Research: Censorship

Censorship is the act of altering words, statements or visuals in order to conform with and abide by the rules and laws of society. Censorship is used to protect the public from offensive or violent content. 

Explicit content vs lyrics:

This logo is used on album or single covers to warn the audience that there are explicit lyrics in the specific song or album. This also gives a warning that the person buying the product must be 18+ due to the explicit lyrics. This is most likely to contain either swearing or sexual lyrics which is inappropriate for the younger audience.

This logo is used on album or single covers and also DVD covers to warn viewers on the explicit scenes that may be shown. This is also a warning to the buyer that they must be 18+ due to scenes of either violence, sexual or distressing scenes which is unsuitable for the younger audience. 

14 things that get censored:

• Nudity/sex
• Language
• Violence
• Drugs, solvent abuse
• Religion
• Political/controversy
• Graphic representation
• Corrupt the young
• Sexual violence
• Class
• Shock
• Culture
• Race
• True events

Nudity/Sex:

In this music video, "This Love" by Maroon 5 there are scenes that show this couple making love quite explicitly. The lyrics in this are also extremely explicit as they state "I tried my best to feed her appetite, keep her coming every night" which suggest his sexual intentions with the female. This may cause offence to the audience as the scenes may make them feel uncomfortable and also, this is not suitable for the audience under 18 which is why it's content was censored.

Language:
In this music video, "I Don't Fuck With You" by Big Sean, the language is extremely explicit. With the word "Fuck" in the title gives a clear insight into what the rest of the song may be about. The language in this may be offensive to the younger audience which is why the swear words were censored in order to be released on the TV or radio stations.

Violence:
In this music video "Bitch Better Have My Money" by Rihanna contain extremely violent scenes of abuse and kidnapping. This music video is censored in order to protect the public from distressing and harmful scenes and also protect children from the inappropriate scenes. As well as violence, there is also nudity shown and taboo language being used.

Drugs/Solvent abuse:
In this music video "We Found Love" by Rihanna there are scenes of taking drugs which her and boyfriend smoke and take pills, and also drink alcohol explicitly. This may offend the audience and may then influence them into this lifestyle which shouldn't be publicly portrayed. This may be censored and given a warning before in order to protect the public.

Political/Controversy:
In this music video "Outside" by George Michael there was a clear representation of homosexuality. His views were shown as being politically left wing exposing his own personality and moral beliefs. Religion and social class are also shown as an issue here which is why this was censored from the TV's and radio.

Lyric censorship:
Repeating = having last word said twice in place.
Blanking = Entire word is not heard however, music is still playing.
Disc Scratching = Using a scratch sound of a DJ to cover the word.
Bleeping = Putting 'bleep' sound over the word.

In this censored version of "Loyal" lyric censorship has taken place. Repeating occurs when the lyrics state "I'm the shit oooh" however, the censored version states "I'm the, I'm the oooh". Disc Scratching occurs every time the artist says "nigga", "bitch" or "hoe". This is done in order to protect the public from the explicit lyrics and is able to play on the radio without offending the audience under the age of 18.


Cut and banned:
When a music video is cut, it means that the music video is edited or the lyrics are bleeped out in order to make sure the content or lyrics are not in any more harmful or distressing. However, when a music video is banned, the video is not allowed to be shown on TV or banned from listening to it on the radio due to the lyrics.

Advantages and disadvantages of censorship:

Advantages:

• Protects children, as they are easily influenced and may copy.
• Protects emotional/physical reaction.
• Promotes a politically correct world.
• Prevents disrespect in individuals or community.
• Shields social morals.
• Restricts vulgarity and obscenity.
• Restricts violence as this may be easily imitated.

Disadvantages:

• Decrease in views.
• Artist is restricted.
• Freedom of speech is compromised.
• Restricts idea/creativity.
• Compromise entertainment.
• Create a 'hype' which may make people want to create a music video that is explicit.
• Control industry, there is no freedom.
• How to differentiate what's harmful? We live in a diverse society.
• Blocks legitimate criticism, e.g. Kanye West's "Diamonds from Sierra Leone".
• Individual taste.

Overall, from researching into censorship it is clear that this is a significant part in the production of a music video. This needs to be considered because this is how the public is protected which is why artist's should abide by this in order to not get any of their music video's or lyrics censored. The song I am planning to use will not have any harmful lyrics and I will not be making a music video which may have to be censored. Although, this bring controversy I would prefer to keep my music video suitable for all audiences.