Free speech - free music is on the line.
We need your help in spreading word. This is a serious issue &
affects music fans regardless of what music they like. Free speech
is on the line.
FCC BANS SONG FROM DJ VADIM AND SARAH JONES
NO REVOLUTION FOR FIRST AMMENDMENT RIGHTS
The FCC proposed a $7,000 fine against non-commercial KBOO-FM in
Portland, OR for broadcasting the song "Your Revolution," a
collaboration between Ninja Tune recording artist DJ Vadim and
spoken word artist Sarah Jones. The song comes from the DJ Vadim
album USSR: Life >From The Other Side released in 1999.
The commission claims that is contains "unmistakable patently
offensive sexual references." KBOO-FM counters that its mission is to
provide a forum for "unpopular, controversial neglected perspective,"
and that "Your Revolution" is "a feminist attack on attempts to
equate political revolution with promiscuous sex" - the opening lyric
is, "Your revolution will not happen between these thighs" - and thus
is not indecent. The FCC rejected that argument and has given KBOO-FM
30 days to respond.
The move has, of course, forced other non commercial and otherwise
progressive radio broadcasters to ban their programmers from playing
the song. Thus, permanently silencing one of the most important
feminist hip-hop songs of the last decade from ever reaching FM
listeners.
This is a heavy-handed blow from the FCC against the First Ammendment
rights of the citizens of the United States, positive hip-hop
artists, and anyone striving for increased equality for women in this
country or worldwide.
Listeners of the song will note that Jones in no way endorses or
promotes any "patently offensive sexual references." Quite the
opposite. Hear the song for yourself
http://www.airbubble.com/your_revolution.html and read the FCC
filing and lyrics at
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2001/db0517/da011212.txt
We ask that you contact FCC Chairman Micheal Powell at
mpowell@fcc.gov or 1-888-225-5322 to voice your concern and support
independent music and free speech.
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