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.

[ApocalypseAelis]

Maybe the parents SHOULD know, maybe the parents SHOULD give care, maybe the parents SHOULD give a rats ass. Unfortunately for children, many aspects of their lives are greatly influenced by their parents, for better or for worse, how is this any different?

Well, we SHOULD never commit any crimes and love each other and never make war, but it doesn't happen...sure it's right, but so what? We're human. Just because it SHOULD happen doesn't mean it will.


"Gansta rap" should not be censored by the goverment; however, it should have a warning label. Something like "M" for mature like the kind for video games or something.

Personally, I think this "gansta rap" is incredibly idiotic and I can't believe that people would actually encourage illegal acts...especially to a gullible and easily influenced teenage audience...gahh. Fools.

But it's not like I can do anything about it.

However, the last thing we need is censorship. Many of these artists are simply writing and rapping about what they know, and gangsta rap is the medium through which they express themselves.

Yes, but some of these...forms of expression may be unsuitable for younger ears. We should let them express themselves, but we have to be careful about how and whom they affect.