Body of Work

IT’S UP TO PARENTS TO CENSOR MUSIC
Scott Iwasaki; Deseret Morning News, July 22, 2005

When I was in fifth grade, I was subjected to censorship. My mother made it clear that I was not to sing the lyrics to Nick Gilder's hit "Hot Child in the City." "If you listen to the words, it's about bad things," she said.

I bring up the topic of banned music because I attended Plan-B Theatre Company's “And the Banned Played On," at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center on Monday. The event, which serves as the company's "annual fundraiser celebrating the First Amendment," was funny, educational and thought-provoking.

Hosted by X-96's "Radio from Hell" crew—Kerry Jackson, Bill Allred and Gina Barberi—the production was more a music concert than anything else. While the atmosphere was light-hearted, the production made me think about the First Amendment and what responsibilities I have as a parent. I grew up with artists, dancers, actors and musicians. I know the importance of freedom of expression, especially when it comes to art. (Yes, I know that art to one person isn't necessarily art to another, but that's another column.)

Reverend Tom Goldsmith and Salt Lake Mayor Peter Corroon

At the same time, as a parent I know how important it is to make sure my children are protected from material not suitable for their viewing and listening pleasures.

Still, and this is the point I want to make, it's my job as a parent—not the government's or Clear Channel's—to censor what my kids listen to or watch, until they are old enough to make their own choices.

I understand what my mother was doing when she told me to never sing "Hot Child in the City." I do the same thing with my kids.

But it's not Nick Gilder that I forbid. It's Britney Spears.

And I'm being serious.