In 1988, hip-hop group NWA released a song entitled “Fuck Tha Police” from the album Straight Outta Compton. The song was written by rapper Ice Cube. The song was popular among many hip-hop fans, however the song drew extreme criticism from the likes of politicians and law enforcement officials. In 1989, FBI representative Mark Ahlerich sent a sternly written letter to members of NWA and Ruthless Records. In the letter, Ahlerich 1989 FBI representative Mark Ahlerich sent a letter to NWA and Ruthless Records stating the song was encouraging “violence against, and disrespect“ of law enforcement. Ahlerich also made the argument that the song itself contributed to the 78 cop killings in 1988. suggested songs with violent fantasies against cops …show more content…
Joseph McCarthy’s attempts to ban all performers, artist and entertainers linked to communism during the 1950’s Red Scare. Ehrlich said the entertainment industry would “voluntarily purge” itself under the pressures from government entities’ attempt at censorship. ACLU ruled the letter violated the protection of Freedom of speech in the 1st Amdendment. Because the way the letter was worded, the request to pull Body Count was written in the “most intimidating manner” and carried the tone of being an official command. ACLU stated they would stand by any record chain that decided to still sell the record. 2015, Donald Trump announced that he would cast his name as a Republican candidate for President in the 2016 election. While on the campaign trail leading up the election, many critics said that Trump’s speeches, declarations, and calls for action were linked to racism, sexism, and xenophobia. Supporters of Trump argued that he has the right to “say what he wants” because his words are protected under the 1st Amendment. After, Trump’s campaign rallies were filled with supporters that too would spew vile language and “hate speech.” Supporters of Trump’s 1st Amendment right to have his rhetoric based on racist, sexist speech during his campaign argue that limiting hate/racist speech limits equality of free speech protected under the 1st