What's your opinion on censorship? (Legally and/or ethically)?

Question

I just want to know how others feel about censorship in general.
Do you feel that certain content should be prohibited from being shown on television?
What is so wrong about a curse anyway? Why is "idiot" appropriate, but not "***-hole?"

Barry R, you say that insulting someone is fine, but the other word refers to an anus. However, I can say anus and nobody would even consider censoring me.

I understand the importance of censoring information that could lead to physical harm, but what about cursing? (I'm assuming that the curse isn't yelled in a crowded theater.) Why is saying anus different from ***-hole?

Answer 1

I think nothing should be banned outright. curse words, nudity, I think it should be allowed, given the audience is mature enough to handle the material. I see no problem with sexual or profane material being aired if you have the option to switch the channel if you don't like it.


As for kids, since all new TVs are equipped with a V chip, people should use them to filter questionable content for their kids, or for themselves if they don't want to see violence, sexual content, etc.

Answer 2

Because the word idiot was not originally used in a derogatory manner. Description: a person of the lowest order in a former classification of mental retardation, having a mental age of less than three years old and an intelligence quotient under 25. (That was not a good reference) Why do you need to use curse words? What makes them so attractive to some people? There is no need as far as I'm concerned. Does this mean I don't use them? No, I am known to swear if I'm flustered or irritated but that doesn't mean it's okay. If we call someone an a - hole we don't mean that they are a rectum, we mean that they are a jerk... well why didn't we say jerk? When someone refers to someone as an "F-er" they do not mean that they are "Fornicating Under Consent of the King" (as that is the origin of the word to which I am referencing) they are mad at them and cannot find the vocabulary to explain how they feel. Censorship can be viewed in many different ways but I believe that it is an issue that is attacked for the wrong reasons. Is it so bad that network television and radio censor swear words? You have HBO, Cinemax and a variable plethora of other choices for your entertainment. Buy the CD if you want to hear eminem say the "F" bomb. Do you truly think it is okay for a child to walk around saying curse words because "it's on TV". Censorship should be attacked when it infringes upon our rights to free speech, not when it prevents you from hearing the curse words you are so inexplicably fond of hearing.

Answer 3

I could careless about the censorship because I'm old enough to know not to say the words, but it sets a bad example for little kids watching the tv shows. However I feel that children are going to hear the words eventually whether it be on tv, in school, on the radio, or etc. so at least if it's not on tv maybe it won't become a habit and learn that it's not acceptable.

I don't say or like curse words. I don't like to be called names and I would assume no one else likes to be degraded.

Answer 4

last question first: they don't mean the same thing.

certain forms of censorship are necessary. the best example is parental. parents have not only a right but a duty to protect their children from such things as porn.

the government has a duty to censor material for the purpose of national security (the new york times does not agree though)

any individual has the right to censor what part of his personal papers he wishes to keep from others. this may be modified by a subpoena however, but that is a different matter.

i suppose you have secrets that you don't tell others. well, that is a form of censorship.

law enforcement agencies often censor what information about a case they release to the public in order to protect sources or to not perps know what they know.

hope this helps.

Answer 5

I feel that NO censorship should exist of any kind. Except for threats. Shouting "Fire" in a crowded movie theatre included. Some situations are too intense for children and THEY should be censored from the TV not the shows. It's all about the parenting.

Answer 6

Censorship is needed in this country of fading morals. Anyone with kids knows the importance of censoring their tongues in front of them. OK, so maybe some censorship seems discriminating, unconstitutional, and maybe even completely useless. But, like a writer who continually strives to improve his style, so do the people who regulate censorship continually strive to make censorship more practical and less invading. If you have a problem with how things are being censored, then get involved. In my opinion (as well as the bible), its always better to err on the side of righteousness.

Answer 7

I don't see a great dal wrong with it, but we shouldn't really swear should we. not in a civilise society...it's like the videos that show people being beheaded we don't see them on tv as it would be too harrowing for most people, I agree with that


well idiot refers to a way someone is or acts but a ssho;e is more of a percievedi nsult as it is direted to a part of the body where waste matter is ejected..

Answer 8

No, unless it would endanger others it should not be censored. However, freedom of speech has been abused and Christians are held to a different standard as well as anyone opposed to the ACLU or ultra liberals.

Answer 9

i am opposed to all forms of censorship. legally i believe that there should be warnings about content that might be inappropriate rather than censoring or fining offenders. ethically, i think people should restrain themselves just to be decent and civilized, but that they don't have an obligation to do so. i think people are way too concerned about offending others

Answer 10

Censorship is a necessary evil, even in a democracy.