warning label. Davis and Dominick (1991) conclude that, under experimental conditions, X-rated records were more attractive to students (forbidden-fruit theory). Christensons (1992) research found that students disliked the labeled records regardless of contents. Finally: The Case of Race The PMRC mobilized its actions out of concerns for the protection of children (opposed to the purported satanism and glorification of violence and sex in rock music). Note that the PMRC particularly targeted heavy metal music and not rap (which was not that popular at the time of the PMRCs formation; see also Ray (1989b:153) who states the PMRCs major claims concerned violence against women, pornography, teenage suicide and pregnancy, children rights, consumer protection, and industry self-restraint). The PMRC carefully avoided debating legislation, censorship, and First Amendment issues, and seemed to present not so much moral but "truth" issues (e.g. childrens rights and anti-pornography). The PMRCs strategies were obviously more politically astute than, for instance, the religious crusaders: instead of "evil messages" and "satan" came individual choices, parental guidance, and child welfare (see Gray 1989a:155-156). Since the controversies have shifted to rap music, racism has been brought in the middle of the debate. For instance, Luther Campbell of the 2 Live Crew called the jury on the trial (where his band was nevertheless acquitted): "too old, too white, and too middle class" to appreciate rap music (Anderson 1990:29). After his conviction for selling a record, Charles Freeman stated "The jury was all white. They dont know where my record shop is. They dont know nothing about the goddamn ghetto" (National Law Journal 1990:6). The issue of race is also interesting in that it brings to light the peculiar creation of new divisions between, one time considered, united fronts. During the 2 Live Crew trial, for instance, the race issue was a central...
