Popular Music

Instructor requirement:
In 1985 the Parents Music Resource Center (PRMC) lobbied and won the right to place parental advisory stickers on music ?they? deemed to promote rape, suicide, and teen pregnancy. Carefully read this quote from – Mitch Bainwol, CEO, Recording Industry Association of America:

"All music is not always appropriate for all ages. The music industry takes seriously its responsibility to help parents determine what is and is not appropriate for their children. That’s why the record companies created the Parental Advisory Label Program. This program is a tool to help parents make the choice about when ? and whether ? their children should be able to listen to a particular recording. Music can be a tremendous tool in fostering dialogue and understanding across generations. Through music, parents or other adults can tune into what kids are thinking and feeling. We need to pay attention to the music children choose and ask questions: why do they like a certain song or album? What do they think the artist is saying? When these opportunities to talk openly are seized, parents, kids AND music are best served."

Do you feel that the goals the PRMC and RIAA put forth have been achieved? In what ways does labeling music with warning labels increase or decrease their concerns. Find some statistics to back up your claim(s) or perhaps take a poll amongst your classmates and peers.