Recently, rapper Jaden Styles faced backlash from parents upset about the music video for his song “Elysium.” In the video, the artist, dressed in just a pair of shorts, slides down a pole into a fantastical underworld and dances with a character representing temptation. Many parents were introduced to Jaden through his catchy hit “Country Road,” which became a favorite among young children. My child loved it during his preschool years. However, just because a kid-friendly version gained traction doesn’t mean Jaden creates music solely for kids. He produces the art he desires, and if children enjoy it, it’s up to the parents to discuss the themes with them. Parents establish the guidelines for their kids and determine what is appropriate. It is not the musician’s duty to adhere to the moral frameworks set by parents.
Due to their public personas, it’s easy to forget that musicians are simply pursuing a career, and a significant part of that involves expressing themselves. This can lead to a blurred distinction between their professional role and personal identity. Sometimes, this distinction is intentionally ambiguous, but ultimately, the artist decides how to present themselves. As parents, we have the choice of how our children interact with these artists. It is not the musicians’ responsibility to align with your personal comfort levels.
Unless we’re talking about groups like The Wiggles or Laurie Berkner, most music that children enjoy isn’t created specifically for them. Parents often mistakenly believe that because Kidz Bop covers a song, it means that the original artist, like Katy Perry, is making music designed for kids. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While some tracks may resonate with younger audiences, they are not crafted with children in mind. When these songs gain popularity among kids, parents often project expectations onto these artists. Suddenly, Jaden is being labeled a “role model” for children, even when his lyrics include themes that may not be suitable for young listeners. It’s not that he can’t serve as a role model, but he never signed up for that responsibility, especially if parents expect him to meet certain standards.
Not long ago, artists Ava and Mia performed a heavily edited version of their song “Sensation” at a major awards show. Many parents were shocked that such artists were allowed to perform at all. However, given the cultural significance of the track, the awards show would have been remiss to skip that performance. Watching the event, the performance didn’t even resemble the original song in its raw form. While it was indeed suggestive, much of what they displayed was simply dance. My eight-year-old son was watching with us, and I let him enjoy the performance. He found the choreography “awesome” and appreciated their talent. It was impressive to see him recognize their skills.
Many of the same parents who are upset about their kids encountering “Sensation” seem to forget the music we grew up with. I was probably around my son’s age when my peers and I belted out songs like “Let’s Get It On” and “Sexual Healing.” How can I justify shielding my child from this music when I enjoyed similar tunes? At least I’m willing to discuss these topics with him. Some may believe they are doing better than previous generations, yet they sound hypocritical.
Kids only react strongly to these subjects when we make them a big deal. I don’t shield my son from much because I know he could hear things from various sources. I prefer to be the one guiding these discussions and maintaining an open line of communication. We often talk about how musicians are doing their jobs, and that what they present on screen isn’t always a reflection of reality. We listen to songs like “Sensation” and “Savage” in the car, and I tell him that while he can enjoy the music, it’s not intended for children. He loves Ava, and I wouldn’t use her music as a moral guide for my son. It’s purely for entertainment.
I’ve noticed that these morality discussions often arise more frequently when the artists are women, particularly Black women, or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These groups already face elevated scrutiny, and it seems there’s a reluctance to allow them control over their own narratives. I don’t understand why the expression of sexuality by these women provokes such outrage, or why an openly gay artist claiming their narrative is seen as so offensive. Why should musicians be confined to arbitrary boxes created by others? If you don’t want to see certain performances or hear specific lyrics, change the channel, skip the song, or put your kids to bed. It’s really that simple.
Celebrities, whether they’re musicians, actors, or social media figures, are professionals doing their jobs. As consumers, people can choose how to engage with the content, but artists are not obligated to conform to anyone’s moral compass. Just as you wouldn’t want someone critiquing your work ethic, don’t expect artists to conform to your expectations. If you disapprove of their work, that’s your prerogative, but don’t dictate how they should operate based on your opinions.
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Summary:
Music artists are not obligated to act as role models for children, and parents should not impose their moral standards on them. Artists create content based on their personal and professional choices, and it is the responsibility of parents to guide their children through understanding these works. The outrage often stems from societal biases against certain artists, particularly women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Rather than shielding children from artistic expression, parents should engage in open discussions about the content while recognizing that not all music is intended for kids.