Tag Archives: censored

No PMRC T-Shirt

No PMRC T-Shirt

No PMRC sign. Anti P.M.R.C (Parents Music Resource Center) 1980s vintage tee.

The PMRC, short for Parents Music Resource Center, launched a crusade against rock music in the 1980s. Led by Tipper Gore, wife of then-Senator Al Gore, the PMRC aimed to address concerns regarding explicit lyrics and explicit content in music, particularly in the rock genre. They advocated for warning labels on albums to alert parents to potentially objectionable material.

The PMRC’s campaign gained attention and sparked debates about freedom of speech and artistic expression. Critics argued that the proposed warning labels amounted to censorship and infringed upon artists’ rights. Musicians like Frank Zappa and Dee Snider of Twisted Sister spoke out against the PMRC, asserting that music should not be subjected to such censorship measures.

Despite the backlash, the PMRC’s efforts contributed to a Senate hearing in 1985, during which musicians, including Dee Snider, Frank Zappa, and John Denver, testified. The result was the creation of the voluntary Parental Advisory labeling system, which labels recordings with explicit content. This system continues to be used today, albeit without direct oversight or enforcement.

While the PMRC’s crusade against rock music stirred controversy and dissent, it shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding artistic freedom and the role of censorship in popular culture. The legacy of the PMRC’s actions remains a topic of discussion, as societies continue to grapple with the balance between protecting individuals’ sensitivities and upholding the principles of free expression.

 

In 1985, The Parents Music Resource Center published a list of the top fifteen songs recommended to be banned (just 15?), and their presumed subject matter. So, here they are, PMRC’s Filthy 15: 

PMRC Filthy 15

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Censored First Amendment shirt worn by Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) at the PMRC audit

Censored First Amendment shirt Dee Snyder Twisted Sister PMRC