http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/11/23/adam-lambert-says-censorship-of-american-music-awards-song-would-be-discrimination/
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tasteful Censoring or Discrimination?
As almost everyone has heard, or seen, the recent performance at the AMA's by American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has caused quite a controversy. The article describes his performance onstage, which included "simulated oral sex with a male backup dancer and a passionate kiss with a male keyboardist." In the article, Lambert attempts to make this a case of "discrimination" if broadcast networks edit and censor his performance for the reruns. The problem presented is whether or not it would amount to discrimination to edit out the parts of the performance that sparked this whole controversy. Lambert uses previous incidences as his fire-power to build his argument, i.e. the infamous on-stage kiss between Britney Spears and Madonna. Lambert argues that if two girls can make out on stage, why can he not make out with another male? I don't believe that the networks are attempting to discriminate against homosexual males, using Lambert as their poster-child. The AMA's and other nationally broadcasted programs are targeted for family entertainment. A male passionately making out with another male and simulating oral sex is not "family entertainment." When the Britney and Madonna kiss took place, it wasn't quite as raunchy as Lambert's and they did not simulate oral sex. It all comes down to considering your audience and having respect for them. I think an easy solution to this problem is for artists to discuss with the networks what they plan to do during their performance and either agree on it, or form a compromise.
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I agree that the artists should inform the networks of what they plan to do and they should agree on what is going to take place. If the artist breaks the agreement then there should be definite consequences. So, everyone would know what to expect and there would be room for such error.
ReplyDeleteas they say: "Bad publicity is still publicity." While Adam Lambert's performance certainly was shocking and I don't condone the behavior, but it makes sense exactly why he did it. I would try to argue for a solution but I don't see why it's a problem. This kind of controversy happens all the time. The media lets controversial things happen because it gives them publicity. Look at all of the YouTube hits on videos such as this and you'll know what I mean. It gives the performer spotlight time, it gives the music industry attention, and it gives the rest of the world something to talk about so I don't see why it's a problem.
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