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Uses And Abuses Of Censorship


The uses and abuses of censorship in developed and developing countries 
have been under discussion for quite a long time. Although societies 
claim for freedom of thought and expression, which are indispensable to 
live peacefully, censorship is sometimes necessary, due to the fact tha 
its abuse may badly influence the behaviour of a society and may also 
result in anarchism. 

There are different kinds of censorship. The most common ones are: 
governmental, press and television censorship. The first one is 
connected with the respect and consideration people should live with. 
If the citizens of a country do not have the chance of giving voice to 
their discontent, they feel furstrated and inhibited. Freedom of expression 
is extremely important inthis case. People must have the opportunity of 
saying what the think in order to improve the conditions of living, 
without governmental censorship. Unfortunately, this freedom is sometimes 
exercised in a wrong way obliging the Government to use its power to censor 
demonstrators, because they behave violently and irrationally. It is clear, 
then, that it is highly positive that people have freedom of expression, 
but on the other hand, that freedom must be used in logical and civilized 
terms, to improve life in society, otherwise its bad use may lead to a social 
chaos. 

Press censorship is quite common nowadays. The press plays an important part 
in modern societies. Although there are some exceptions, some journalists 
and reporters are nowadays mor reliable than most of the politicians. 
Independent press has the freedom of publishing true facts about everyday 
governmental activities and decisions. In some cases, if the press did not 
investigate political and government affairs, people would never know some 
decisions, which most of the times, are in favour of leaders and against 
grass roots. It is said that the press is the fourth estate by the 
influence it has on the society, consequently, it should never be censored 
by the Governmet. Unfortunately, sometimes this freedom is used by 
journalists with political tendencies, so Government should have the power 
to investigate secret arrangements between the opposite political parties 
and some corrupt journalists. 

Another common case of censorship is the one shown by the Government, which 
in past times used to censor some television programmes. There are a lot 
of examples of programmes which were prohibited by governmental 
organizations. This was the clearest exemplification of censorship in past 
times. Nowadays, there is a tendency to think that people have the freedom 
to single out programmes while zapping. One of the main arguments against 
television censorship are that people are free to choose and that artists 
are allowed to create, however, there is no doubt that some programmes are 
extremely harmful, especially for adolescents. Consequently, and in spite 
of political risks, Government should take some measures as regards some 
pernicious and detrimental programmes on television using censorship, 
if necessary. 

It is believed that in a democratic political system, censorship must no 
be accepted under any circumstances, however, there should be some 
exceptions taking into account some cases which may incite to a 
general and massive state of violence which may highly risk that 
democratic system of government. 

Raul Roberto Gramajo. Salta,Argentina

Added to Essayworld on 6/27/2002