Gangsta Rap, Censorship of Options

[Hell-Rell]

Should the government censor lyrics of songs that are violent or expletive, for example “gangsta”rap?

There is an ongoing debate about the impact of music on certain listeners – especially music such as « gangsta » rap, with lyrics linked to violence and illegal acts. There is widespread disagreement, for example between the music industry and parents’ groups, about the effect such music has on young listeners, and their behaviour, i.e. does it encourage them to behave in a particular way?


I think that Government censorship is a dangerous form of statist control. Even if one accepts the argument for some limited form of government censorship to protect public morals, this needs to be very precisely and conservatively defined to avoid the slippery slope towards creeping totalitarianism. Allowing censorship of popular culture on grounds that the lyrics are mildly subversive is unwelcome as it incorporates a very expansive view of the proper ambit of government regulation. This issue is properly the concern of parents, who should take more interest in, and responsibility for, the music (and films, TV, internet use) to which their children are exposed.

[*nightmare4taki*]

Excuses Excuses Excuses Excuses

First off I realize that some kids are born with a certain temperate from a psychological point of view, but it’s the parents fault for not properly teaching their kids right from wrong. I listen to gangster rap(all types of music for that matter) and it has no effect on my whole outlook on life. Never have I once felt the need to go out and harm another individual because of the music or any form of entertainment because I realize its all entertainment. I can distribute from right from wrong very easily, and personally I myself would have trouble killing a human being in self defense. I think kids that commit crimes are responsible for their own actions, and they are just looking for an excuse because they figure they can get away with it. People just look for the perfect opportunity and excuse to swindle the law into their own hands. Just like those kids who played GTA: San Andreas and were inspired to go paint graffiti around the city. The video game did not take you do the specific destination in which you decided to paint, but you yourself decided to do so. Just simply be a man/woman and own up to your actions instead of looking for away out of your own wreck less mistakes. If they are going to place a censorship on the gangster rap I will have no problem just so long has they place censorship on the movie industry as well.

If the government really wanted to put an end to so called gangster rap then it would stop go to every poor neighborhood and eliminate all the drug dealers, stride to put more money into helping the disadvantage instead of launching million dollar missiles at vacant buildings. This would more than likely reduce the crime rate somewhat(if not then disregard that statement), but to just single out rap, I myself have suspicions on the governments intentions and motives.

Is the government actually trying to do this though?

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