Robert T.M. Phillips

Just as research shows that television violence desensitizes the viewer to real-life violence, so too do nihilistic and misogynistic music lyrics, according to Robert T.M. Phillips. In the following viewpoint, Phillips contends that the violent lyrics of rap music are especially worrisome because children, who have the innate desire to imitate behavior they see and hear, will be tempted to act out the sexually violent behavior depicted in the songs. Phillips is the deputy medical director of the American Psychiatric Association, a professional association of psychiatrists.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What percentage of violent crimes were committed by juveniles in 1991, according to Phillips?
2. What types of music other than rap contain violent lyrics, in the author’s opinion?
3. According to Phillips, what attitudes were expressed by men who listened to heavy...