Many believe that political action should be taken to regulate the sales of music
containing explicit content. In states such as Washington, the Harmful Material to Minors
Bill would create “adults only” sections in music stores. In Louisiana a $1000 fine or 6
month prison term could be handed down to violators of a proposed bill that would
prohibit the sale or distribution of “lyrics harmful to minors”. In New York a bill proposed
in March would prohibit the sale of music to minors with lyrics describing suicide,
sodomy, rape, incest, bestiality, adultery , murder, violent racism, religious violence,
morbid violence or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol. One can argue that such laws would
be a serious blow to the first amendment but beyond legal problems are more difficult
issues pertaining to the social responsibility of the multi-million dollar recording industry
and the increasing violence throughout American history.
MTV does not promote Classical Art music, such as Beethoven and Bach which
now can be said is on the verge of extinction. Today the ability to pay attention has
become endangered. Adolescents do not want to try and understand the meaning behind
valuable music rather they prefer to just sit back and listen. As a result of this Classical
music which requires the audience’s attention are endangered too. Involvement in
Classical music promotes important human qualities such as self discipline and creativity,
which much of American youth are lacking.
“The music industry does not care about values and American culture, rather the
whole part of the relationship with the teen is just to turn them upside down and shake all
the money out of their pockets”.
MTV is a mockery of American culture. Shows such as the Tom Green show and
The Andy Dick show display gruesome acts of stupidity, which to some is not at all
amusing and can in no way be seen as entertainment. MTV has brought about many
stereotypes. Blacks are perceived as violent sex driven gangsters. Women are displayed
solely as sex symbols, lacking any integrity or value as human beings. After the many years
of fighting for equal rights, MTV has emerged and turned everything around.
MTV has changed the quality of music. Image and performance has become of
such great importance that the quality of music has slowly disappeared. True music has
vanished.
MTV, although containing so many bad qualities has brought about some good in
the American culture and entertainment and music industry. It has helped our economy
remain on top. With publicity and constantly keeping performers in the public eye, various
artists have been recognized and risen to stardom. MTV shaped stars into teen ro-models
and with publicizing certain images it promoted an idealized teen lifestyle. Stars can
express themselves in just about which ever way they please and can set themselves with a
certain image they want perceived of them by the public. MTV is a vehicle for promoting
trends and new styles. MTV helped build the booming multi-million dollar entertainment
and music industry we have today. MTV uses commercial logic. This being the idea that
everything is dedicated to the idea of selling something. The teen’s power has risen
throughout the years since certain products and music go by what they, the consumer,
wants. MTV is like a 24 hour infomercial. Sometimes it’s an advertisement paid for by a
company to sell a project. Sometimes its a music video, which in other terms is an
informercial to sell a record label. Sometimes it’s a set filled with trendy clothes to sell a
look that includes production of that set. MTV is the ultimate gatekeeper of the American
industry because so many people watch it and if an artist is on there the chances of success
increase greatly.
With MTV’s power to influence American and worldwide youth, it has been able
to bring across certain messages about serious issues such as racism and drugs through
music and television. MTV has so much power since it consists of television and music,
two very important aspects of communication. Music was given more importance and
value since now it was not just for mere entertainment but rather to bring about change in
the world. Today even religion is brought into music. Music is changing and connecting
with a whole new audience, increasing sales and changing the way people perceive music.
MTV has hosted and aired many Benefit concerts and fund-raiser to raise money for
causes such as s hunger and worldwide poverty. It in many ways brought the people of
the world closer together in its pursuit to create a better world.
MTV has given American youth a club where they can always belong. They were
given a channel of their very own where anyone could be a member and a door was
opened which allowed adolescents to interact with their ro-model on a more personal
basis. MTV keeps American youth updated with every day news and events occurring
worldwide. It keeps them aware of certain issues and problems they must face.
MTV brought blacks and whites closer together, primarily because of pop culture.
Today hip-hop, rap, ragae and R&B have been greatly accepted in the music industry and
have had great success. Blacks were given more respect and were looked up upon by the
Youth of America. Blacks have finally received their reward for the constant fight for
equality and acceptance throughout the years. Latin and Middle Eastern music have also
been greatly accepted. Women are now ro-models for the youth of America and are seen
as powerful figures equal to all. Women solo acts and groups were formed. Women were
a great addition to the rise of our economy.
MTV promoted and encouraged creative music. Many different kinds of music
have emerged from dance to country due to MTV’s publicity and support of various new
artists. Without MTV many artist may not have achieved the success that they had.