First Amendment And Music Censorship Essay - 1284 Words

The First Amendment to the Bill of Rights exists because the Founders of our country understood the importance of free expression. The First Amendment states Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press . . . (Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution 17). One of the ways the American people use this freedom of speech and expression is through the creation of the art form known as music. Musics verbal expression bonds our society through our emotions and experiences. This fundamental right of freedom of expression is being threatened by public and governmental groups who believe they have authority to monitor and decide what others should experience. The censorship of music†¦show more content†¦In 1964, The Rolling Stones catapulted to fame amid outrage and controversy about the surliness of their demeanor and the length of their hair. The Stones were considered dangerous and riots and scenes of hysteria erupted whe rever they played. Today, theyre in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, winners of the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and on the cover of TIME magazine (RIAA; History 2 of 4). Theres nothing new about pop and rock music finding its roots in the anger and rebellion of young people, and theres nothing new in older people expressing unrealistic fears about that music (RIAA; History 3 of 4). History has shown us that what may be initially perceived as objectionable is actually only the reaction of a new or different experience. Musicians are protected under the First Amendment equally as any citizen in the United States of America. They deserve the same basic human rights we all practice, however the freedom of expression has special relevance for musicians (Hald 1 of 8). This offers a special protection of musicians against arbitrary censorship and persecution (Hald 1 of 8). Not only does censorship of music threaten the freedom of speech, but it also threatens a musicians right to promote their work through free enterprise. Musicians have the freedom to play music in public or private domains, give concerts, and release CDs (Hald 1-2 of 8). Some concertShow MoreRelatedCensorship of Music is the Responsibility of the Parent Essay731 Words   |  3 PagesCensorship of Music is the Responsibility of the Parent Censorship in music is a topic that has brought about much controversy over the past two decades. There have been many different arguments on the topic, however the question still lingers is should censorship still remain. Before you can form an opinion on this, you must hear both sides of the argument on this much-debated topic. 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It was a small black sticker on the corner of the CD. This sticker plainly read explicit lyrics. As the teenager fumbled through his pockets searching for a method of payment, the clerk gave him a questioning glance. Could I see some identification pleaseRead MoreMusic Censorship1092 Words   |  5 Pagesstates in the first amendment that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, censorship in America still exists in a big way. Music censorship is the term used to describe the act of editing, altering, or preventing the listener from hearing th e music as the artist created