MUNCIE, Ind. -- Bad taste is defining American society based on current musical and cinematic trends, says a Ball State University educator.

Violence on television, sex in mainstream movies and Gothic rock bands such as Marilyn Manson are desensitizing the American public, leaving little to shock the average person, said Richard Aquila, director of the American Studies Program.

"I would compare it to raising the volume on a radio," he said. "At first it seems loud, but you get used to it. Then you turn the music up a little more and then more.

"We are just a few decibels from full volume right now. I am sure that there are things out there that can shock people, but I couldn't say what it would be."

Aquila believes there has been an incremental increase of bad taste since the 1950s caused by the anti-establishment movement. The Vietnam War, Watergate and the resignation of President Nixon created a distrust of anything connected to the government and big business.

Also contributing to the increase in bad taste in popular culture is the lack of control by institutions such as the family, organized religion and the government.

"Ever since the 1950s, lots of barriers have been coming down," Aquila said. "Things crashed in the 1950s and were left by the wayside in the 1960s. It was cool to be anti-establishment and nobody wanted to be uncool. That continues today."

Rock and roll band Marilyn Manson currently is on the leading edge of bad taste. The group's name comes from movie icon Marilyn Monroe and convicted mass murderer Charles Manson. Rumors have the band dabbling in drugs, the occult and devil worshiping.

In recent months, protesters appear at many concerts while others fight to keep the group from using public concert arenas.

Aquila believes that without personal responsibility, themes of violence and sex will dominate popular American culture.

"If you go back to the 1700s, you find that sex and violence sold then," he said. "Without any system of checks and balances, popular culture will do whatever it can to make money. Sex sells.Violence sells."