Quick Poll Results- The Bloodhound Gang

So what would you do if a popular band's music offended you? Some students at the University of Maryland recently staged a protest when they learned that the Bloodhound Gang had been invited to perform at their school. The reason? Before this band made it big with their hit single "The Bad Touch," they released an album with a song called "Yellow Fever," which contains many racial stereotypes and slurs about Asian people. SmartGirl wanted to find out what you had to say about this controversy, so we asked you!

Out of 269 valid respondents ranging in age from 10-19, 89% of you had heard of the Bloodhound Gang, while only 11% said that you didn't know anything about this band. 13% of you said that you would consider yourselves to be real fans of their music, and another 59% said that you are "sort of" fans. 18% said that you can't stand the Bloodhound Gang. For those of you who were familiar with this band, 41% said that you didn't think that their lyrics were a big deal, while 27% said that you did find their lyrics offensive. Another 20% said that you weren't sure whether you had any problems with the Bloodhound Gang's music.

When a band's lyrics offend you, what's your plan of action? Well, 39% of you said that you have never been offended by any music! For those of you who have been bothered by a band's music, 47% said that you wouldn't do anything, 35% said that you would talk to your friends about why you were hurt or offended, 20% said that you would boycott that band's music, 16% would write a letter to the band and/or their record company expressing your views, and a very ambitious 6% of you would stage a protest or a demonstration!

Here are some of your other ideas about how to deal with offensive music:

"If a band's music offended me, I would talk to the record store about putting a boycott on their record."
-girl, 12, USA

"I would ask the radio station to stop playing that song."
-girl, 10, USA

"I think the people who are protesting shouldn't worry about it. This band is just acting like most guys who are 13 or 14, and hopefully they will eventually grow out of it!"
-girl, 13, USA

"I believe that people should be able to express their views on life, but not if it offends other races, sexes or religions."
-girl, 14, UK

"If it bothers you, get earplugs."
-girl, 14, USA

"Music is something that should never be censored. It can be brutally honest, and a powerful expression of feelings and opinions. Sure, I hate a lot of music out there (racist metal, sexist rap), but I don't think it should be pulled from the shelves."
-girl, 15, USA

"The Bloodhound Gang are basically doing this to make fun of people who really think this way. Bands have been doing this for years now. It's called satire. Take a band like the Dead Kennedys. Do you think that Jello Biafra (lead singer of the Dead Kennedys) really wants to kill poor people?"
-girl, 17, USA

"People make music for art, money or reactions. They usually get all of these things. If people don't like a band or their songs, fine. Ignore them, but don't try to force your opinions on others. I hate that. It discourages freedom."
-girl, 13, New Zealand

"I think that freedom of speech is a must in this and all cultures. I would normally feel that everyone should be allowed a forum in which to express their views, but when people are feeling alienated and unsafe on their own campus, then changes need to be made."
-girl, 14, USA

Thanks to those who took the quick poll!