Freedom of Speech?

So lately I have been wondering if freedom of speech should be an absolute. I mean, is there a line that should not be crossed? Surely no, I have always believed. I am totally opposed to censorship, and I think all art should be available to all viewers at all times. Here is why. Let’s look at Huckleberry Finn, for example. Are we not able as educated people to read this novel from a historical perspective.  If we say that children should not read Huck Finn because it is a racist work, then what other books should not be read–those that offend woman, homosexuals, Jews, Muslims? What about books that encourage revolution or anarchy? So thus we must not ever prohibit freedom of speech and expression for fear that the one restriction would be a precedent for many more. And quickly, censorship would be out of control, and out of our hands.

This week I was doing a show for a band called M.O.D. This stands for Method of Destruction. They are a punk thrash band from the 80’s with a very outspoken singer by the name of Billy Milano. Keep in mind this was once a very well known band, originally called S.O.D and comprised of current members plus a member of Anthrax. So it is Monday, two days before the show, and I get a call from the owner of the venue telling me that he has received two complaints from people about M.O.D performing. Two people have accused the band of being racist and having racist song lyrics. The owner wants to know do I know anything about this? He doesn’t want a racist band playing at his club. Now I don’t always like or even know much about some of the bands I book, and certainly I don’t know any of the lyrics to this band’s songs. I have no clue if this guy is a racist. So I tell the owner the truth: No, I don’t know anything about that. No, I would never ever even consider promoting a racist band. And I ask him what he would like me to do. We agree that I will look into it.

A quick google search reveals first, that Billy Milano seems to be a pretty caring dude. He supports the SPCA and is quite outspoken about animal cruelty and other social issues. From what I read in this cursory glance, he seems to have strong political views, some of which I don’t agree with, but who cares–it is not racist.

So then I google the lyrics to the song in question. And there it is–the N word–in bold print right in front of me. The song is a political statement in which he opposes spending money to feed the hungry in foreign countries when we have starving people right here in America. The album is called MOD for USA.  Now think about the 80’s, if you are old enough to remember that time, and this was an era when aid to Africa was a popular ideology encouraged and promoted by music festivals and politicians alike. The song is clearly a response to that movement. And all the other songs on the album are political as well. But as I read them, I realize that the whole album is likely a big joke. It seems satirical. But still, that doesn’t make it okay, not to my mind at least.  Why on earth is it necessary to say that word? The song would be far more influential without it. And the song has nothing to do with racism.

Should I cancel his performance because I find that word offensive, because much of the Black staff at the venue would clearly find it offensive, because the audience may be offended? If I cancel it, I will have to pay him anyway. It is a contracted show. But what if I censor his performance, then where do I draw the line? I think about all the Christian oriented bands that I have booked, bands who come in preaching pro-life sentiments. I don’t agree with that at all; in fact, I personally find that extremely offensive. But I don’t tell them what they can and can not say. What if a band makes sexist or anti-semetic comments. I am Jewish, and I would find that offensive. Should I tell them they can not play? What about all the bands that stand on stage and tell girls to take off their clothes and bands that refer to women as whores? If I censor Billy Milano, should I not also censor everyone else?

For a few minutes I consider talking to Billy, reasoning with him. But realistically, I don’t see myself telling him he can’t play this one song, his most famous song it turns out. Plus, if I bring it up, even if he agrees to not play it, which I don’t think he will agree to, my bringing it up will probably intensify the problem. In all reality, he will probably stand on stage and talk shit about me, then play the song anyway.

So here you see my dilemma.  My original question resurfaces: When it comes to freedom of speech, is there a line that should not be crossed. I am curious what other people would do in my position. Please comment!