Abstract This paper examines the thesis that the government is playing a wild card in its attempt to censor the Internet. It discusses several laws and examines how public libraries who do not censor the Internet can suffer funding losses.
From the Paper "In Antigone, Sophocles wrote, "There is nothing in the world so demoralizing as money." Today's society revolves around money. Without money, no person, organization, corporation, or entity can function. It is well known that in the hands of the government, when push comes to shove, money pushes, money shoves, and, more often than not, money prevails. In other words, if the government wants something done, money is the wild card. The issue of Internet censorship is no different. For years, the United States government has pushed to place censors on the Internet. After having censorship legislation stuck down by the Supreme Court, the government turned its attention to censorship of the Internet in public libraries and public schools. In recent months, the issue of censorship of the Internet in public libraries and public schools has reached a boiling point. When closely studied, it is obvious that the government has chosen to pursue censorship within libraries and public schools because all other censorship avenues have been blocked. Furthermore, it is also obvious that the government is playing their wild card in their attempt to censor, essentially backing libraries into a comer with legislation that denies public libraries and schools significant amounts of governmental funding if Internet censorship guidelines are not followed. Because the issue of Internet censorship centers on the First Amendment, it is important to understand exactly what the freedom of speech guarantees United States citizens. Since its inception, the First Amendment's guarantee of the freedom of speech has plagued all forms of."
Abstract The author of this paper presents the argument for censorship on the internet, with a definite lean towards the negative side of the argument. The writer believes that those who try to censor the internet have in fact aimed their weapons at the wrong enemy. The paper explains the difference between the internet and the world wide web, with the internet being an older larger infrastructure and the www simply being a small part of its functionality. The writer therefore concludes that in fact it is not the internet which needs censoring but the aspects which belong on the web.
From the Paper "The sides are divided unequally in the continuing debate over "should we, or shouldn"t we?? And the choice of these two authors to argue against was based not because of the weakness of their arguments, or the irrationality of their defenses, but simply because they proved to be the least offensive of the readings offered in the particular section of the textbook."
Tags: technology, hitech, world, wide, web, pornography, communication
Abstract This paper explores the issue of Internet pornography and the attempt to censor it. Specifically, this paper looks at whether the media, television, newspapers, etc., have had any effect on censoring Internet pornography.
From the Paper "The Internet is basically a complex network of computers informally linked using tcp/ip, (transmission control protocol/internet protocol), networking technology for the purpose of transmitting and receiving information. The Internet network has undergone huge growth over the last 10 years. The number of linked computers in the United States has grown from less then 300 in 1981 to over 25 million today. (Jesdanun, 2002) World wide it is estimated by Global Reach, a marketing company specializing in Internet marketing that in 2004 the world wide number of people connected to the Internet will reach 994 million people."
Abstract This paper discusses the government's attempt to censor pornographic material on the internet which the writer feels would infringe on the freedom of expression. This paper also includes a brief but detailed history of the internet. This paper examines the various bills the U.S. government is trying to pass to prevent misuse of the Net. The writer of this paper also discusses the installation of censoring software as an alternative solution to government censorship.
From the Paper "The Internet can also be compared to a church. In many ways the Internet is like a church: it has its council of elders, every member has an opinion about how things should work, and they can either take part or not. It's the choice of the user. The Internet has no president, chief operating officer, or Pope. The constituent networks may have presidents and CEO's, but that's a different issue; there is no single authority figure for the Internet as a whole."
Abstract This paper relates that, while the censoring of articles appearing in a high school newspaper is, no doubt, intended to protect the readers from the gruesome details of reality, whether this protection actually works when these gruesome details are all over television, radio and the Internet, is debatable. The paper acknowledges that the censorship is aimed to reduce the negative impact the cruel reality might have on teenagers, by making them focus on the scholarly features presented in the high school newspaper, but then questions whether this objective is actually achieved. Specifically, the writer of the paper argues that, in fact, censoring articles in the high school newspaper does not protect students and, instead, narrows the minds of both readers and writers by enclosing them in a world free of crime.
From the Paper "Nobody doubts the good intentions of high school principals who desire to read in the school newspaper about pleasant events and achievements of students. But when the world around abounds in criminality, the protection through censorship is rather unlikely to have the desired outcome. And even considering that there are teenagers who do not watch television, or which by some miraculous event are unaware of the cruelties going on in the world, reading more pleasant articles in the high school newspaper will serve them no good. For they will one day realize the multitude of negative aspects in the world and will be shocked at their sight. As a result of this line of thoughts, one could mention that by censoring the school newspaper, the high school fails to accomplish its mission of ensuring the transition from childhood to adulthood. "
Abstract This is a persuasive paper that analyzes the proponents of censorship. In recent years, the American entertainment industry has undergone vast changes in aspects such as music, television and Internet, and what began as innocent entertainment is no longer. Censorship is emerging into the limelight once again, as children are immensely affected by what they see, and their intentions of repeating what they see makes censorship ever more important today. The amount of violence in all forms of entertainment must somehow be regulated or censored in some way to protect the innocent youth of today.
From the Paper "Please note the following: ?Where Them Ho's At;? ?Tits;? and ?Simple Instructions for Assembling a Bomb with Household Materials.? The title of a song, a word used in a TV drama, and something easily accessible from the Internet. What might these three things have in common? They are all salient factors in the corruption of today's youth. These are not the types of programs and songs our country's future leaders should have access to. "Entertainment" such as this has been proven to cause aggression in young children, causing them to be more prone to use violence to settle disputes. It also exposes children to adult situations they are not yet suited to understand, which in turn confuses them. More stringent laws must be passed for the sake of our nation's impressionable, innocent young children."
Abstract This paper deals with laws in place on Internet censorship and why they are unjust. The author discusses why the American government should not attempt to censor the Internet with emphasis on children's' rights.
From the Paper "The United States Constitution guarantees each American the right to free speech and a free press. Does the government then have the right to tell you that something isn"t appropriate to be said or published" No. Through control, regulation and censorship, it seems as if the only free place to publish is on the Internet. However, the government now wants to pass legislation concerning Internet content. Government officials should not regulate what can or cannot be found on the Internet."
Abstract This paper explores the issue of censorship by the U.S. government. The paper begins with a look at the first amendment and its significance for playwrights, directors and actors. Using specific plays that have aroused controversy, the writer shows what the opposition was and how the companies handled it. Finally the writer presents the debate on the responsibility of theaters, companies, sponsors and parents to know what they are viewing.
From the Paper "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. (Cornel Law School) This is the first amendment of the United States of America; the first passage in the Bill of Rights. "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech" (Cornell Law School). That one little passage guarantees the right of any one to say what they think; to express themselves in any creative form. But in a world and country of so many different backgrounds, beliefs, morals, and thoughts what is decent and appropriate to one person is not to another, so how do we decide what can be said and shown on stage?"
This paper discusses the censoring of music videos by state and federal legislators by passing laws to make selling minors music videos with objectionable language, violence or sexual nature, without parental consent, a crime advisories.
Abstract This paper explains that the censoring of music videos is similar to tactics with movies and video games that failed. The paper points out the reasons for this failure are the same for music videos: Freedom of speech, the questionable validity of studies that warn about harmful affects of violence and sexual content on children and the responsibility of parents versus store owners in supervising youth's actions. The author believes that this indeed makes the United States a better country for everyone.
From the Paper "Naturally, those who take the other point of view can point to their own studies, which say that music videos alter sexual views. However, where such studies fall short is that they cannot be conducted in a vacuum. Today's kids are assailed with sexual imagery -- in magazines, ads, movie trailers, and posters. At home, more than half of all television programs -- 56 percent -- contain some sexual material, according to a recent study by the Parents Television Council, a nonpartisan advocacy group. In the last decade, the frequency of sexual interactions more than tripled during primetime viewing hours."
Abstract This paper discusses the censorship of this book and why it was originally censored. This paper then goes on to discuss the book and why it should be admired.
Abstract This paper reviews sources claiming that "Harry Potter" is not a harmless literary fantasy, but rather, conservative Christians claim, that Rowling's wizards, witchcraft, and magic may draw impressionable young readers into the occult. The author points out that the American Library Association (ALA) reports the Harry Potter series now has the dubious distinction of being the most censored series of books in America. The paper relates that many other accepted literary treasures, such as "A Christmas Carol", ? Macbeth?, ? The Lord of the Rings?, "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table", "Alice in Wonderland", "The Wizard of Oz", and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", also contain elements of the mystical.
Table of Contents
Specific Anti-Harry Issues Raised by Conservatives and Christians
Seeing the Truth and the Fun in J. K. Rowling's Sparkling Story-Telling
Conclusion
From the Paper "In Alamogordo, New Mexico, Jack Brock, pastor of the Christ Community Church, recently "led a mass burning of Harry Potter books"and told reporters that the books "encourage our youth to learn more about witches, warlocks and sorcerers, and those things are an abomination to God and to me".? In Lewiston, Maine, a local group called ?The Jesus Party,? led by the Rev. Dough Taylor, announced a book-burning party in the public park, but when the fire department refused to give his organization a permit, he took scissors to a Potter book and shredded it into a trashcan. Officials of the city's public library in Jacksonville, Florida, have abandoned a plan to distribute "Hogwarts certificates" encouraging young people to read. Why? Because, Boston reports, ?Local resident, John Miesburg, complained that the books promoted "the evil of witchcraft".? "
Abstract This paper discusses pornography and presents views for and against its censorship. The paper argues that, while anti-pornography activists have valid concerns regarding pornography's exploitative nature, to censor pornography would be an assault on free speech and the freedom of expression. Therefore, any attempt to curtail pornography would be unconstitutional.
From the Paper "Currently, material that is considered "obscene" and pornographic is illegal both on the federal level and in over 40 states in the United States. Though it is difficult to create an all-inclusive definition, the United States Supreme Court has drafted three general criteria to determine whether a work or material could be considered pornographic. First, the work must meet the "average person" test. This states that an average person, applying the prevailing community standards, must find that the work as a whole appeals solely to the prurient interests. Second, the work itself should depict sexual behavior in a way that is "patently offensive." Finally, the said work must lack any other serious aesthetic or scientific value (Wein)."
Abstract This writer of this paper examines both sides of the controversial internet censorship debate and asks if instituting regulations that would censor certain websites and materials infringes on our basic human rights. Those who support internet censorship and those who oppose it both agree that adults must provide children with a safe and supportive environment in which to play and learn. This paper discusses the child protection and adult censorship debates which are often confused. This paper also details the various methods and strategies in blocking questionable websites on computers that are accessed by minors.
From the Paper "This issue is an ongoing fierce debate both here in America and across the globe. Much of the debate is centered around practical concerns about any kind of solution. I therefor think it necessary that we examine our issue at hand both within ethical and practical concerns. If we come across too many practical problems, we may find that regulation may indeed need to be in the hands of the individuals. But as I intend to show, I think there are several viable options that clearly and effectively would regulate the current status of the Internet to which I am objecting."
This paper illustrates the effects of censorship in the film industry as depicted in the documentary film "Hollywood Censored: Movies, Morality and the Production Code."
Abstract This paper focuses on the documentary "Hollywood Censored: Movies, Morality and the Production Code" which illustrates the effects of censorship in the film industry. This paper examines the religious condemnation, societal expectations and financial insecurity that have plagued Hollywood and the film industry since the early 1900s. This paper discusses the profound effect the Catholic church had on Hollywood. The Legion of Decency was created in order to clean up to films that were being shown to society. The hold of the Catholic church in the major cities was massive and as long as Hollywood produced films the religious authorities felt were morally harmful to society, priests and parishioners would continue to ban films. The writer also examines the events that led up to the film industry being granted 1st amendment protection in 1952, in which films were finally viewed as an art form.
From the Paper "In 1952 movies were granted First Amendment protection and films were finally seen as an art form. This came about after the studios were deemed monopolies and forced to give up their movie palaces. Theaters were now free to show any type of film they pleased and were not held liable to the production code. This allowed directors and producers a freedom they had not seen in many years. Breen's theories and strict regulations became obsolete. The control Hollywood and the courts had given him had been relinquished. As the freedom of the theaters grew, the power of the production code fell and in 1962 the production code was officially done away with and replaced with the ratings systems we now have. One producer in the documentary quotes Robert Graves by saying that "It's impossible for any artist not to be a part of his society even if he is against it" (Hollywood). Simply put, this means that as an artist, producer or director, it would be impossible, whether intended or not, to not mirror the society from which the art was created."
Tags: film, hollywood, industry, monopoly, censorship, religion, catholic, church
Abstract The paper describes how the story "Censor Xue Finds Immortality in the Guise of a Fish" written by the pseudonymous "Lang Xian" and based upon an earlier story from the era of the Tang Dynasty, may be seen as part of a long tradition of stories in Chinese literature on the theme of suffering leading to enlightenment. However, the paper discusses how the comic aspects of this story may seem puzzling to some, as their sheer ridiculousness would seem to undermine the moral and philosophical lesson being promoted by the story.
