Research: Censorship and music videos

Censorship and music videos

Censorship is the act of altering words, statements or visuals in order to conform with and abide by the rules and laws of society. Censorship could be done in several ways which are, by editing,censoring, banning or restricting. This enables a safer viewing experience to the viewer and censorship allows a wider range of audiences from different age groups can enjoy and watch music videos.

Explicit content is the actual music video and visuals being censored. It is the visuals that the audience can see that can be offensive or not suitable to a younger audience.

Explicit lyrics however, is only the wording that could cause offensive to the audience. The words and phrases that are used by the artist/band that may be found offensive or just not suitable for a younger audience, only to mature and older audiences.

What gets censored in music videos:

• Violence
• Offensive language
• Nudity
• Sexual nature
• Homosexuality
• Religion
• Racism
• Race
• Culture
• Class
• True events
• Drug abuse
• Controversy to the press (politics)
• Corrupt the young

Maroon 5 – This love music video has lyrics and visuals that are censored. It was too and controversial and arroused debate amongst many so  it had to be censored. The extend of  nudity and sexual nature being too explicit. Originally a younger target audience would be associated with Maroon 5 , but this music video is clearly not suitable for a young audience to watch.

Eminem Superman - This music video has explicit lyrics and visuals throughout. The theme is of the music video is of sexual nature. Nudity and swearing is frequent during the initial music video. The tone that is set throughout the music video is sexually arousing. It would be really inappropriate for a young audience to be exposed to a music video of this kind.

Lyrics and radio censorship

Radio stations have various techniques of editing and censoring music that is being played.

Repeating – Having the last word said twice instead of the censored word

Blanking – The entire word is not heard but music is still heard

Disc scratching – Using a scratch sound of a DJ to cover the word

Bleeping – Putting a ‘bleep’ sound over the word

Advantages of censorship in music videos:

• Protecting the public and children
• Keeps the music industry clean and gives a good image
• Shields the moral of society

Disadvantages of censorship in music videos:

• Takes away the emotion and initial purpose of the song
• Takes away the meaning of the song.
• Could be used to control people
• Prevents ideas from being free
• No place in a democratic nation (freedom of speech)

In my opinion, I believe that music videos should not be censored as it takes away the main purpose that the artist/band is trying to portray. I also believe that harmful or explicit content should be kept away from younger audiences.

In conclusion, I am now aware of what gets censored in music videos and I would have to consider this as my music video may require censorship of some form. My genre R&B and the topic of love that I would be using may be offensive to some. Therefore I need to make sure my music video is safe for all audiences to watch.