Introduction
The issue of what should be censored by the society is quite controversial.
Society feels the need to protect children from unwanted materials, which include, adult materials, hate speech, among others (Ashcroft et al 4). The government may also censor speech as some people could take the advantage of inciting the public causing acrimony. However, when one critically examines censorship, you get the feeling that freedom is a right to everyone and should therefore be granted immeasurably. Collectively, these arguments have kept the debate on censorship alive. This paper will attempt to examine elements of censorship and why the practice should be undertaken.
Censorship could be defined as the act of controlling information and/ or ideas that may be spread in the society, country, and individuals (What is censorship? Par1). In societies characterized by diverse cultural values, it is very difficult to choose what to censor since numerous considerations have to be assessed since every society is surrounded by certain contentious issues. Some of these issues include media censorship and freedom of speech, among others. These issues affect the lives of everyone in the society and remain the main focus of censorship (Davenport, p. 22). There is a need therefore to address them exhaustively.
Media Speech and censorship
In his article Maninger (para. 5), touches on censorship debate and fails to agree with the works of other editors who are given guidelines on what to censor. In most cases, he believes many issues of concern are left out. However, he agrees that to a certain extent, some elements like hate speech should be censored. This is especially the case with those hate speeches that are sensitive to the lives of the public. He also agrees that deciding what to censor is quite difficult and differs from one society to the other (Maninger par. 5).
Craven asserts that pornographic materials are supposed to be censored by the government (Craven 1-3). Nonetheless, other rights organizations like the feminist do not agree with this argument, claiming that it is within every adult’s right to access whatever he/she deems right (Powers 1). The group agrees that what is accessed now is very different from what was the case 30 years ago, and believes that such contents could cause social damage (Olson 6) that provides an environment for sexual crime (The Gale Group, Inc. 1 ).
Another issue on censorship by the Gale group also talked on the benefits of censorship which is well, but slightly off the mark on the topic of discussion which majors on what should be censored (Goldberg, p. 13). It wants people to be identified in the internet instead of anonymity to allow for verification (The Gale Group Inc. par. 1-5). On the other hand Maninger’s article touches on the points of censorship, why he believes it should be done, and by whom. It clearly gives a situation when censorship is recommended, and its effect on hate speech and originality of the information.
Conclusion
Speech should be censored to control hate speech from damaging interactions in a society (Peters 2). However, care should be taken when deciding on what to censor in order to address the views of the marginalized and allow freedom of speech, provided it does not damage public image or incite.
Works Cited
Ashcroft, John, Michael Garcia, Keith Lourdeau and Scott Christensen. “Law Enforcement Efforts Against Child Pornography Are Effective.” Child Sexual Abuse. Ed. Angela Lewis. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005.
Craven, S. Michael. “Pornography Should Be Censored.” Free Speech. Ed. John Boaz. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006.
Davenport, David. “Individuals Should Not Be Allowed to Communicate Anonymously Via the Internet.” Civil Liberties. Ed. James D. Torr. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003.
Goldberg, Jonah. “Some Censorship is Beneficial to Society.” Contemporary Issues Companion: Civil Liberties. Ed. Jill Karson. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006.
Maninger,Dave.“TheCensorshipDebate”.fazed.2010.
Olson, Kristin. “Pornography Causes Violence Against Women.” Violence Against Women. Ed. Karen F. Balkin. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004.
Peters, Robert. “Libraries Should Use Software Filters to Censor Internet Pornography.” Censorship. Ed. Kate Burns. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004.
Powers, William. “Censorship Does Not Threaten Freedom of the Press.” Free Speech. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000.
The Gale Group, Inc. “Pornography Should Be Censored by the Government”. Wise to socialissuesDigest.2007.
TheGaleGroup,Inc.“Censorshipcanbenefitthesociety”.WisetosocialissuesDigest. 2007.
“What is Censorship?”osistudy.1999.