Like It or Not, Free Speech Is a Priority

The controversy over the images and the language in rap music and in film and videos has, so far, generated more heat than light (“Dole Indicts Hollywood for Debasing Culture,” Page A1, June 1).

I fully understand the discomfort some women, some mothers and some parents experience when they hear what they consider to be offensive music. I recently heard a local newscaster complain how difficult it is to keep rap music away from children. She’s correct. It is difficult to confine young people’s interests to that which we feel is good for them.

In a free society, however, we do not simply silence individuals who use vulgar or offensive language in their utterances or in their art. This is extremely difficult for some to digest. A free society must learn to deal with expression that some people dislike.

My ancestors fought and died to make the Constitution apply to African Americans. So, no matter how much the right of freedom of expression is pooh-poohed, it must always be a constitutional guarantee--to be defended no matter how difficult or inconvenient.

Rap music engages its listeners on difficult issues in ways that can be raw, aggressive and uncompromising. Do I like all rap music? No, I do not. Do I like some of it? Yes, I do. I am moved by some of the stories told by rap artists such as Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dog about their lives, their families, their mothers and their surroundings. It sometimes sounds like a cry for help.

Rap music was born of the frustration and hopelessness, the raw energy and alienation felt by young people from the ghetto who created and mainstreamed their music despite the initial non-acceptance by both television and the music companies. A whole generation of young people--of all races and classes--embraced this new sound.

Not all critics advocate an outright ban on offensive movies and lyrics. Still, instead of scapegoating music or movies, we must work to change the reality that gives rise to these expressions of anger and hopelessness.

We cannot create a cocoon to protect our children from words and images. We must instead help prepare them to face a world that is complicated and contradictory, sometimes affirming and sometimes harsh. Most families do a good job rearing their children. Most of our children turn out OK.

It does not help when politicians seeking higher office use music lyrics and movie images to score political points rather than use wisdom and leadership to help young people.

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Sen. Bob Dole’s credibility as a critic is suspect. He never viewed the movies he criticized or listened to the music he denounced. The same Bob Dole who rails against imaginary violence in rap music videos and in movies has promised the National Rifle Assn. a repeal of last year’s ban on Uzis and AK-47s--weapons responsible for real violence.

The same Bob Dole who is so quick to judge video portrayals as a lack of respect for women is silent on the real-life sins of his Republican Senate colleague Robert Packwood. More than two years after allegations of sexual harassment, Dole looks past Packwood to find immorality in rappers and movie stars.

Let the debate begin. Let’s make sure this dialogue includes a cross-section of artists and young people, parents and clergy--not just politicians on the prowl for votes.