be next?
Posted by: 53r3n3PiersNO
The parental advisory label on the front of the album should be well enough to detour those who do not want to hear the explicit or violent lyrics. People have choices and not listening is the most reasonable solution to the problem. If people cannot make logical choices at their own free will, then I believe we are dealing with an entirely different issue here.
Posted by: thegreatestdebaterWe deserve the right to express ourselves.
Think about how many different places there are to get the music, you ban one we'll go some were else. How many people will leave America to listen to music freely or how many millions of dollars will you lose if we do not buy the music. Its common sense.
Posted by: AnonymousIt Is UNCONSTITUTIONAl
You just heard a song. Odds are, you know this song, as it is one of the most popular songs on the radio today. I am doing my presentation today on what you DIDN’T hear. When you listen to songs, do you listen to explicit or clean versions? When you were little, and you wanted to buy a song, did your parents ever make you purchase the clean version? A clean version of a song is a version where the swear words are removed. This can vary from the artist re-recording it without the original words, or it can be simple bleeps where the swear words were.
When you listen to a clean song, you limit yourself and the singer. You limit what you can hear, and what the singer can say. In my opinion, limiting what can be heard in a song, whether its on the radio or on the internet, is violating our first amendment rights. The first amendment says that you have the freedom of speech, and should therefore also include songs. “Though I disagree with everything you say, I will defend to death your right to say it.” This is a quote from a scholar studying voltaire. I think this quote is powerful, because it shows that even though people may not like what someone has to say, he has a right to say it.
Freedom of speech applies to songs and music, so why does public radio censor it?Posted by: itsjakeyGovernment censorship of lyrics violates the right to freedom of speech.
I am against government censorship of lyrics. Such censorship violates an artist's right to freedom of speech. Like Voltaire said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Freedom of speech is a very important civil right, even for those who we may not agree with. If you don't want to hear violent lyrics, don't listen to that music.
Posted by: lachikaThe government should not censor lyrics in any way.
Free speech is one of our core values as Americans. It is essential that citizens be able to communicate their thoughts and beliefs without government interference. Censorship is a dangerous slope. The government does not have the right to tell people what to believe and speak about. Just because people may not agree with what someone says, does not mean they don't have the right to say it.
Posted by: VasilBuddycensorship would be destroying the creativity of musicians.
I think that musicians should be given the chance to express themselves. I do covers of songs, vocaloid Japanese songs and English hard rock screamo songs. Personally, I think if the government censored the lyrics it would be mulling the emotions that gets put in their songs, so they are less MEANINGFUL.
Posted by: AnonymousNo government censorship.
If you do not want your child listening to such graphic and explicit music, then be a parent, step up and say no! If your child is young enough, wash his or her mouth out with soap. It isn't that hard to keep your child under control. Be the better person.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's not fair
Children will be exposed to far worse at school. Some people may not like it, but it is still unfair to those who write the songs, and those who enjoy the songs. Censoring art should not be allowed. Music is art. Censoring music take the freedom of speech away from the artist.
Posted by: Anonymousit shouldnt be banned
i think that most of the sales is to minors and that the music industry would cras with the censoring of words in the song. people that listened to it for years willnot be happy, freedom of speach is beeing pursed y the people for the people
Posted by: AnonymousNo because of freedom of speech.
Excuse the title pun, but it's true! First off, it detracts from the song! Second, and it is a common argument among the people of this website, it's not like you have to listen to it. Everyone is granted freedom of speech in this world, and if a rapper wants to drop a couple of f-bombs in one of his hit songs, who are you to tell him that he can't?
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom of Speech
Absolutely not. Whose moral sensibilities would get to decide what is appropriate. Individuals can decide for themselves what they want in their lives; they don't need some politician telling them what they can and can't say or listen to.
Posted by: KuriouserNKuriouserNo.
If you don't want your children to listen to it or whatever, then it's your job to parent them and tell them what they think, because someday, they will grow up and you will still be treating them like a 5-year-old, and not who they are. If you don't like it, turn it off. It's not the artist's fault.
Posted by: AnonymousNo Difference
If the contents of songs consist of explicit language than the whole song it self will likely include inappropriate things even without bad words. So basically what good will censoring do if its meanings will come out another way. Also the creativity and meanings of the song will not sound as original.
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom of speech!
People should have their right to make their own choices. It is an essential human right, and should be something that no one should be able to regulate. By censoring the lyrics of violent songs, could lead to more bans that have not been considered. For instance, people could argue that some politicians should be banned because of their 'bad' influence' on society. In reality, there is really no 'bad' and people have their own rights. It is a great dishonor to censor the lyrics of violent songs to the song writer and singer.
Posted by: AnonymousKids have a choice don't listen to AUSHA the 1 on the left she is wrong
Parents should have less restrictions on their kids so that they can make up their own mind. When they grow up, they have to make decisions on whether it is a good choice or not. Lyrics are for the public and if kids aren't supposed to listen, then they shouldn't and they should listen to their parents.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, they shouldnt
if the government censors music then the people would stop buying cd's and then stores like F.Y.E would go out of business.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's OUR Right
Music is a huge part of our society. It has allowed everyone, especially teens, to express themselves without acting out. It is our way of escaping the world, and just having time to ourselves. Music is the perfect way to just let it all out, by screaming at the top of our lungs.
Posted by: AnonymousAn Infringement on Our Rights
The first amendment states that Congress shall not make any laws that prohibit our free speech. By censoring music, they limit the artists freedom of speech. They also limit what the citizens listen to, which is a classic example of government tyranny and control of its citizens. We should be allowed to listen to whatever we want, uncensored.
Posted by: Anonymousthe goverment shouldnt blank out the words which there think shouldnt be shown
they shouldnt because artists pay to make the songs so if u do take swear word out then u should at least give them most of their money back what they paid to produce the album and 1 more thing if they had swear word in kids wouldnt be able to get the album unless their parents buy it so if the do get the album that means their parents dont mind them listening to it
Posted by: Anonymousits there option
if kids wanna do something they will make sure they will do it no matter what. and if they want to listen to music that talks about rape drugs etc let them its their perogative. it cant be taken to that because then the children will be more rebellious because they dont get there way. its a bad idea
Posted by: AnonymousHonestly, kids are gonna hear it anyway.
People overreact about offensive language. Kids hear it anyway and often they don't understand it.
Posted by: rogueViolent musical artists who do good?
There are many violent heavy metal bands nowadays and the rap artists who express themselves with such vulgarity should have their music limited? I don't think so. Everyone will grow up and realize that our own military is taking the lives of others in other countries' territories. So why should musical expression be limited based upon how violent and crude it may seem? There are many artists out there who are humanitarians and record their explicit songs to help many others much more unfortunate than ourselves. You might as well take away that freedom away and the help that comes along with it.
Posted by: Anonymous