Our founding fathers believed in the power of ideas and debate, not censorship. That is why the first amendment was created to guarantee us four freedoms: the freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly. "For as long as the first amendment has protected our right to freedom of speech and expression, elements have tried to undermine that right" (Rosen RIIA.com). Music is a way for people to express themselves. Should this way of expression be restricted? I believe it should not be. For people should be able to express what ever they want with certain circumstances through music. Topics such as racism, rape, or domestic violence should not be sung about. I as an individual would not purchase CDs that address these topics, but everyone has there own musical preference. Even though if this music is harsh it should not be censored for these things happen in reality. Musical Content in certain songs do not lead to violent acts, certain bills should not be passed to ban certain CDs, and parental advisory stickers do not protect kids from explicit lyrics. Unfortunately some parents and government think differently about these issues. Restricting music and freedom of speech is wrong because it is senseless to restrict expression based on others opinions.
An issue of music and freedom of speech is musical content leads to violent acts. The lyrics sung by some artist and bands today might not be the nicest lyrics; most of these lyrics are telling about the real world and there is no reason to run from the truth. According to Hillary Rosen CEO of RIAA (recording industry association of America), "history of our nations music also history of those who would censor that creative expression, afraid of what it explores and exposes"(RIAA.com). Some parents seem to think that messages in certain songs could cause fans to commit violent acts. Such as those seen in school shootings, increased youth violence and suicide.