Censorship Watch

http://www.theroc.org/

Description:  Rock Out Censorship Web Site.  Their mission statement: Welcome to the official web site of Rock Out Censorship. We are a grass roots anti-censorship organization seeking to counteract efforts being made across the political spectrum to deprive us of our First Amendment rights... and we are NOT HAPPY!  To put it bluntly, we are fed up, disgusted, offended, and pissed off about having our First Amendment rights trampled, ignored, desecrated, and pissed on by spineless politicians that have sold out this country to corporate interests, religious zealots that seek to turn this once free nation into an intolerant theocracy where we all MUST worship THEIR God, THEIR way, or burn in Hell for all eternity, and the so-called liberal sentries of political correctness in which nobody can dare utter a single word that might be construed as something that might offend someone.?”[1] The Roc website features member sign-ups, petitions, an enemies list, links, organized boycotts, and even a Roc magazine and merchandise.

Analysis:  As one can infer from the mission statement, The Roc is a very crude and biased organization.  Use of profanity and intimidation bring about feelings of anger and hate.  For example, centered on the main homepage is a middle finger accompanied by the words “censor this.”  Because this organization only provides their arguments, they lack the investigation of the opposition to make them a credible source for censorship information.  The Roc forcefully displays their opinions and attempts to pass them for facts.   Furthermore, The Roc certainly doesn’t critically analyze the situation.  This is illustrated in their boycott against Wal-Mart.  They failed to consider Wal-Mart’s refusal to sell explicit lyrics is the choice of the corporation, and Wal-Mart will either benefit or gain from this.  Final Verdict: Be aware of this site and it’s intimidation. 

http://www.massmic.com/

Description:  The Massachusetts MIC web site is much like that of The Roc’s, but Massmic lacks the curse words and intimidation factor.  It is also much smaller in size, but equal in its position towards censorship.  The site contains “attacks” on music, enemies and alliances lists, a newsletter via email, and even a link to listen to selected music of Eminem and Marilyn Manson.  MassMic asks site visitors to write to their elected officials.  Other than that, there is not a clear objective of this site.  One can tell that they oppose censorship, but their reason for the opposition, and what they want done is lacking.

Analysis:  MassMic labels their list of anti-censorship sites “The good guys.”  This shows their bias.  Also, the only information this site contains is a page displaying attacks on music.  But even so, they do not explore the implications of these attacks.  What should one make of these attacks if the web site doesn’t analyze them?  The only people who will listen to this site are the ones already in agreement with its views.  No one from the opposition is going to change his or her views, because this site doesn’t contain any substantial information. It isn’t convincing in any way.  Final Verdict: This site won’t progress its cause, or harm the censorship movement.

http://www.glaad.org/org/topics/index.html?topic=857

Description: Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation.  An entire section on the web page is devoted to Marshall Mathers, AKA Eminem.  Here they claim that Eminem influences youngsters.  To demonstrate this, they provide selected lyrics, lyrics to the entire Marshall Mather’s LP, and interviews with Marshall Mathers himself.  Furthermore, they provide contact information for communication with Interscope Records and MTV. 

Analysis:  A large black and white picture of Eminem shows him with a menacing look, which casts him in a negative light.  GLAAD hopes this will further their claim that Eminem influences America’s youth.  But GLAAD doesn’t back this up with any facts proving a direct cause and effect relationship.  The site shares lyrics of Eminem’s that show his bigotry toward homosexuals.  Also included are lyrics where Eminem claims the reason for his lyrics is because he knows it will make others mad; he aims to teach about reaction.  The site includes incriminating quotes from Eminem where he unsuccessfully defends his lyrics.  This furthers GLAAD’s point, however other interviews exist that don’t cast Eminem in such a dismal light.  From the start, GLAAD portrays its members as the victims and Eminem as the antagonist.  After reading the harsh lyrics, one cannot help but sympathize with their cause.  Their argument induces further sympathy with the elegance in which this site is written. It concludes, “Hate speech set to a groove is still hate speech.”[2]  Final Verdict: This site demonstrates why GLAAD would be very upset, but doesn’t consider Eminem’s right of free speech.  GLAAD has a right to be extremely mad.  And the site gives a resource for Eminem’s lyrics. 

http://www.riaa.org/

Description: Recording Industry Association of America.  Their mission statement: “We are the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Our mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Our members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.”[3] Artists and their record companies have united to form this national organization.  With power in numbers, they joined together to accomplish similar goals.  Their page aims to fight censorship, inform about copyright laws, piracy, and music on the Internet (Napster controversy).  The site also contains market data, a parent’s page, and the latest news in music.

Analysis:  Because the careers of the artists are at stake, the RIAA must fight censorship, whether or not their true sentiments are in its opposition.   The site shares its biased view in its new flashes, freedom of speech, and parent’s page.  There is much important information, but it must be taken under the knowledge that the purpose of the page is to benefit the artists, and thus make money.  The site offers many facts to support their belief, but omits offering any opposing views.  Final Verdict: This site will further opposition to censorship.

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