Censorship

Comment by giving examples from the news to show that

-human rights justifies censorship

-censorship is wrong because of freedom of speech

Censorship can be defined as the suppression of speech and removal of material by an authoritative body which is considered harmful, or sensitive or inconvenient to the government or media organisations. There are many different types of censorship including moral, military, political and religious censorship. This essay will examine the different arguments for and against censorship.

Today there is much controversy in the media over whether censorship should be allowed and there are generally two sides of the argument.

People in favor of censorship argue it is necessary because of human rights, such as safety and protection of the viewers. Society should not be exposed to violent and pornographic material and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that we live in a safe environment.

However, those against would say that society has always been exposed to explicit material. Nowadays parents are able to block certain channels and establish guidelines of appropriate times therefore it is not necessary. More, people selling pornography and other materials do not care about children therefore it will be impossible for children to avoid seeing them.

Censorship is viewed as essential because it ensures protection of the individual. In the media consent has to be obtained in order to publish their details. Indeed, On June 22, 2009 when a news reporter had gone missing the Times were made to keep it a secret had gone missing, out of concern for his safety. football teams have the right to a press blackout or ‘silenzio stampa’ where they refuse to give interviews during important tournaments when they feel the media does not depict them in an objective way.

It goes without saying that views vary from country to country. In some parts of the world the government restrict access to certain kinds of material for...