When it comes down to it, isn't "controversial art" all about individual
responsibility?? For example, I find myself to be a responsible person who
(in most cases) knows right from wrong. I can listen to Eminem, appreciate
his talent, and not go out and "stab fags". Similarly, I can watch "Natural
Born Killers", appreciate it for the shocking film it is, but still
ultimately decide against launching my own cross-country killing spree.
It seems all the hub-bub boils down to simply this: There is a fear that all
of the young and impressionable will be induced into creating destructive
lives filled with profanity, disrespect, and violence. It's not so much
whether the subject matter is ART as what it may cause people to do. Right?
I've listened to Eminem. I haven't changed. I saw "Natural Born Killers".
Can barely remember it, to be honest.
Like a gun, the wrong material in the wrong hands can be fatal. Not everyone
shares the notion that a song is a just a song -- a movie is just a movie.
It's power. There is no denying that.
It all comes down to responsibility (or lack thereof, which seems to be the
case...)
Trey Ellett
