A Research Proposal
The issue concerning whether music lyrics should be censored is fraught with controversy. In the United States, there is a strong desire to uphold the values of the Constitution and the First Amendment which gives the right to free speech. On the other hand, the limits to this amendment are created by other legal doctrines such as in instances of clear and present danger, fighting words, obscenity, conflicts with other legitimate governmental or social interests, and time, place, and manner (“Limits” n.d.). Whether or not music lyrics should be censored depends upon whether the lyrics violate the doctrines that limit the First Amendment.
The method society uses to deal with problems it discerns in music lyrics have changed as the government has changed. In times when western societies like Britain had absolute monarchs dictating the rules, censorship was a viable method of control for the monarch or any of his or her underlings who felt that a publication or song went against the royal interests. Today, the government of the United States is not willing to promote censorship, especially of the arts, sometimes even if there is a compelling reason. For instance, in the case of the book No Easy Day, written by a U.S. Navy SEAL and purportedly containing classified information, as of the end of November 2012, the book is still available for sale on sites like Amazon. Although some people find profanity that laces the lyrics of some music to be offensive or worry about children’s exposure to such lyrics, considering the difficulty the government has in dealing with potentially damaging material like that included in No Easy Day, it is hard to imagine a government-condoned censorship of music.
Retailers express their opinions about appropriateness of lyrics or a particular musician by deciding whether or not they carry the musician’s products on their shelves. For example, in May of 2009, Wal-Mart refused to carry Green Day’s album 21st Century Breakdown because the band would not edit the album for content or lyrics (“Green Day” 2009). While artists like Green Day sometimes refuse to sell albums through retailers such as Wal-Mart because they believe they are being censored, other artists create a “clean” version of their music so that there is a version any retailer will sell. This is, in essence, a sales tactic. Charlene Jones, programming coordinator at KKBT 92.3 (The Beat) in Los Angeles, says, “It's almost a must for them . . . "The industry [to meet FCC regulations] forces them to have two versions" (Benesch 2004, p. CITE).
While musicians practice some self-censorship in order to appeal to a wider audience, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) provides a parental advisory label (PAL) to help parents determine whether or not an album is appropriate for their children. According to a program statement on the RIAA website concerning the advisory labels, “This program is a tool to help parents make the choice about when -- and whether -- their children should be able to listen to a particular recording. Music can be a tremendous tool in fostering dialogue and understanding across generations . . . When these opportunities to talk openly are seized, parents, kids AND music are best served” (“Parental Advisory” n.d.). While some musicians may object to the idea of an organization giving their music with an advisory label, this is not censorship. Most often, the decision about whether or not to include the PAL on a recording is made cooperatively between the musicians and their recording companies (“Parental Advisory” n.d.). Although the PAL is not censorship, it is a valuable part of the discussion on how today’s society deals with possibly objectionable lyrics in music.
Research on whether or not music lyrics should be censored should look at recent or current incidences of censorship around the world and the effects of this censorship. It should also look at various countries’ other methods of dealing with objectionable lyrics, such as with the United States’ PAL. Research must answer whether the effect of using these methods in the United States would be desirable or not, fit our constitution, or if there is some alteration that could take place to make it palatable to the majority of citizens. Research must also answer the question of whether censorship is a hindrance or causes a chilling effect to artists. A survey of successful and unsuccessful attempts at censorship must be made.
The conclusion will establish whether there are any methods of censorship that are of value in dealing with objectionable music lyrics. An initial survey of media and research shows that the while the government has little success in prohibiting certain music lyrics, the industry and people themselves do a better job in selecting what is appropriate or not.
Works Cited
Benesch, Connie. “The Good, the Bad, and the Censored.” Billboard 108.48, 42. 26 Nov. 2004. Print.
“Green Day Lashes Out At Wal-Mart Policy.” NBC News: Today Music, 21 May 2009. Web. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30869645/ns/today-entertainment/t/green-day-lashes-out-wal-mart-policy/#.ULdxCKxTx8E
“Limits of Freedom of Speech.” Education For Freedom: Lesson Plans for the First Amendment, n.d. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2012. <http://www.freedomforum.org/ packages/first/curricula/educationforfreedom/supportpages/L04-LimitsFreedomSpeech.htm>
“Parental Advisory Label (“PAL”) Program.” RIAA, n.d. Web. Accessed 28 Nov. 2012. <http://www.riaa.com/toolsforparents.php?content_selector=parental_advisory>
Tyler, Robin. “Eminem: Pied Piper of Hate.” Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide 8.3, May/June 2001, 12-14. Print.
Zakaria, Tabassum. “Navy SEAL book contains classified information: Pentagon.” Reuters, 5 Sep. 2012. Web. < http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/05/us-usa-security-book-seal-idUSBRE88316K20120905>
