Halftime show threatens free speech
Jessica Kemp / Opinions Editor
By now, everyone has seen the infamous Super Bowl incident:
halftime footage of Justin Timberlake ripping off part of
Janet Jackson’s costume, revealing her naked breast. So
what’s the big deal?
This incident has led to a number of questions being raised
about censorship and freedom of expression. Because of the
exposure of Jackson, the Grammys were presented on CBS with a
five-minute taped delay. Just in case Timberlake decided he
wanted to expose Christina Aguilera's breast.
Wait, she almost did that herself.
Because of the halftime show fiasco, Timberlake’s
fellow ‘NSYNCer J.C. Chasez was pulled from his
performance Saturday at the Pro Bowl. He wasn’t even
part of the halftime show.
Will other performers be hurt by this one-time alleged
wardrobe malfunction? Has Jackson’s lame attempt at
self-promotion ruined freedom of expression for all artists
in the years to come?
I certainly hope not. Part of the image of a pop star, like
Jackson and Timberlake, is in the clothes. If pop stars begin
to have public school-like regulations about their wardrobe,
the entire industry will suffer. Next thing you know, female
pop singers will be forced to see if their skirts go down
past their fingertips and if the straps on their shirt
measure at least an inch across before they are even allowed
on stage.
That would be ridiculous.
I think performers have the right to express themselves
through their choice of clothing. Jackson’s error in
judgment, even though it was a huge one, shouldn’t have
a lasting affect on everyone else. The FCC needs to just let
it go and realize that accidents – or in this case,
publicity stunts – even if they are pulled in poor
taste, happen.
If anyone should be fined because of this incident, it is
Jackson herself. Not CBS, not MTV, and not Timberlake, who
maintains his innocence.
I think if the FCC keeps investigating this incident, the
halftime show next year will become a 15 minute opera show,
with the participants fully covered, from head to toe. MTV
will not be allowed to participate in the halftime show
again, which will only hurt the Super Bowl ratings in the
end.
And let’s face it, the cameras could probably pan the
crowd and catch someone half naked in the stands. Or you
could change the channel during a commercial to Showtime and
see a whole lot more than a naked breast.
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