Music Censorship

This cause and effect essay analyzes the lyrical content of popular music recordings, cited as censored.

Out of 60 articles from the music trade magazines, “Billboard” and “Rolling Stone,” 77 instances of censorship were recorded and analyzed. The categories for evaluation were the year of citation, music style, and reason for censorship. Nineteen ninety was the year with the highest number of journal articles (21 ) covering music censorship.Rap (48%) and rock (44. 2%) music accounted for a large portion of the total censored recordings and the majority of recordings were censored because Of lyrics seen as explicit, profane, obscene or vulgar. In addition, five rock recordings were censored because of objectionable artwork on or inside the covers. Recordings were also censored because of opposition to a view the artist expressed.

Two tables depict the years of citation and the reasons for censorship, each according to music styles. (Anthony K.S 1 995) Music has historically been, and continues to be, censored in an attempt to enforce morality.

It’s not a coincidence that music censorship in America began to accelerate during the sass, when traditional and conservative aloes began to unravel. At the time, order, strict obedience to authority, and conservative values were part of the accepted mindset. (Lombardi, Victor 1991) With the advent of rock ‘n’ roll, however, young America began to loosen attitudes on issues relating to morality.Technology also played an important part in shaping the moral power struggle in the 1 9505.

(Lombardi, Victor 1991 ) For example, the 1 sass era saw similar complaints against flappers and jazz musicians; however, radio wasn’t as dominant at that time. In the 1 9505, radio provided access to new types of music that challenged rotational morality and created the dynamics for music censorship. (Lombardi, Victor 1 991) In 1956, Elvis may have been known as “the king or rock and roll,” but he was very controversial in his performances and mannerisms in the sass’s.Ray Charles would also have a very controversial history when it comes to releasing music. Being one of the first artists to turn gospel music to R;B made him his music censored and many of the southern states back in December of 1954. A lot of the artists of the 1 sass paved the way in the starting of music censorship. Moral authorities aim to determine what behavior is “acceptable” for individuals and for society.

Drugs, violence, and especially sex are topics moral authorities attempt to regulate.The end of the sass witnessed many members of society, particularly young adults and teens begin expressing new attitudes about these topics: Sex and drugs were no longer hidden and secretive acts, but something to be exposed and celebrated. This shift in outlook began breaking down the traditional moral order in many aspects of society especially music. Race may seem a strange factor in music censorship, but it has played a significant role. In particular, the sass and early sass saw a new genre of music rhythm and blues emerge onto the national music landscape. Magnum, Eric 1989) R;B music included freely expressed sexual desires, clear drug references, and other features that were not as prevalent in other forms of popular music. R;B was – and still is?dominated by black musicians and traditionally was enjoyed mainly by black audiences.

(Magnum, Eric 1 989) When its audience expanded to include mainstream white youths and young adults, this was a problem for many older whites who considered R;B music as a threat that corrupted young people and promoted moral behavior. (Magnum, Eric 1989) This phenomenon prompted moral authorities to take action.