Billy Joe could've handled it better, but he is in a pop-punk band. For that, I think he handled it with aplomb. Let me give it a try: You do not have the right to not be offended. Free speech means all speech. You don't like it? Too bad, move along and don't listen. Them's your options; Listen or don't. You can voice your opinion, but know that it DOES. NOT. MATTER. Whether you approve, or find it in good or bad tastes, no one but you cares. And no one should. It's fine that you think Green Day is “trash” and your child shouldn't listen to them. However, it's not fine to write them and tell them. Artists are not responsible for your child's well being. Spend more time supervising your children, less time writing letters to people you'll never meet. I don't think it's prudish or snooty or pompous behavior. It's narcissistic and entitled behavior; it's abhorrently selfish. To think your ideals of decency matters more than the basic human freedoms of another person or “artist” because your “special little boy” might be warped by some words is disgusting. That is to say, trying to deny someone's basic right to expression because you don't like what their expressing is WRONG. Stop it. Don't watch or listen or pay attention to it. Keep calm and carry on. Maybe you'll find something more suited to your tastes farther down the line. “Censorship, like charity, starts at home. But unlike charity, it should stop there.” (Sorry that was so long. I don't like censorship.)
