We have all have had that irritating moment when the lyrics to our favourite song are bleeped out, or when our favourite movie is on TV and all the bad words are cut. Most believe that censoring doesn’t do much more than merely annoy or ensures children are shielded from curse words. However, what people don’t always realize is that censorship affects them more than they think. In the everyday activities people do, like watching the news or reading school books, things could be censored that we aren’t even aware of. We just need to figure out what should be censored, what shouldn’t be, or if we should even censor anything at all.
By definition, censorship is the suppression of words or phrases considered offensive or harmful to society or a threat to national security. Some might say that censorship is a way of “protecting” a society from harm or negative influences. Others think that it is giving people a false reality and shielding the public from the real world. I believe that censorship is important when its purpose is to keep people safe from harm or conflict. However, I believe that it could have a negative impact on society when it’s used to prevent controversies in the arts or young literature.
A book called “The Language Police” by Diane Ravitch explains regulations for censoring textbooks and children’s schoolbooks created by pressure groups. These laws have been enforced in many places in North America. One of the rules enforced are that textbooks can no longer bring up controversial subjects. Childrens' picture books containing everyday things such as junk food or exhibiting bad behavior are considered negative influences and are omitted; no matter what context the topic is used in. Books can’t be set in prehistoric times (suggests organic evolution), nor have any gender roles. Perhaps the most controversial censorship attempt mentioned in the book would be the campaign to ban Huckleberry Finn, because of the use of the N word.
What if a controversial subject in a textbook played an important role in shaping a student’s country? And look at some of the greatest children’s books out there. Robert Munsch, anyone? Many of his tales contained troublemakers or candy or something else considered bad. It’s not like a kid is going to read a Robert Munsch book and suddenly become “corrupted”. As well, Huckleberry Finn has to be one of the most classic, well known books of all time. It offers great history paired with a great tale, a perfect learning experience for today’s young student. So, we should ban it? These kids are our future, and they’re getting a false sense of reality when a perfect world is painted for them in everything they read and learn. It makes you wonder what’s going to happen when they’re the ones facing reality, and it’s not like they thought it would be.
Over in Africa, religious hate speeches are now being censored by the government. This law was enforced in order to keep peace between the different religions. The clerics believe they should have freedom of speech and are talking with a purpose, therefore they should be heard. However, other religious leaders believe that the clerics are only aiming to spread hate, which heightens tension between religions. This begs the question: Should the clerics have the right be allowed to express their views, or should they be censored?
Think about how fights between friends or couples start. Somebody says something to tick the other person off, then vice-versa, and then it just escalates into a blowout. And what started it all? Words. Same goes for groups or countries- which is why the African government is doing right in censoring these speeches. Yes, the clerics have the right to have an opinion, and it’s going to be mighty hard to stop them from expressing it. That doesn't mean it should be broadcast to other groups who will undoubtedly be angry, and (you never know) may resort to violence or riots. There’s enough war and friction in the world, and if the government is just trying to keep the peace and keep people safe, then I fully support that.
Here’s an issue a little closer to home, concerning the Arts: A few weeks ago, an art gallery opened in Old Strathcona that depicted many controversial subjects. Some found this gallery to be offensive, and it was brought to the attention of the mayor. She was then left to decide whether or not it should be closed.
Artists express what they want to express; it’s their career. What you see in that art gallery is what the artist intended you to see. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to like it-there’s bound to be lots of things you don’t like or agree with in this world. It’s like Family Guy: Lots of people find it offensive, therefore do not watch it. Others find it very amusing, so they kick back and enjoy it. You’re not forced to watch it, but if it interests you, it’s there. I think the same goes for that art gallery, writing, plays, and all forms of art. Art is a very subjective thing, and no artist is ever going to please everybody when it comes down to it.
Censorship is crucial to protect people from persecution, rivalry, or violence when hate speech is spread. However, it can also be corrupting when it’s used to forbid artistic expression or topics in schools that contain something even a little bit contentious. When children are exposed to debatable topics or history, it gives them the chance to develop viewpoints and become more knowledgeable about the world around them and how it’s developed through history. And, so much conflict and antagonism between groups can be prevented when nobody hears the hatred that is being spread. Without censorship regulations, artists can be free to do their passion and express themselves without being put out of the job because some people are offended.
Censorship affects us on so many levels; we just need to be aware of it and HOW it’s affecting us.
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