Censoring Music Debate
The entertainment industry was rocked during the mid-eighties when the Parent Music Resource Center (PMRC) elicited questions regarding the type of music being aired and produced. The emergence of several multicultural music types all themed at vulgar contact irked the ‘moral’ citizens, and this led to the formation of the PMRC. Over the years the rock music faced stiff debates regarding the content vulgar contents they produced. Rock music dwelled more on the sex, violence, and vulgarities as their major selling points. Frank Zappa, who had always been at the defense of rock, took up the position to fight on the forefront for Rock music. The debates saw the PMRC seeking to censor the content of music while the defendant Frank Zappa sought to justify the existence of the content within the music.
In essence, the PMRC was on the right track on trying to obtain censorship of the music content. Music is a unifying factor, and thus, it poses a threatening aspect if it bears a contorting subject. It is essential to realize that music is not just for adults but also for children. Therefore exposing children to the vulgarities within music is a negative issue. The case presented by the parents is mainly in defense of their children. When children are exposed to such music, they take the ways that are portrayed by the music. It ought to be understood that children are developing and are shaped by their environments (Pros and Cons). Exposures to these vulgar music content will affect the child’s development, and they might take up the ways exemplified by the music.
Sexual contents, drug abuse, and violence can be a harmful vice in the development of the child. The content within music should not be within these dimensions. The presence of these elements contorts the mindset of the children, and it breeds harmful vices within a child. Notably, music is found with ease in music shops and through the radios; thus, it makes it hard for the parents to guard their children against such vile exposures. Access to these offensive music content is, therefore, way more accessible and can be done by anybody. Artists also play a crucial role in the life of children. Being public figures, they are bound to have fans within the younger age groups; thus, it makes them conform to the manners of the artist (Pros and Cons). Right from the dress codes to behaviors, such ways will be taken up by kids with the notions of being similar to the artists.
Censoring music should, therefore, be taken to ensure that vulgarities are done away, and essential concepts are rooted within the music industry. Exposure of the children should be limited to create a brood of healthy and focused individuals for a better tomorrow. There should be a cap on the production sector to ensure that moral aspects are considered in any production of a song. Songs that cannot be censored should also have an emblem signifying the presence of vulgar content, and this will enable the radio show to easily determine the perfect time to play the songs on air.
In another aspect, Frank Zappa was within his right to defend the contents of music regardless of vulgarities. According to the First Amendment Act, everyone has the freedom for self-expression and speech. The constitution allows each individual to highlight themselves through expression and speeches regardless of the contents of the words. This also touches on the kind of music being made by the artist. Any artist has the power to produce the type of music he or she feels is okay with themselves. In a matter of personal opinion, every topic is thus right, and no one should aim to block it or alter it (Pros and Cons). There is nothing wrong with singing songs exalting sex, violence, and drug abuse. Instead, it is the mindset of the listener that should be considerate of the materials they want to listen to. According to Frank Zappa, vulgar rock music thrives through the messages. These themes have become synonymous with this genre of music, and thus instead of banishing, it should be applauded.
Music censoring is another way of keeping children from understanding the truth of the world. We ought to realize that sometimes music can be a source of learning new things; this will give the children exposure to certain elements. Thus it means than censoring music is just hiding the truth from the children; everyone should have the chance to witness the vile elements within their environment. This will allow them to decide on what they deem right and what they deem right (Pros and Cons). It also implores the sense of responsibility within various individuals. They can be able to determine whether certain music context is worth listening to or not.
The originality of any music should be maintained regardless of the content it bears. It ought to be understood that music has its listeners; thus, it should be kept as such. Censoring music is gagging the freedom of expression for the artist. Each one should be given the platform to decimate their ideas without boundaries. This is a free world.
References
Pros and Cons. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2020, from https://censoryofmusic.weebly.com/pros-and-cons.html