Reason.com
Sticker Shock
Pennsylvania tries to turn labels into laws.
(Page 3 of 3)
But the cause-and-effect link between rap music and violence is weak. For every scholar who offers research that the link exists, another will offer research to dispute the claim. After centuries of debate, we're still not certain whether life imitates art, or art imitates life. But after all these years, lawmakers still think they know what's best for all of us to see or hear.
One of the worst side effects of proposals like Rooney's--whether or not it ever becomes law--is the effect it could have on keeping art from imitating real life. If opponents are successful in creating an atmosphere of apprehension about certain kinds of music that discuss violent realities, companies may become less willing to take financial risks on controversial music genres. And if recording companies become more conservative in what they'll sign up, regardless of public interest, artists may have to self-censor their work to sell it.
Which may be exactly what the Pennsylvania Legislature has in mind. (Remember those statues.)
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