Political Correctness in Music & Movies- Does it Exist and is it an Issue if it Doesn't?
Political correctness can be, unfortunately and arguably, a confusing topic. At its core, there is a vitriolic fight between the power of free speech and the value in progressive-minded politeness. That dichotomy only complicates itself when art is involved. As an outlet for free speech, where do musicians and scriptwriters stand? Do artists have a free pass when it comes to offensive statements? Can I listen to rap music that says awful things about women without feeling like a traitor to my feminist inclinations?
The confusing role of political correctness on college campuses, and in art, most recently struck at our very own George Washington University. In an attempt to quell a student-driven protest, the GW Program Board removed Action Bronson from the Spring Fling lineup, a Saturday outing where a school, traditionally linked with things like politics and international business, tries to keep up with other expensive "peer" universities with bigger music acts. (And we're "politically active" as in aspiring politicians, not politically active as in we have loads of activists.)
The issue at hand-- on campus, in songs, and in movies--is the delivery. A song with the title "Consensual Rape," is not okay.
Movies usually depict what is going on at moments in time; they tell a story. Music can do the same, but doesn't always. While most movies are narratives, and not a random compilation of video clips; most modern music is usually a jumble of things. Yes, some tell a story, (some of the best albums ever are, in fact, concept albums with a clear beginning, middle, and ending) but the delivery is usually a lot less straight forward, and the narrative can be buried in poetic prose. For this reason, political correctness in songs and movies, for the most part, are separate beasts.
which sparked controversy as critics questioned the necessity of using a word so offense so many times. But one of the major points of the movie was to create a picture of what slavery and race relations were like at the time. While Quentin Tarantino makes fantastical exaggerated historical depictions, the history surrounding the events is true. The inclusion of the n-word was necessary in showing the difficult and ugly historical truths of the United States.
If it feels uncomfortable, it should.
However that's not to say all movies are beautiful perfectly accurate depictions of history. Take the most reason Zoolander, for example, which made offensive and poorly-done jokes aimed at a gender queer model. Movies do not get a free pass in saying whatever they want; however writers can often create more straight forward scenarios in movies than in music, which mobilizes greater opportunities for discussion and accuracy, rather than blind insolent statements.
In a song called "Consensual Rape," there is no real discussion of intelligent commentary on the subject of rape. Most of the lyrics are slung together phrases about Bronson's rap abilities, his penchant for drugs, and lastly his sexual exploits. So what's the point in naming the song consensual rape? And even if he actually addressed the phrase in the song, this is one area that does not lend itself to discussion. Rape is never okay. There is not much else to say about that aspect of it.
Race, gender, and other uncomfortable things should be discussed. There is no value in restricting meaningful conversation and thoughtful commentary. The distinction lies in what is meaningful conversation and what is an endorsement of something offensive.
Action Bronson, I love your Vice show where you eat food and freak out about it, but I hate the way you talk about women.
