Frank Palumbo

The following viewpoint is taken from testimony that Frank Palumbo, a pediatrician, presented in 1997 on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) during congressional hearings on violent content in music lyrics and videos. Palumbo declares that he and other members of the AAP are concerned about how rock and rap songs featuring references to sexual violence, suicide, and other violent themes affect listeners. While he concedes that studies have not definitively proved that listening to violent music leads to violent behavior, he argues that there is significant evidence suggesting that violent lyrics and videos can desensitize young people to real-life violence.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many hours a week do teens listen to music, according to one study cited by Palumbo?
2. What examples of questionable themes and lyrics...