The Matter at Hand

Censorship of music and lyrics has always had a strong presence in America, and its effects can be seen almost anywhere. One may hear a radio edited version of a single on the radio, or stumble into a Wal-Mart that sells nothing but "clean" CD's. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on who it is that you are talking to. One may argue that explicit music and lyrics influences adolescents negatively, leading them down a road of bad taste and politically incorrect thoughts. Others may argue that explicit music is a strong outlet for teens and their experimental phases, as sometimes teens have questions that are better answered without parental involvement. Another heated debate involving censorship involves the powers that come with the 1st Amendment, and how different people analyze and interpret those powers. Many artists and musicians claim that the 1st Amendment gives them the freedom to say what they want to the masses, and censorship is encroaching on that freedom. At the same time, however, others argue that the freedoms given in the 1st Amendment are specifically involved with Congress and its rulings, and the people have a responsibility to filter what is in bad taste or possibly hurtful or offensive. Some say music is a defining example of freedom, while others saying that opposing controversial music is an even stronger example of freedom. I have always been a supporter of the arts, and I have always believed that censorship has been a debauchery of the arts, while promoting ignorance and artificiality. I have to say, however, that the arguments for censorship have been much more valid than I predicted they would be, and as of right now I believe their argument is just as strong as the one against Censorship. Freedom does have its limits, but I still am thinking that music industries have been over sensitive when it comes to edited words on the radio and things like that. I will continue to support a censor-less American music industry, but I will definitely continue to consider the equally strong arguments of those who fight for censorship and musicians that go too far.