"Music Censorship During the War in America" Essay by Josee from Ottawa, Canada

Art is a reflection of a society's culture, ideas, and traditions. Some artists may choose to communicate their political views and beliefs through music. When an artist's opinion goes against a particular government or special interest group, especially during times of war, musicians and composers can face the threat of censorship. Regimes who impose bans on artistic freedom argue that dissent during times of crisis is unpatriotic and disloyal. For those opposed to censorship, they believe it is their right to be able to present diverse opinions even if it portrays their country in an unfavourable light. Although artistic censorship is widespread, it is particularly alarming when a ban is imposed in a democratic country like the United States who takes pride in their constitutional right to free speech. Taking away an artists right to the First Amendment sends a message to the rest of the population that expressing ideas and debating topics will have dire repercussions.

Patriotic music has long played a part in American history to unite the country and bolster morale in times of war. Lee Greenwood, composer of "God Bless the USA", wrote the song during the Vietnam War and it has become an anthem for Americans to this day. The song has soared to the top of the charts after every crisis that the US has been involved in. Artists who create nationalistic music do so to fill an emotional need in people to show their support and solidarity with their fellow countrymen. Aaron Tippin, co-writer of "You've Got To Stand For Something", wrote the song as "...an opportunity to speak to people - I hope it will be an inspiration to the soldiers, the men and women about to be (soldiers) and the Americans at home -- and help our country heal" (BMI News). Patriotic songs receive a lot of air play during times of crisis; songs are used during ceremonies, funerals for soldiers, as well as for an opportunity to raise money for families of victims like the World Trade Centre terrorist attacks. These songs are also used during political campaigns as a means to spread a candidate's message.

Often times an artist who creates music that supports the country's war efforts are seen as representatives for a political party. When asked about her position on the Iraq war by CNN's Tucker Carlson, pop singer Britney Spears proclaimed that: "Honestly, I think we should just trust our president in every decision that he makes and we should just support that" (CNN). Country music singer Toby Keith, a lifetime registered Democrat, and outspoken supporter of US troops in Iraq, feels that he has been stereotyped for his beliefs: "Instead of people just saying, 'Hey, I don't like that song, ' all of a sudden they call you names. 'You're a redneck, you're a right winger, you're automatically a Republican" (CBS News). The same misconceptions about party loyalties cannot be made about corporations that own the media. Prior to the 1980's, there were over 50 corporations that owned mass media outlets in the US. Because of this, during the Vietnam era, one would be more likely to hear a song on the radio that contained antiwar lyrics. As of 2004, there are 5 corporations that have complete control of the airwaves; Time Warner, Disney, Murdoch's News Corporation, Bertelsmann of Germany, and Viacom. A study by the non-partisan group, Center for Responsive Politics, has concluded that, "the executives and Clear Channel's political action committee gave 77% of their $334,501 in federal contributions to Republicans" (USA Today). Similar findings have been found for the other 4 media giants. As a result of this, patriotic music has received a lot of airplay that coincides with the current Bush administration's agenda. Media bias towards artists who speak out in support of the Iraq war has all but eliminated protest music on mainstream radio in America.

Since the deregulation of radio in the US, protest music has reached its lowest distribution point from the record industry in decades despite the political climate. If art is truly a reflection of society's ideas, when listening to mainstream radio, one would get the impression that American society has little or no say about the current war in Iraq. "The major labels are naturally wary of promoting an artist who protests the way the world is as they are singing against the very corporate powers whom they work for" (Peace & Conflict Monitor). The weight of voicing the opinions of the antiwar movement have fallen mainly on the shoulders of independent artists such as Ani Difranco and Billy Bragg who do not rely on major labels for distribution of their albums which allows them to speak their minds freely. Artists who are signed to major labels feel as if they are being censored for their political views. When asked why performers show reluctance to voice their opinions about the war, Sir Elton John says: "might be that they are frightened by the current administration's bullying tactics when it comes to free speech" (Freemuse). Such bullying tactics have consisted of being blacklisted from the radio, but more dangerously artists face being denounced as anti-American. Attorney General John Ashcroft has stated that: "critics of the war effort 'give aid and comfort to the enemy'" (First Amendment Center). A Statement like this from a politician within the Republican Party can be very damaging to an artist's career and image.

In spite of this, there are still mainstream artists who are willing to risk record sales to voice their opinions. During the 2004 presidential campaigns a number of musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and R.E.M toured in voter swing states to encourage people to vote for George W Bush's opponent John Kerry. When asked about the reason for doing such a tour Springsteen stated: "It's an emergency intervention. We need to get an administration that is more attentive to the needs of all its citizens, that has a saner foreign policy, that is more attentive to environmental concerns"(USA Today). Mark McKinnon, the Bush/Cheney's media director said this about the Vote for Change tour: "I think it's unfortunate that these particular entertainers have chosen to affiliate with a hate-filled fringe group, and I think it will hurt their credibility" (USA Today). Recently the Dixie Chicks were rewarded for being adamant about their anti-Bush stance when they won the 5 awards that they were nominated for at the 2007 Grammy's. The standing ovation they received after winning their first award may be a sign that the industry is ready to put aside their fears and show that the opposition's opinion has a right to be heard.

The Bill of Rights in America upholds the belief that it is the government's responsibility to maintain fundamental individual rights, not to create them. In my opinion, the current Republican administration has been abusing its power by allowing a handful of corporations to control the public's perception of the war in Iraq and foreign policies. Censoring the antiwar side of the argument in music is undemocratic and unconstitutional and people have been confused as to what makes them patriotic. As Mark Twain said: "Patriotism does not mean support for your government; it means support for your country." It is my belief that the tactics of banning an artists right to express himself means the people doing the censoring have something to hide. Banning protest music only proves just how powerful a medium it truly is. Personally, I think that a country that is afraid of criticism cannot truly call itself a democracy.