Music has and continues to offer a comprehensive platform where citizens can unwind the daily pressures caused by the persistent hardships that are eminent across various settings. It is for this reason that many people are of the opinion that the government should not impose any restrictions nor feel indifferent with regards with the various forms of music that are enjoyed by the populations. While it is true that the government should not place restrictions on any forms of music utilized by the public for entertainment purposes, there is the need to evaluate the repercussions that violent and sexually explicit music have on the society (Schoening & Kasper, 2012). It is imperative to note that the recent past has experienced a significant rise in the emergence of controversial musical genres, which prompt the need for government action aimed at restricting such music. In a nutshell, the government should place restrictions on certain songs, especially the violent and explicit ones.
Discussions; why the government should censor/restrict certain music/songs
The first reason as to why certain restrictions should be placed on songs is to allow for moderation of any explicit or violent content that may be contained in the songs. With this regard, such restrictions should not be placed with the intent of down casting the creativity found in such songs (Korpe, 2004). Arguably, the explicit and violent content in a song has a colossal influence on society. This is because such content tend to influence the occurrence of delinquent behaviours amongst different societal members. In fact, researches carried out in the recent past indicate that the lyrics of explicit and violent songs, which often contain certain messages on drug use, sexual prostitution, and mocking of religion exposes societal members to behaviours that are aligned with such messages. From this analysis, placing restrictions on songs would ensure that songs only contain entertaining and inspirational messages.
The second justification as to why censorship should be placed on songs is the fact that the explicit and violent contents of certain songs has a long-term influence on children. Children are easily lured to believing the credibility of the messages contained in explicit and violent songs. As such, children who hear explicit and violent songs are likely to develop notions that violence and explicit behaviours such as prostitution are allowed in the society (Schoening & Kasper, 2012). Worth noting is the fact that parents and guardians cannot easily control what children hear from the songs. As such, the only way to limit exposure of explicit and violent messages contained in songs is by imposing censorship on songs. This will offer a platform where children can adopt upright behaviours for their mutual benefit.
Counterargument and rebuttal
Those opposed to the need of placing restrict songs often articulate that such censorships goes against the freedom of expression enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. While such notions are true, it is of the essence to note that Nadine Strossen’s jurisdiction articulates that there are certain situations that call for the censorship of freedom of speech. Such conditions include cases when the information is likely to cause harm, and when it is part of violent behaviour (Korpe, 2004), this jurisdiction justifies the need to place restrictions on songs, especially the explicit and violent types.
Who should impose the restrictions/who should draw the line?
References
Korpe, M. (2004). Shoot the singer!: Music censorship today. London [u.a.: Zed Books.
Schoening, B. S., & Kasper, E. T. (2012). Don't stop thinking about the music: The politics of songs and musicians in Presidential campaigns. Lanham, Md: Lexington Books.
