Lana Ko Week 10: The Power Within Censorhip
Censorship has existed as a tool of power for governments, institutions, and
private entities in order to shape public discourse, suppress voices of
opposition, and control the flow of information. From minor book bans to
restricting internet access, individuals in power recognize that controlling
language is a medium to controlling thought.
Throughout history, authoritarian
and totalitarian regimes, such as those experienced in China and Russia, have
used censorship to sway the minds of their subjects. By suppressing dissenting
opinions as well as silencing historical truths, these leaders maintain their
unending political dominance.
Studies
have shown an indisputable connection between censorship and indoctrination.
Citizens who have only been exposed to media that is crafted to encourage nationalism
and diminish interpersonal connections with any other foreign perspectives
create a perfect vessel for indoctrination. Even in democratic societies,
censorship is prevalent and manifests itself in subtler ways—repressing issues
in the media while simultaneously highlighting other problems across various
news channels, algorithms, and even the promotion of self-censorship.
The line
between necessary moderation and abusing censorship is increasingly blurred,
forcing societies to either resist language or encourage freedom of speech. Both
of which entail its own set of consequences. It is important to recognize the
power that censorship holds in society. History has shown that when speech is
restricted, it is often followed by rebellion. The means to maintain a balance
between freedom and censorship are still obscured by many factors. However, as
long as language itself is a tool of power then censorship will forever remain
its sharpest edge.
Hi Lana! I completely agree with your idea that the line between using effective censorship and an oppressive one is often crossed. Greek Philosophers Plato and Socrates, from over 20 centuries ago, discussed the practice of censorship. It is important to consider though that even they had very controversial ideas about it. Plato believed that only "good" art should be shown to society, specifically that people should not be exposed to the inappropriate or discouraging Greek Gods. Socrates, on the other hand, only faced censorship as his own philosophies were often censored. It is amazing to me that this practice is age-old, and even what you said about how it is often abused by dictatorship-like governments, says volumes about how it is not from a place to restrict inappropriate or harmful expression but rather expression all together. The topic itself holds a lot of power, and greatly influences the actions of organizations worldwide. I enjoyed the structure with which you wrote your work and I look forward to reading more this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Lana, I completely agree with your post. All governments have an issue of censorship, and I believe that finding a balance between freedom of speech and censorship may not even be possible. There will always be people who abuse the freedom of speech, but censorship results in public outcry and a possible rebellion. I found your metaphor of language as a sharp tool quite intriguing. I hadn’t thought about it that way before, but it fits quite well, especially if you consider it to be a double-edged tool.
ReplyDeleteI love your post’s topic, and it was quite enjoyable. The image you chose is very powerful, as it represents the dark side of our media and highlights the dangers of censorship. Your post as a whole was very informative, and it was a welcome warning about the harm that censorship has on society.