Limits to the First Amendment

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Limits to the First Amendment

The United States of America seems to be protected by a very important historical document called the Constitution. Despite the fact that it was written and signed many years ago, the American people and their leaders still have faith in the Constitution. One of the major statements of the Constitution is the First Amendment, freedom of speech. Although it is difficult to decide what is offensive and what is not, it is clear to see that songs of rape, violence, bigotry, and songs containing four letter words are completely unnecessary for susceptible minds to acknowledge. It is reasonable to say that more people listen to music everyday and for that reason, music tends to be more influential. The American people should consider the idea of censorship of music lyrics that influence violence. We as Americans, have the voice to make artists think about the harm that their lyrics can cause their listeners and possibly change their damaging style. I think it would benefit the American people to research the effects of music lyrics on people, debate the findings of the research, and discuss the consequences and possible solutions for the problem. Those who see no problem with the explicit and vulgar lyrics of today's music use The United States Constitution to back up their rights. This very Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787 (12) and has been a ruling thumb in the actions of the United States Government. The current date is April 21, 1999—that's 212 years later! This is where the very popular freedom of speech amendment comes into play. This Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exe...

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...es not turn our society toward violence. There are other possible solutions though, like making a list of words that are indecent, meaning offensive to community standards. This would illiminate harmful curse words that are derogatory.

Bibliography:

Works Cited "Amendments to the Constitution." On-line. Internet. Available: http://www.house.gov/Constitution/Amend.html. Boehlert, Eric. "Culture Skirmishes." Rolling Stone 767 (1997): 29, 32 Brownback, Sam. "Free Speech: Lyrics, Liberty and License." Vital Speeches of the Day (1998): 454-456. Hunt, Albert R.. "Politics & People: Teen Violence Spawned by Guns and Culture Rot." Wall Street Journal (1998): A23. Petrozzello, Donna. "MTV to Launch Anti-Violence Effort." Broadcasting & Cable 128.43 (1998): 66. Rosenthal, Jay. "Music Industry Should Rally Against NEA Ruling." Billboard 110.32 (1998): 4-15.

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