Censorship

Censorship

What is censorship? According to Fast Times ‘Political Dictionary- it is defined as “Censorship- the prevention of publication, transmission, or exhibition of material considered undesirable for the general public to possess or to be exposed to”. Most importantly how do we as a society control censorship without infringing on our first amendment and how much should we censor? The answer is based on peoples’ opinions but the majority does agree that some sort of censorship is necessary. On the other hand there are others which argues that censorship interferes with the basic and fundamental right of individuals censorship is unnecessary because it compromises freedom of speech, withholding of information only leads to ignorance in the society, and it may compromise entertainment value.

Our constitution, more specifically the first amendment establishes our inherent right to have freedom of speech or of the press. Censorship of free speech would fundamentally violate those rights. Therefore censorship goes against our basic rights. Freedom of speech mean that we may say or share any information without repercussion. People enjoy having the right to make up their own decision on what they want to hear or read. Censoring freedom of speech can be a slippery slope. If anyone takes our right to freedom of speech what other rights will try to be taken away from us? However, it is not the bill of rights that allow us to have freedom of speech but how much people are willing fight for those rights. The real protection of free expression rights lies not in the words of the First Amendment. Rather, it lies in the people’s willingness to appreciate and support those rights. In essence if we do not protect our rights to freedom of speech. It will also affect to what our society can learn and read.

Censorship denies access to vital information. We need a society where a free flow of ideas and creativity. Censorship shelters people from things that they need to know...