John Derbyshire

About the author: John Derbyshire is a novelist and contributing editor to National Review.

Although it may seem unsavory at times, popular culture does not pose a threat to children and should not be censored. Parents have a greater influence on children than do fictional violence or songs with adult themes. Seeking to restrict the content of popular media, through regulations or moral crusades, is unnecessary and could lead to additional efforts to weaken the First Amendment.

On September 9, 2000, we had our annual block party in my suburban, lower-middle-class street. The event's centerpiece was a talent show, the brainchild of our 10-year-old neighbor Siobhan. She herself performed three songs: "It Was Our Day," from the group B*Witched, and the Britney Spears numbers "What U See (Is What U Get)" and "Lucky."

Sex, death, and popular culture