Response to "The Value of Shock Value."

Response #13

In Katherine Marchand's blog, she talks about shock value which is defined as "The potential of an image, text or other form of communication to provoke a reaction of disgust, shock, anger, fear, or advertisement." Katherine states that shock value is usually used in comedy and advertising. The purpose of shock value is to offend the audience to get them to react. Shock value art is suppose to make the audience feel uncomfortable and think beyond their limits. Shock value helps the observer come to terms with reality. Katherine asks, "Should there be limits on how far an artist can go with shock value? (In other words, is there a certain point at which shock art should be censored, and if so, where is that point?)"

I think shock value truly does have a place in the art world because it helps the observer see reality differently and gets them thinking about the world they live in. People should be offended every now and then so they can react to what is going on. Shock value is a very powerful tool and should be used wisely. I think it needs to be censored at a certain point because people do not need to be overly offended. However, artists should be able to express themselves however they want (since there is freedom of speech in this country) but children and teenagers should not be exposed to it since they are so impressionable. Shock value is supposed to cause ruckus but not to the point of an uprising. People could react very negatively if the work is too offensive or sets off a trigger in their mind. It can become dangerous but people do need to see the truth and should be allowed to see or listen to whatever they want. Shock value is greatly present in the lyrics of music and movies, that's why there are cd's with parental advisory and ratings for movies so the youth is not exposed to such offending lyrics and films. Marilyn Manson, Insane Clown Posse, and Gwar, are a few shock value bands I can think of.

My question to you is: Do you think our society tries too hard not to offend anyone and is too politically correct? If so, try to give examples of this through artworks or the media.

My favorite Marilyn Manson song, "The Beautiful People," is about surviving in a capitalist society and presents a link between American media and Nazi propaganda. The purpose is to show how society is brainwashing us and is also about all of the "beautiful" conceded people who are just not needed in today's society because they just show how our population is conforming to capitalist ways.

Go here to see the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypkv0HeUvTc