The interference of the government in censorship of television and radio shows in some countries is high while in some others is negligible. The role of government, I believe, is as necessary in censorship as it is in making laws.
The social implications of any television or radio show can be disastrous if improper content is telecast. It is commonplace to see people repeat what is being shown on tv, whether in advertisements or on shows. People emulate their heroes. While statutory warnings written on cigarette packs do not drive the smokers away, it would be foolish to think that the people who see/hear the telecast show would not smoke when the actors they are in awe of, do so. The interference in school books and curriculum is admissible, rather desirable, because what the little children read is what they learn and what they aspire to do. In a very similar manner, the shows with their increasing viewerships also need the state's approval.
The supporters of democracy might argue that censorship in any form is the violation of the right to free speech. However, one must understand that it is not advisable to let lions roam our roads when the same are frequented by the children and adults alike and all would be vulnerable.
It is the government’s responsibility to maintain the culture and integrity of a country. Some shows can very easily, hurt the sentiments of some groups. In the Uganda riots of the recent past, the country seemed to be against a particular sect of people. Not because they had done something bad, but because the shows had, in a rather harsh connotation, alleged. In another incident, racial discrimination on a very popular tv show in UK got not only the attention and wrath of the political world, but also, a sudden fall of the ratings and viewerships of that show. It eventually ended in apologies from the crew members. But had it been censored in the first place, it might not have created the rift and the unhealthy feelings in the hearts and minds of people.
Therefore, censorship in its entirety is desirable, as far as done within limits, so as to maintain a healthy culture among the various disparate communities and to avoid adverse affects on the minds of the youth and the children.
Though that was where my essay ends, I would have loved to mention about the bans the Indian tv ministry is putting on tv channels. Be it AXN in the beginning of the year or FTV recently. Though I barely watch these channels, but I strongly feel that such interference is also not desirable. There has to be a balance; the exercise of such power should not be irrational. The stay on the release of the movie “Black Friday” was also too harsh, but it was still justifiable because of the influence it might have had on the then-running court case. I did not mention any of these in the essays because they are very India specific. Don’t forget to leave your comments…
The social implications of any television or radio show can be disastrous if improper content is telecast. It is commonplace to see people repeat what is being shown on tv, whether in advertisements or on shows. People emulate their heroes. While statutory warnings written on cigarette packs do not drive the smokers away, it would be foolish to think that the people who see/hear the telecast show would not smoke when the actors they are in awe of, do so. The interference in school books and curriculum is admissible, rather desirable, because what the little children read is what they learn and what they aspire to do. In a very similar manner, the shows with their increasing viewerships also need the state's approval.
The supporters of democracy might argue that censorship in any form is the violation of the right to free speech. However, one must understand that it is not advisable to let lions roam our roads when the same are frequented by the children and adults alike and all would be vulnerable.
It is the government’s responsibility to maintain the culture and integrity of a country. Some shows can very easily, hurt the sentiments of some groups. In the Uganda riots of the recent past, the country seemed to be against a particular sect of people. Not because they had done something bad, but because the shows had, in a rather harsh connotation, alleged. In another incident, racial discrimination on a very popular tv show in UK got not only the attention and wrath of the political world, but also, a sudden fall of the ratings and viewerships of that show. It eventually ended in apologies from the crew members. But had it been censored in the first place, it might not have created the rift and the unhealthy feelings in the hearts and minds of people.
Therefore, censorship in its entirety is desirable, as far as done within limits, so as to maintain a healthy culture among the various disparate communities and to avoid adverse affects on the minds of the youth and the children.
Though that was where my essay ends, I would have loved to mention about the bans the Indian tv ministry is putting on tv channels. Be it AXN in the beginning of the year or FTV recently. Though I barely watch these channels, but I strongly feel that such interference is also not desirable. There has to be a balance; the exercise of such power should not be irrational. The stay on the release of the movie “Black Friday” was also too harsh, but it was still justifiable because of the influence it might have had on the then-running court case. I did not mention any of these in the essays because they are very India specific. Don’t forget to leave your comments…
1 comment:
True censorship is a debatable issue....but then like several other Govt. initiatives ...is only welcome if limited to cetain issues and to a certain extent!!!
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