NCJ Number
160262
Date Published
1995
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Heavy metal rock and "gangsta" rap music are more violent than ever before; children and teenagers should not be allowed to listen to the violent messages in this music.
Abstract
In 1989 the American Medical Association released a report that concluded that music is a greater influence in the life of a teenager than television. Those involved in the rock culture were more likely to be low achievers, involved in drugs, sexually active, and involved in satanic activities. Stating that the issue is too complicated to prove a one-on-one correlation, the report nonetheless concluded that a fascination with heavy metal music was an indicator of adolescent alienation and possible emotional health problems. A report by Free Congress concludes that "heavy metal and rap music today contains an element of hatred and abuse of women of a degree never seen before." In addition to extraordinary sexism, the music contains equally offensive racism, blasphemy, and bigotry. Large numbers of disturbed adolescents with low self-worth draw inspiration from heavy metal music because it makes them feel powerful and in charge. Providing simple answers to complex problems, it gives them a source of authority for what they feel and do. Attitudes and behaviors reinforced by heavy metal music are aggressive rebellion, abuse of drugs and alcohol, graphic violence and suicide, fascination with the occult, and sexuality that is graphic and explicit. Parents must encourage the Federal Communications Commission to be more diligent in enforcing the decency standard on broadcast radio and television and help the Commission by sending in cases. Since MTV has become readily available to children on basic cable, this standard should be extended to cable in the form of a "harmful to minors" law. Removing MTV from basic cable and making it a separate subscription channel is an even better solution.