I was just thinking about Tipper Gore's campaign against heavy metal, as well as some of the more sexual songs from pop acts like Madonna and Prince in 1985 as a reference point. This type of reaction against what was perceived as "threatening" to Middle America (Footloose is another example), sort of echoes the '50s. Just in the sense of the stereotypical out of touch/uncool authority figures overreacting and viewing it as the "end of Western Civilization".

In fact, I think the generally cutting-edge times actually have less of this, because there's more to focus on in the world. Like since more effort is put into war now, I see very little openly huge controversy about artists since 2003 or so. Also, when the wider scope of pop culture isn't that shocking, it makes what is that way more evident. Despite the comedic vulgarity of shows like South Park or Jerry Springer, and Eminem in 1997-2000, it was basically a peaceful time for the world.

The '60s and '70s actually seemed kinda low on parental hatred of music compared to the '50s, '80s and late '90s.

True, I think people just stopped fighting it all because it was just getting worse and their fighting didn't really change many peoples' opinions (maybe?).  :P

I think it's a result of the media always needing stuff to stir the pot so they can stay in business ;)

Yes, because back then things still had some sort of shock value...but nowadays, nothing seems to even ruffle feathers anymore.

Now that's a good point.  ;D

Yes, because back then things still had some sort of shock value...but nowadays, nothing seems to even ruffle feathers anymore.


Yeah, I think by the late '90s, every way you could be shocking was already done, so now people are kinda more "used to it", even if the '00s are actually more vulgar or shocking overall than previously.

I miss the days before things like booty shaking music videos were so commonplace, though.


Now that's a good point.  ;D



Hey, wb Audrey, long time no see. :)

Is there more "innocence" in controversial times?

I dunno, apparently, I've never lived in "innocent times."  Sometimes the '80s seem innocent compared to today, then I remember the right-wingers scolding us for our decadent pop culture, you know, Tipper's PMRC and the Meese Commission on pornography, meanwhile a crooked half-witted president was looting the treasury and conducting illegal foreign wars!  Soooo....

I miss the days before things like booty shaking music videos were so commonplace, though.


Definitely, there's less creativity because the folks making the videos are just like, "Whatever, let's just have some soft-porn in the videos, that'll get people watching."  ???


Hey, wb Audrey, long time no see. :)


Thanks,  :) I haven't been posting much mainly 'cause there haven't been many interesting threads lately, but it's kinda looking up now.

every generation will have a new type of media that generates controversy. first it was rock music, now it's videogames. it'll fade. just wait.

I was just thinking about Tipper Gore's campaign against heavy metal, as well as some of the more sexual songs from pop acts like Madonna and Prince in 1985 as a reference point.  1997-'99 was sort of another innocent time, with the comedic vulgarity of shows like South Park or Jerry Springer, and Eminem, for instance. The '60s and '70s actually seemed kinda low on parental hatred of music compared to the '50s, '80s and late '90s.
No, 2003+ have had controversy because of the rappers and their video's in the way the woman are portrayed in thise video's (i.e. soft porn.) Also 1999 was not innocent with Britney being nearly naked on one magazine cover. Britney drove parents of young girls crazy back then.

Definitely, there's less creativity because the folks making the videos are just like, "Whatever, let's just have some soft-porn in the videos, that'll get people watching."  ???

Thanks,  :) I haven't been posting much mainly 'cause there haven't been many interesting threads lately, but it's kinda looking up now.


Yeah, it had a lull for awhile. Plus, I'm usually better with contributing to threads than starting them. ;)

Have you noticed the stuff that was deemed rude in the '90s seems kinda innocent today? Like, I remember this kid in my 4th or 5th grade class got in trouble for telling a "Yo Mama" joke in the presence of a teacher, lol. Even Beavis and Butthead seems a bit tame now too.


No, 2003+ have had controversy because of the rappers and their video's in the way the woman are portrayed in thise video's (i.e. soft porn.) Also 1999 was not innocent with Britney being nearly naked on one magazine cover. Britney drove parents of young girls crazy back then.


Oh yeah, I remember Bill O' Reilly speaking out against Ludacris a few years ago for that very reason, so I agree the common criticism is still out there. I'd say the average person probably dislikes current culture more now. However, also because of the fact that it's so widely filled with vulgar or otherwise offensive stuff, the "shocking" material doesn't stand out like a sore thumb the way it used to. Like a parent banging on some kid's door shouting "Turn that racket down!", lol.

Again, to use the 1985 example, when the uptight senators' wives went after Ozzy and Twisted Sister, that stuff was more of a contrast to the safe, commercial pop and rock stuff like Phil Collins, Dire Straits, "Take On Me" or "I Wanna Know What Love Is".

Whereas, nowadays there's actually a way larger ratio of shocking stuff, so it's like Meh, whatever.