Parents, Be Advised! An Analysis of the Debate Concerning Offensive Lyrics in ‘Porn Rock’ and ‘Hate Rap’ Between 1985 and 1994

Abstract

This thesis offers a comparative analysis of two hearings, one held in 1985 and one held in 1994. Both hearings were organized to investigate the influence of offensive musical content, and the effects it possibly has on the behaviour of teenagers, and on the society at large. The public and academic debate concerning this issue has a long tradition in American contemporary history. The focus and nature of the discussion, however, has changed over time. By the 1980s, the debate primarily focused on the lyrical content of heavy metal. A decade later, the focus had shifted to gangsta rap. Those who advocated a restriction of lyrically explicit music approached these genres in different ways, using different arguments. By taking the political, social, and subcultural context into account, and by analysing the arguments made at both the 1985 hearing, and at the 1994 hearing, this thesis attempts to interpret the changing nature of the debate in between 1985 and 1994.