Today's rap songs often feature two tracks: a radio edit and an explicit version. However, it was not rap music that originally prompted the implementation of warning labels; it was 1980s death metal. Death metal glorified sex, violence, and disrespecting authority. Senator's wives became concerned to the point where they filed a suit demanding music like this be censored. This was not possible, however, as music is a form of expression protected under the First Amendment. The wives argued the music influenced that actions of juveniles who listened to them and was leading them on a bad path. The result of the trial was the mandatory warning label that most often read something along the lines of "Explicit Lyrics - Parental Advisory." And we still use these labels to this day.
Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/10/AR2006081000925.html
I personally believe that music is one of the best ways to express yourself. During the 80s, there were so many controversial issues taking place so music was an outlet. Do you believe that the explicit lyrics had a deeper meaning? If so, does the message still get across even if such vulgar words were not used?
ReplyDeleteAre there any laws surrounding it or is it just suggested that people put a label on explicit music? Also, what is the law around radio? Is it required or merely suggested? Also, I have noticed that some words are allowed when other words are not and sometimes there is hidden meanings behind words. Who decides which words get to be kept in?
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