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.

[technicolour]

Ok. I'm going to sound like a hippie when I say this but it's true.

Hearing violent music gives you a violent tension about you.

i'll edit and add more later..

[illumineering]

Ok. I'm going to sound like a hippie when I say this but it's true.

Hearing violent music gives you a violent tension about you.

i'll edit and add more later..

"Hippie" music has a long shelf life. Kids today know the Greatful Dead and Jimi Hendryx. Unfortunately must rappers don't enjoy 15 minutes of fame unless they've done something to make news headlines. It's too bad they need to use controversy to promote their music. Whatever happened to the Woodstock vibes?

To all you rap lovers, I'm not hatin the music or anything. I'm just making an observation. I'll always love a lot of the old school stuff from the days of grandmaster flash.