Frank Zappa’s testimony on the topic of labeling specifically rock music that was seen as explicit by the PMRC was unforgettable. His testimony instead of persuading the senate to not allow explicit labels on rock music showcased his argument as vague and off topic at times. Since most of Frank Zappa’s argument is petty jabs at the PMRC and its founders, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what he did well. Frank Zappa’s testimony was truly a disaster until the very end. He seemed to have almost no interest in the actual topic of the court case about labeling rock music explicit in the future records to come. Instead, he seemed to have his own agenda which included verbal attacks on the founders of the PMRC and their spouses. An example …show more content…
Frank Zappa even went as far as saying, “While the wife of the Secretary of Treasury recites “Gonna drive my love inside you” and Senator Gore’s wife talks about “Bondage” and “Oral sex at gunpoint” on the CBS evening news people in high places work on a tax bill that is so ridiculous that the only way to sneak it through is to keep the public’s mind on something else-“Porn Rock”.”(Zappa, 1985, 6:36) This is an example of a fallacy of logos called, red herring. He avoids talking about a more hard pressed issue such as labeling music that is explicit by talking about the obscene things the founders of the PMRC say on national television. While Frank Zappa brings u a solid point that the PMRC could possibly be helping distract the public from a horrendous tax bill it doesn’t help that he speaks about them as if they are only relevant as senators’ wives instead of professionals. He also says this statement in such a derogatory way it is hard to actually see him as more than a rude and unsophisticated rock star. While Frank Zappa was more inappropriate and disrespectful when giving his testimony on the labeling of explicit music there were other artists who were more respected by congress. For example Dee Snider who was the lead singer of a rock band called, “Twisted Sister” was more professional and concise with his argument then Frank Zappa. Dee Snider for example