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Should We Ban Sexist Songs from Radio?

This month I was asked to contribute towards the debate that Radio 2’s Sara Cox ignited, by criticising pop star ‘Pitbull’ (the name tells you a lot if you’re unaware of his ‘music’) and the sexist lyrics in his songs. I was delighted to have the opportunity to wade into a discussion that has riled me greatly recently. Especially after my previous blog rant regarding female pop stars such as Rihanna, Miley and Beyonce and the impression they give to impressionable young women. From his music alone, there’s a very strong argument to ban ‘Pitbull’, but here’s the more damaging reason we really shouldn’t be entertaining his dross offerings.

Here was my piece.

Reveal Magazine Debate

Should radio stations ban songs with sexist lyrics?

YES, says Gem 106 Radio Presenter Amy Voce

My co-host and I recently broadcast our radio show live from a primary school and the kids were singing along to all the songs. When Bruno Mars’ Lazy Song came on, we looked on in horror as children aged between five and nine recited: ‘Meet a really nice girl, have some really nice sex’. And that’s just Bruno Mars!

I can’t imagine how a parent deals with their child regurgitating a Pitbull song, because when you consciously listen to the majority of pop songs, they’re disgusting.

And while Pitbull isn’t the only pop star guilty of over-sexualising music, he is taking it to a whole new and, frankly, concerning level with explicit lyrics and videos filled with near-naked women.

Worryingly, some females in the industry are making this situation even worse. Take Miley ‘ooh-look-at-me-I’m-wearing-dental-floss-so-you-can-see-my-anatomy’ Cyrus and Rihanna. Their incredibly sexual performances are letting the side down.

It’s like artists are involved in a competition to see who can push the boundaries the most, all without a second’s thought of the damage they’re causing to impressionable young girls.

Music is incredibly powerful and pop stars need to realise that they’re making a lasting impression. Kids absorb everything and if they believe this is how women should behave or be treated, that’s going to have devastating consequences.

So I entirely agree with Sara Cox and think it’s time radio stations banned this kind of offensive drivel, full stop.