This unit focuses on the censorship of music that may be considered offensive. Students will gain knowledge of the first amendment and the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and analyze their roles in music censorship. Students will have multiple opportunities to voice their opinions and view, firsthand, the perspectives of others on the various forms of censorship.

Students will:

• Analyze various forms of music censorship
• Write an effective position paper

Lesson 1: Philosophical Chairs Discussion

Lesson 2: Planning a Position Paper

Lesson 3: Writing Your Position Paper's Introduction

Lesson 4: Writing Your Position Paper's Body

Lesson 5: Writing Your Position Paper's Conclusion

Culminating Activity

Students will write a position paper from the perspective of a music artist, a music store owner, or a parent. They must voice and support their position on the following topic from their chosen perspective: Should CDs that may be considered offensive contain warning labels?

Supporting Books

Books on Music Censorship

The following books focus on the censorship of music in America both today and historically.

 

Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America

By Eric Nuzum

Description: This nonfiction text chronicles music that has been challenged by both the government and the American public from the Beatles to 80s rap group N.W.A.

 

Shoot the Singer: Music Censorship Today

By Marie Korpe

Description: This nonfiction text discusses the causes and rationale behind the government, corporate America, and religious group’s attempts to prevent people from listening to certain types of music.

 

Policing POP

By Martin Cloonan and Reebee Garofalo

Description: This collection of essays focuses on the various forms of censorship as well as the various attempts at restricting "popular music."

 

Taboo Tunes: A History of Banned Bands and Censored Songs

By Peter Blecha

Description: This book gives a somewhat humorous view of the various types of censorship occurring in America.

 

Opposing Viewpoint Series – Censorship

By Andrea C. Nakaya

Description: This fairly unbiased collection of essays promotes critical thought about the sensitive issues surrounding censorship.