Censorship, Ban, and Criminalisation of Artistic Expression [ONEFOUR vs. NSW Police]
Essay 03 | UK Drill: A Case of Censorship Through Criminalisation
KunTa The BLeU Pepe's essay argues against the censorship and criminalization of UK drill music through the lens of Australia's OneFour hip-hop group. The essay highlights the similarities between the two countries' approaches to suppressing this genre, which often depicts the realities of violence, poverty, and social alienation in marginalized communities.
Key arguments:
Artistic expression vs. incitement: The essay challenges the notion that drill music directly incites violence, arguing that it's often a form of social commentary or cautionary tale.
Disproportionate targeting: Both the UK and Australia have disproportionately targeted young, Black artists, suggesting racial bias in their approaches.
Scapegoating art: The essay criticizes authorities for focusing on censorship rather than addressing the root causes of the issues depicted in drill music.
Historical echoes: The censorship of drill music is seen as a continuation of historical efforts to suppress the voices of marginalized communities.
The essay concludes by urging Australia to adopt a more nuanced approach, including open dialogue, addressing root causes, promoting media literacy, and protecting artistic freedom. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding uncritical copying of censorship strategies from other countries without considering the unique context of each nation.
- SeriesCensored!
- Essay03
- TitleUK Drill
- ThemeA Case of Censorship Through Criminalisation