Censorship - A Clash of Wills and Morals Essay - 4147 Words

Censorship - A Clash of Wills and Morals A list of the greatest literature of the English language could be compiled almost solely by using a chart of the works most often censored by schools and libraries. Some people believe that the books most frequently banned consist only of trashy paperbacks and frivolous â€Å"beach-reading.† However, usually in censorship cases, there is a clash of wills and morals between the teacher or librarian who finds a work worthy of students’ and community members’ time and the parent or citizen who sees little literary value in the work of choice. Seldom is the teacher or librarian alone in thinking a work justified for reflection. More often than not, the controversial work has†¦show more content†¦The reason a book is banned and the reason a book is lauded are inextricably linked. Controversial works are usually challenged on the basis of religious, sexual, political, and social issues. However, it is interesting to note that most works are actually censored not for the four reasons above, but for the ambiguous charge of â€Å"obscenity.† In Lee Burress’s chart listing the most common reasons for book censorship, the obscenity charge heads the list (Burress, 42). This charge usually remains relatively unexplained and is based on a few choice swear words taken from the challenged text. Censors usually cling to the obscenity charge because they believe it will gather public support as the basis for removing books†¦If there is substantial support for providing a wide range of materials then charges restricting the intellectual content of a book, its racial, religious, or political ideas, are less likely to receive much public support, and so the frequency of [those] charges diminishes. (Burress, 41-44) More often than not the charge of â€Å"obscenity† is merely a cover for other motives the censor may not feel comfortable making known. As one studies the works charged with â€Å"obscenity† or â€Å"bad language,† it seems blatantly clear that some other agenda is at work. Nicholas Karolides notes that â€Å"not all attacks are identified forthrightly; it is apparently moreShow MoreRelated Censorship in art Essay715 Words   |  3 Pages Censorship in Art Censorship has existed in the United States since colonial times. In the early history of American culture censorship’s emphasis was on political statements and actions, banning literature, music and even people from being heard in this country. This leading too more closed-minded views about different cultures and society, which we are still fighting to over come in the present day. Today a better-informed America has switched their views to a more sexual content when decidingRead MoreCensorship in Art733 Words   |  3 PagesCensorship in Art Censorship has existed in the United States since colonial times. 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