Call to rid music of racist language
Russell Simmons co-founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network
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Tuesday, 24, Apr 2007 02:04
Misogynistic and racist words need to be removed when music is broadcasted, leading industry figures have claimed.
Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis argue that words such as 'ho', 'n****r' and 'b***h' are derogatory and disrespect people's suffering over the past few centuries.
Simmons is considered to be the most influential businessman in rap music while Dr Chavis is a prominent civil rights campaigner. Both formed the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN).
In a statement issued on HSAN's behalf, the pair said: "We are consistent in our strong affirmation, defense and protection of the First Amendment right of free speech and artistic expression.
"With that said, we recommend that the recording and broadcast industries voluntarily remove/bleep/delete the misogynistic words 'b***h' and 'ho' and the racially offensive word 'n****r'."
They argue that these words are "utterly derogatory and disrespectful".
As well as broadcast industries voluntarily taking action, HSAN is calling for the formation of a music industry "Coalition on Broadcast Standards" made up of the leading figures from music, radio and television industries.
"These issues are complex, but require creative voluntary actions exemplifying good corporate social responsibility," Simmons and Dr Chavis conclude.