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In the early 80’s a revolution in music took place: the creation of a music television station. A new way to take pleasure in music was born. The creation of MTV is an important event in American history. MTV has affected our culture and the entertainment and music industry as well. In many ways, it has expanded the music industry and influenced youth to better the world. In a different perspective, one can say that MTV has corrupted the value of American life. Some believe that it has harmed the youth of America through the promotion of violence and sex, furthermore commercialized American society, and monopolized the entertainment industry. Whatever the view, MTV definitely has a prominent role in American culture. Throughout the years, MTV has gained great power of influence over youth through television and music. The average child watches 7 hours of television per day. In this large amount of time a child’s future can be greatly affected, so what he or she watches should be chosen wisely. Music today contains explicit content such as drugs, sex and violence, and adolescents are constantly exposed to such issues through music and with MTV’s help, through television as well. Not only music videos, but shows such as Jackass, with their dangerous acts of stupidity, and The Osbournes encouraging drinking and the use of profanity. One could say MTV is promoting crime and violence. Furthermore, certain events which MTV promotes such as “Springbreak” contain drug use, sex and violence and in some cases even death. According to statistics, the average number of violent acts seen by a child by the age of eighteen is 200,000. There is a constant debate whether violence can be blamed on American television and music. Although the evidence in this debate is extensive against MTV, supporters still believe that MTV is entertaining and shouldn’t be blamed for the problems that face America’s youth.
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