The Flaws of Censorship

     Censorship is one of the more flawed policies in human history. Not just in the case of current censorship, but censorship throughout history. After reading the editorial  Void for Vagueness, my thoughts were steered back to the idea that censorship, on most levels, is inherently stupid. Not only does it apply condescending actions, where some people think they know what is best for humanity, but it also creates separation between those that understand and those that don't, who are wondering why they aren't told. Now what I just said doesn't exactly apply to the editorial but more of the broader idea of censorship between the government and the general public.

    In regards to the article though, which talks about the FCC and their censorship of 'obscene human areas' and bad language, a more narrow view is needed. The author of this editorial calls for the reopening of the 1978 supreme court decision. This decision called for partial intrusion on the first amendment by censoring public televison, radio, etc. The idea to reopen this case is intelligent because the censorship never really did anything besides impart an annoying buzzing noise over a part of foul language. The idea that this actual covers up the word is ridiculous and is insulting to the intelligence of everyone it is trying to hide it from. Probably 95% of all Americans can safely guess what the obscene word is. All this buzzing noise does is draw more attention to the foul language. For all those people that say it is protecting the children, what is it protecting them from. Sure it is saving them from half a word but does that also stop the children from hearing it from other adults or better yet their parents. Kids know pretty much know all this language and speak it by 5th grade regardless of this censorship. How exactly is understanding this language bad? Yes it gives people more tools to insult people but even if they didn't know these words, there are cleverer ways of degrading people through the English language. If someone really wants to insult someone, they will.

     The partial nudity fines are also ridiculous. Its not the broadcasting stations fault for the occasional nip-slip or other private parts. I'm not calling for pornography on television but I'm pretty sure every human knows what the naked human body looks like. Subtle sexuality is understandable if its not blasted in our face all the time. 

    The FCC's fining powers and censorship should more defined and less vague if it is going to be able to withstand the convincing liberal arguments against it.