Research: Censorship in music videos

Censorship in music videos

What is music censorship?

Each country has its own censorship laws, and decides what they believe is acceptable to publish toa mass audience, and what they believe is unacceptable. Music videos can be censored or even banned formant different reasons, such as: Offensive language-Sex-Drugs-Beliefs (Religion)-Violence. I think that it is important for a album to include a parental advisory explicit lyrics or content logo because it allows the buyer to be sure that the album is suitable for the person that is going to listen to it. Parents mainly look at these logos if they are buying a album for their child. 

Difference between explicit content and explicit lyrics:

• The music industry takes seriously its responsibility to help parents determine what is and is not appropriate for their children. This logo helps parents make the choice about their children should be able to listen to a particular recording. 

• The music industry also intakes the role to make sure that the lyrics of a music video do not affect any of the audience.

Censored music videos:

This music video got censored because it had explicit lyrics which was not viewable to all age groups. This music video was banned from viewing because the video promise partying and drinking which is not suitable of the younger fans of the artist. 

This music video got censored because of the explicit content, the music video was rooting nudity which had an impact on the audience. 

Queens singles, “I Want To Break Free”, was censored and almost banned in 1984 due to people being aggressive men wearing dresses and saw it as inappropriate and distasteful.

Example lyrics and radio censorship:

This music video has been censored because of its explicit lyrics. The lyrics is very exposed and is describing different cultural backgrounds and this can offend certain individuals. Th music video was also banned because of the use of language, the artist swears while singing which is not suitable for her younger fans. 

This song is censored for the radio, because it contained explicit lyrics which was not suitable for younger children.

Difference between cut and banned:

The very first video to be banned by MTV was their 1982 hit, “BodyLanguage”, which was seen to have homosexual connotations and nudity. Music videos were relatively new to many people, and where theyounger generations found them entertaining and enjoyable, oldergenerations saw them as unnecessary, especially when sex, drugs,nudity and violence became involved.

Miley Cyrus's song 'Wrecking Ball' was cut by MTV because of the use of explicit content. The video on the left, shows the two videos that have been released  the music video on the left is the 'Directors Cut' version and the on the right hand side, its the original music video. The original music video promotes nudity as the young artist is expressing her emotions and feelings by acting very expressive with props. e.g. Miley is swinging on the ball which is conversational to a relationship. 

The directors cut version of the music video is viewable to younger ages because the camera is just shows her face and this is suitable for her young fans. 

Advantages:

• Children are prevented from learning things that could harm them and others.
• It shields the morals of society.
• It restrains vulgarity and obscenity.

Disadvantages:

• Not get money views 
• Artist has limits 
• Freedom of speech is compromised 
• Individual have different tastes 

Conclusion:

I do need to consider if my music video will have explicit lyrics and content because I need to think about what age groups will be viewing my music video and if it is acceptable to be played on the radio or music channels. As, I am creating a music video that is from the pop genre, I am not planning to use any explicit connect or lyrics because the safety of my audience is very important, I want to target at a wider audience and if i have any explicit content then it will not be view able on TV until a certain time but this then sets limits for me because not everyone will be listening to music channels at nigh and even if my audience wanted to watch my music video on Youtube then there will be ID needed which will demotivate individuals from watching it.