As they get older, I want to open my kids to a broader range of music.

Also, as I get older, I find myself enjoying the reminiscence that comes with pulling out those CDs I bought when I was half the age I am now.

But I’m a different guy.

I still love old school rap, and it’s not all foul mouthed…. but a fair bit of it is. I don’t love the music because of the words, but that doesn’t change the fact that a fair few of them are dodgy.

Would I be happy for my kids to hear everything I own? Would I be happy if I heard them singing along to some of the stuff? If I decide that I’m going to throw out the music that is particularly rude (there goes Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the name…) does this mean I also have to revisit my DVDs? I really like Pulp Fiction!  

Or is it important to acknowledge that these elements that we don’t like are still part of the world that we live in, and that part of becoming a discerning individual is learning what to focus on, and what to ignore with our ears?

It looks like PE can step out of the cross hairs for the moment. No rash judgements…. but no promises either.