I completely agree with the editorial column about the “West Memphis Three” case. It”s ironic, I was born and raised in Arkansas for most of my childhood and I know how strict that state is. I am also a huge fan of Pearl Jam.
Members of my family know the band and I was named after the song “Jeremy.” I know for a fact that music is a way of expression, not violence. Bands such as Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Slayer and White Zombie have all been accused of promoting violent acts.
Horror films such as Halloween, Scream, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Natural Born Killers have been blamed for influencing young people to commit murders and other crimes.
These accusations are ridiculous; it”s strictly for entertainment and art. No one makes an album thinking, “I am going to make a record that will influence people to kill and do wrong things.” If you think that artists are the downfall of society, you are never going to get it.
If you are going to blame the entertainment industry for crimes and violence, then you are blaming a huge proportion of what America is so popular for: our freedom and our freedom of expression.
Jeremy Cremer
Lower Lake High School
