Michael,+Alexander

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the extent in which the PMRC (Parent’s Music Resource Center) accomplished their goals. The body of the investigation will describe what exactly the goals of the PMRC were, the methods in which the organization strived toward accomplishing these goals, the extent to which these goals were accomplished, and resistance to the organization. The origin, purpose, value, and limitations will be evaluated for two sources: //Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America// and //Raising PG Kids in an X-Rated Society//. Other primary sources will be used such as song lyrics, interviews, and transcripts from court hearings. Finally, a conclusion will be reached regarding the extent to which the PMRC accomplished their goals and affected the music industry at the time. **B. Summary of Evidence** The PMRC was a non-profit first founded by Tipper Gore and Susan Baker, along with the help of several friends. Tipper Gore decided to form the organization after she “bought a Prince album for her 11-year old daughter and was astonished at the explicit lyrics they heard when they played it” (Siegel 1). The Purpose of the organization according to Gore and Baker was “to educate and inform parents ‘of [this] alarming new trend…toward lyrics that are sexually explicit, violent or glorify the use of drugs and alcohol’” (Nuzum 21-22). In order to reach said purpose, the organization set 6 goals: “1. Print Lyrics on album covers. 2. Keep explicit covers under the counter. 3. Establish a ratings system for records similar to that for films. 4. Establish a ratings system for concerts. 5. Reassess the contracts of performers who engage in violence and sexually explicit behavior onstage. 6. Establish a citizen and record-company media watch that would pressure broadcasters not to air ‘questionable talent’.” (Nuzum 22). Throughout the investigation, the success of the PMRC will be assessed according to these six goals and their overall purpose. The PMRC started off by trying to raise awareness to songs and/or artists that the organization found offensive. In 1985, the organization published a list of songs that they found most concerning titled The Filthy Fifteen. The list also contained the subject matter that the PMRC found concerning, including imagery about sex, masturbation, violence, drug and alcohol use, and the occult. [i] The list began to draw attention to the PMRC’s cause shortly after it’s release, many thought this was “because the PMRC appeals to the natural fear of parents. They say rock music causes babies to have babies, teenagers to go on drugs, and teenagers to commit suicide” (Nuzum 24). The issue became more and more widespread until it was announced that “the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation would hold a record-labeling hearing on September 19, 1985” (Nuzum 25). The hearing took place in front of a committee of 17 senators, including Al Gore (Tipper’s wife), while Tipper Gore and Susan baker were witnesses. The witnesses testifying against Gore and Baker were Frank Zappa, John Denver, and Dee Snider.
 * A. Plan of Investigation**

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