Censorshit

The song "Censorshit" by the Ramones is a powerful critique of censorship and the moral policing that was prevalent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The lyrics directly address Tipper Gore, who was a prominent advocate for the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), an organization that pushed for warning labels on music deemed explicit. The song questions the effectiveness and motives behind such censorship, suggesting that it is a superficial solution to deeper societal issues.

The Ramones argue that freedom of choice and creative expression are fundamental rights that should not be stifled by arbitrary standards of obscenity. The line, "You can stamp out the source but you can't stop creative thought," emphasizes the resilience of artistic expression despite attempts to control it. By mentioning other artists like Ozzy Osbourne and Frank Zappa, who were also vocal critics of the PMRC, the Ramones align themselves with a broader movement against censorship.

Furthermore, the song highlights the hypocrisy of those advocating for censorship. The lyrics urge senators' wives to examine their own lives before imposing their moral standards on others. The Ramones point out that focusing on censorship is a distraction from more pressing issues such as the S&L deficit, homelessness, and environmental problems. This critique is encapsulated in the line, "It's just a smokescreen for the real problems," suggesting that the energy spent on censorship could be better directed towards solving significant societal challenges.

The song also touches on the irony of such censorship being labeled as an American policy, given the country's foundational values of freedom and liberty. The Ramones lament that despite progress, there are still "ignorant minds" trying to impose their narrow views on the broader public. "Censorshit" is not just a protest song; it is a call to action for preserving artistic freedom and addressing the root causes of societal issues rather than resorting to superficial solutions.