I have come to the conclusion that these types of things is what they see more of and in today's society that is what is generally accepted in popular culture.

What some rappers, singers, actors and so on, fail to realize is that children are always watching and children(sometimes adults too) fail to have the ability to realize that "this just a role that they are playing." Kids are watching and taking all of the negative things that are said or done and they are getting accustomed to it. We all know that kids will imitate what they see and hear.

After putting more thought on the radio discussion, I changed my opinion. I think that record companies should NOT have to censor what their artists release.

I can understand and respect that businesses are out to gain money and if the negativity sells more than positive music then they are just doing what they can to make a dollar. Obviously someone wants to hear it. There is a difference between what children should see and hear and what adults should see and hear.

At the same time, I believe that this is where the people who have lots of contact with these children should step in. Negativity is out there and we all know that it is out there so we should censor and take charge. As parents, teachers, role models, and so on, we should not allow our children to fall through the cracks of a society that is believed to be on a negative spiral downward. I know there are some songs and movies that I myself would watch but I strongly believe that a child should not be exposed. I think as the adult in the situations we have the authority to change the channel, stop the tape, or change the radio. While doing so, we should explain to the children why.

We should not say that's only for grown ups because that is not helping the situation it suppressing it for future use and actually makes a child more anxious to see or hear it. We should say things like "it is degrading to women", "they are using words that are not pleasant or respectful", "they are engaging in activity that is not moral".

I personally believe that if you leave a child wondering why, they will want to find out why for themselves. It is better coming from you than anyone else. At the same time, you are setting guidelines and letting the child know what you will and will not tolerate and allowing them to see your morals and values.

So I guess my challenge to everyone is to take charge and to be that positive image in a child's life other wise a child may or may not understand that it is wrong.

It may be a long and hard process but a child will learn to respect you for it and so will I.

~*Jess*~