In recent years, the lyrics of many forms of popular music have become the center of great controversy. Critics have denounced such lyrics as being inappropriate, immoral, and even as advocating of violence and sexual misconduct. When one listens to the lyrics of some rap or heavy metal bands, one can see why many consider music censorship to be necessary for society.
Many songs seem to condone sexual promiscuity, violence, drug use, and other societal taboos.
Such music has also been affiliated with cult and gang activity, and has been claimed as inspiration for many criminals. With such problems in society s hands, one can often point to popular music as an evil force that must be eliminated immediately. There are, however, many negative implications which censorship can have on society. Censorship, as a form of restriction, eliminates a degree of the personal freedom which Western society holds so near and dear. Hence, the freedom to expression can include all forms of deviant speech, whether it is drug and violence-oriented or politically oriented.