blickstein@eludom.DEC (Dave Blickstein) (10/03/85)
From a recent "net.music" submission: >PMRC proposes rating lyrics that are a) offensive sexually, b) violent, >c) "occult" (Satanic? Astrological?), and d) drug/alcohol-related.... >BTW, can anyone think of any songs that fall into all four categories >simultaneously? Think Frank Zappa will write one? Something occurred to me while reading this. Offhand, I'm not aware of any Zappa tunes that fall under all four. On the other hand, I can think of at least one common Zappa topic that doesn't fall into any of these categories that I'll bet the PMRC would like to see labelled. Zappa has written several tunes denouncing most types of organized religion. He has been particularly harsh on christianity. Such tunes include: "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing", "Heavenly Bank Account", and "Dumb All Over" (all on the "You Are What You Is" album). I don't think that Atheism falls under the "Occult" catagory, but then again, Falwell has been quoted as saying that Atheism is the work of the devil. But if they labelled atheistic tunes as "occult" would be hard to prove that they weren't using the christian definition of occult and that, of course, is biased against all non-christian religions. So here's the rub. I propose that the choice of the word "occult" is religiously biased towards christianity. As proof of this I offer that songs involving satanism will get a label, whereas songs involving christianity will not. I think that is unfair. In my opinion the ratings must not judge one religion as better than another, and satanism is just another religion. The definition is loose enough that it could be applied to religions like Arab religions, indian religions and even judaism. So I propose that they change the label to "Contains a religious bias". That of course means that gospel and general "Christian music" has to get a label just like everything else. I wonder how the PMRC and Falwell would react to their proposal being turned on them like this. After all, I'm jewish, and maybe I don't want my kids listening to that heretic christian stuff! Of course, I'd rather see no labels at all.... Dave Blickstein (UUCP) {allegra|decvax|ihnp4|ucbvax}!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-orphan!blickstein (ARPA) BLICKSTEIN%ORPHAN.DEC@DECWRL.ARPA
abh6509@ritcv.UUCP (A. Hudson) (10/09/85)
[EAt Me]
Franky, I think the occult label is a good move. Over the years
I have bought Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Black Sabbath,
Ozzy Osborne, Ronny James Dio, Motorhead, Motley Creu, and many
other so called occult record albums. I have found NO EVIDENCE of
devil worship in any of them! All references to any 'black' nature
are from a purely Biblical standpoint, and in fact one could learn
a lot more about His ways by reading the Old Testament.
I'm sick and tired of spending money on puritanical claptrap
and occult labeling would certainly make purchasing choices easier.
And frankly I really don't think that anybody making these
accusations has spent the time to investigate what they are talking
about. Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast album, yes, a picture
of Satan on the front, quotes the Book of Revelations. What better
way to spread the good word than though contemporary music.
Please excuse the satirical tone of this note, I find
hypocritical religiophites upsetting.
A. Hudson