Censorship Project Suggestions

Censorship Project Suggestions for the Instructor

Some answers from our students

Consider the general concept of censorship, not related ti any particular purpose such as the Internet or Television, and give three reasons why you would support or oppose censorship. Be specific in your reasons, not just "... because it is bad ..."

I support some forms of censorship because:	I oppose some forms of censorship because:
It can protect people from offensive material It keeps things reasonable. Lets you prevent your children from being exposed to offensive material. It protects the innocent. It helps teach people what is acceptable in society. Sets community standards. Prevents the use of the "seven deadly words". Improves the moral values of a community. Gives control to a censorship group to direct the thoughts of a community. Protects against libelous/untrue statements.	Who decides what is to be censored? How much censorship is enough? Easily misused. Limits freedom. Blocks free thinking and choice. Makes the decision for others and what is or is not appropriate. Limits freedom of speech. Limits creativity. Opinions of the censors do not necessarily match those of the community. Is a form of governmental control. Who sets the standards? Can silence a valid opinion. Limits ability to learn and explore. Makes some material more enticing.

I support some forms of censorship because:

I oppose some forms of censorship because:

It can protect people from offensive material
It keeps things reasonable.
Lets you prevent your children from being exposed to offensive material.
It protects the innocent.
It helps teach people what is acceptable in society.
Sets community standards.
Prevents the use of the "seven deadly words".
Improves the moral values of a community.
Gives control to a censorship group to direct the thoughts of a community.
Protects against libelous/untrue statements.

Who decides what is to be censored?
How much censorship is enough?
Easily misused.
Limits freedom.
Blocks free thinking and choice.
Makes the decision for others and what is or is not appropriate.
Limits freedom of speech.
Limits creativity.
Opinions of the censors do not necessarily match those of the community.
Is a form of governmental control.
Who sets the standards?
Can silence a valid opinion.
Limits ability to learn and explore.
Makes some material more enticing.

Now be specific in the application and answer the following questions:

I support the censorship of:	I oppose censorship of:
Subject:Lies and Falsehoods Because: Simply because.	Subject:The Truth Because: it should be right of all men to know the truth!
Subject: Advertising Because: Advertisers can make false claims.	Subject: Books Because: it should be up to the reader to decide what to read
Subject: Harcore pornography Because: Children should not be exposed to it.	Subject: Universities Because: they should be open to all thought and discussion
Subject: Websites that give instructions on how to make bombs and other inappropriate items Because: it has no real value, is only harmful	Subject: Thoughts and ideas Because: society cannot progress without nw thoughts and ideas
Subject: Hate sites Because: it is unacceptabe to society and teaches inappropriate concepts	Subject: Evolution Because: it is a scientifically proven concept that should be considered
Subject: The press Because: they should not publish the names of victims of certain crimes or the names of juveniles, and so as to protect the rights of defendants for a fair trial without prejudice caused by a "trial by press"	Subject: The Internet Because: censorship is pointless in an open and free world
Subject: Broadcast TV Because: since there is no way to effective control viewing by children	Subject: News Because: there is a right of everyone to know what is truly happening around them.

I support the censorship of:

I oppose censorship of:

Subject:Lies and Falsehoods

Because: Simply because.

Subject:The Truth

Because: it should be right of all men to know the truth!

Subject: Advertising

Because: Advertisers can make false claims.

Subject: Books

Because: it should be up to the reader to decide what to read

Subject: Harcore pornography

Because: Children should not be exposed to it.

Subject: Universities

Because: they should be open to all thought and discussion

Subject: Websites that give instructions on how to make bombs and other inappropriate items

Because: it has no real value, is only harmful

Subject: Thoughts and ideas

Because: society cannot progress without nw thoughts and ideas

Subject: Hate sites

Because: it is unacceptabe to society and teaches inappropriate concepts

Subject: Evolution

Because: it is a scientifically proven concept that should be considered

Subject: The press

Because: they should not publish the names of victims of certain crimes or the names of juveniles, and so as to protect the rights of defendants for a fair trial without prejudice caused by a "trial by press"

Subject: The Internet

Because: censorship is pointless in an open and free world

Subject: Broadcast TV

Because: since there is no way to effective control viewing by children

Subject: News

Because: there is a right of everyone to know what is truly happening around them.

Quotation (in need of verification):

The world has no more right to silence one man that that one man has the right to silence the world.

Attributed to Thomas Jefferson.