Problem: To what extent does controversial art make a social contribution? Are governments ever justified in censoring art?
1. How do we, the viewing public, determine if a work of art has value? Do you think some artists create works only to create controversy?
2. We haven't talked much about controversial comedy, which boils down to the nature of humor as a social contribution. Does comedy itself, regardless of the content, make a social contribution, or does the content matter?
3. I have heard rap referred to as the "black CNN." What does this mean? Many rap songs are extremely controversial, offensive, and explicit, but some rap does serve a purpose. What is that purpose?
4. Even if a work of art or a song does not make a social contribution and even if it is extremely offensive, should we censor it? If we start censoring some things in America, what could happen?