Essay, Research Paper: Censorship 2

CensorshipThere are many aspects to censorship. But before I explain the many different aspects of censorship, I would like to discuss what censorship includes. Censorship is the supervision and control of the information and ideas that are circulated among the people within a society. Today, censorship refers to the examination of books, periodicals, plays, films, television and radio programs, news reports, and other communication media for the purpose of altering or suppressing parts thought to be objectionable or offensive. The objectionable material may be considered immoral or obscene, heretical or blasphemous, seditious or treasonable, or injurious to the national security. Thus, the rationale for censorship is that it is necessary for the protection of three basic social institutions: the family, the church, and the state. I think that this essay is more about "UNCENSORSHIP" than censorship. Censorship blocks out the inappropriate material. Material that is not censored is the problem. Although people are trying to increase censorship it is still very easy to see, hear, watch, and read things that are not appropriate. I feel that it is almost impossible to censor all bad things (actually, I feel that it is impossible to censor most bad things). As long as some people (adults), are able to attain things that are inappropriate, these things will still be available for children. For example; I conducted an experiment from my home computer using the Internet. My objective was to determine the difficulty of locating and seeing things on the World Wide Web (which many children have access to) that were inappropriate for children under 18 or 21. It was extremely easy. All I had to do was click a button that stated I was of legal age to view, read, or listen to very inappropriate things. Songs, containing lyrics with extreme vulgarity---Pornographic material---Chat rooms with "ADULT" conversations, all at my fingertips. So, for a person of my age to be able to see and hear this kind of material, is very simple. Censorship in movies and television is to some extent pointless. Censoring vulgar language, nudity and other adult content on television is very important, however, violence is nearly impossible to get rid of. Just by watching the news, you can see and hear about violence that occurs every day. So, until society is peaceful (which will never happen) violence will not be off of television.
Music that is not allowed to be listened to by children is also very easy to attain. I also conducted an experiment to see if I (a minor), could purchase a compact disc that contained "EXPLICIT LYRICS" (an item that can only be purchased by an adult, or by a child accompanied by an adult). I went to a music store (Sam s, on Oaklawn Avenue) and brought a CD to the counter to buy. After 5 seconds of witty persuasion, I left the store with my "vulgar, explicit lyric filled" CD. This is just another example of failed censorship. This kind of failed censorship may result in some murders, rapes, and other unlawful acts. However, I would not put the blame completely on this. I have been exposed to all kinds of material that should have been censored, and it hasn t affected me one way or another. I do not think that censorship has a great deal to do with drugs, societal values, or violence . people themselves, people s upbringing, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and knowing how to behave correctly is what affects society. Seeing someone shoot someone else on television is not going to make me go out and kill someone. But, being brought up thinking that the only way to get ahead in life is to steal or kill people then a person may do those types of things. I am in favor of censorship to a certain extent, I do not think some things (minimal violence, yelling, action, etc. on television) should be censored. These elements add to the excitement of the movie. However, pornographic material, extremely graphic violence, and shows that give ideas to people that would encourage them to engage in actions that are harmful to themselves or other people, should be censored.