Vox pop: Has music become too offensive?

Nicki Minaj is bringing her Pink Friday: Reloaded tour to Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena in November, but whether the image of singers in the media today is a negative one is a question best put to its locals.

Nicki Minaj is often criticised for her image and is soon going to be coming to Cardiff. Do you think there is too much swearing and nudity in music these days?

Phil Bernard, 22, Shop Assistant, Cardiff

“Yes I think this is true for certain genres of music such as pop, singers like Rihanna and Lady Gaga are definitely an example of this, but I don’t think that all genres involve too much swearing and nudity.”

Rebecca James, 21, Estate Agent, Penarth

“Definitely. I think the nudity and language in music videos today is unacceptable. It’s such a bad influence for young children and if I had kids, I would be wary of what they were watching, especially with singers like Nicki Minaj around!”

Zach Twohig, 32, Salon Manager, Cardiff

“Yes. I have noticed that there is a lot more swearing and nudity in music these days. I work in a salon and we have to be careful what we play now because a lot of people are offended by the language.”

Jordan De Claire, 22, Television Graduate, Penarth

“I think music is more focussed on image these days, but singers should should focus more on the role models they are becoming for young girls. Rihanna was very different when she started out to how she is now, and it’s not giving a positive message to young girls.”

Joan Smith, 57, Midwife, Lincolnshire

“Yes, I do think music these days is offensive. If the music is good enough then the singers shouldn’t need to swear and show their bodies.”

Maggie Matthews, 56, Office Supervisor, Barry

“Yes, and I don’t think it is appropriate when there are obviously going to be kids watching the music videos but I don’t think it’s so bad that it should be taken off the TV.”

External links:

Nicki Minaj Starships video

Ofcom Media Release

Should singers cut the sex and bad language?

Joan Smith, 57, Midwife, Lincolnshire

In the light of the controversial X Factor performances that outraged the UK Ofcom changed their guidelines saying that scantily-clad singers must be cut from programmes being aired before the watershed.

Yet it seems as if nothing has changed with popular singers swearing and flaunting their half-naked bodies in their explicit music videos, readily available on MTV and Youtube.

Rapper Nicki Minaj is often criticised for her foul language and indecent exposure. Her song Starships includes the lyrics ‘F**k who you want, and f**k who you like,’ however she continues to appeal to a young audience.

A quote from Ofcom’s website says, ‘21% of all parents surveyed mentioned concerns about nudity or sexual content, and one in six (17%) had concerns about offensive language.’