Music Censorship: a Violation of Artistic Expression
Music Censorship: A Violation of Artistic Expression
Brandi Yaeger
University of Phoenix
What if you were told that you could no longer listen to your favorite song anymore because the message that it sends does not conform to someone else’s way of thinking? What reasons are given for the censoring of music, or why have musicians been tortured, jailed, exiled or even killed? Why have certain forms of music been silenced? Music is an expression of ideas and emotions that reflect hopes, dreams and aspirations not only for the artist creating the music but in the listener as well. Music has been used as a form of expression of thoughts and emotions for centuries. People in power sometimes view these expressions conflicting to their current way of thinking what is proper lyrical content or negating to current governing practices. The implementation of music censorship has been done by governments, religions, educational systems and even families. In most cases this censorship is a violation of international conventions of human rights, (Freemuse.org). George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), said “All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All Progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships.” (Freemuse.org). Although music censorship is imposed for various reasons, music is a form of artistic expression and censorship violates the artist 's human right of expression. Music expresses thoughts and ideas that have the power to inspire the listener in many different ways. An artist creates a lyric or music that expresses their ideals, aspirations or is a reflection of their life experiences. Music has been used to express religious views and inspire patriotism giving the feeling of hope and pride. Religions have used music for many, many years in order to teach about
Brandi Yaeger
University of Phoenix
What if you were told that you could no longer listen to your favorite song anymore because the message that it sends does not conform to someone else’s way of thinking? What reasons are given for the censoring of music, or why have musicians been tortured, jailed, exiled or even killed? Why have certain forms of music been silenced? Music is an expression of ideas and emotions that reflect hopes, dreams and aspirations not only for the artist creating the music but in the listener as well. Music has been used as a form of expression of thoughts and emotions for centuries. People in power sometimes view these expressions conflicting to their current way of thinking what is proper lyrical content or negating to current governing practices. The implementation of music censorship has been done by governments, religions, educational systems and even families. In most cases this censorship is a violation of international conventions of human rights, (Freemuse.org). George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), said “All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All Progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships.” (Freemuse.org). Although music censorship is imposed for various reasons, music is a form of artistic expression and censorship violates the artist 's human right of expression. Music expresses thoughts and ideas that have the power to inspire the listener in many different ways. An artist creates a lyric or music that expresses their ideals, aspirations or is a reflection of their life experiences. Music has been used to express religious views and inspire patriotism giving the feeling of hope and pride. Religions have used music for many, many years in order to teach about
References: Crigger, L. (2007). The Usual Suspects, Games for Windows, (11), 24. Freemuse.org (Nov. 1998) – Freedom of Musical Expression Inglis, I. (2006). The Ed Sullivan Show and the (Censored) Sounds of the Sixties, Journal of Popular Culture, 39(4), 558-575. Doi: 10.1111/j. 1540-5931 2006. Rabkin, R. (2002). Do Kids Need Government Censors? Policy Review, (111), 27.