Some would argue for censorship that children have the right to be protected from sources of adult material until they are old enough to understand properly and make up their own minds. They believe such sources can corrupt their minds and new research even suggests that scenes or articles of abusive, violent, or sexual nature can encourage imitation. This isn't just true of children either, as it has been known for young adults to imitate such scenes, even if the source was condemning it. An example of this occurred not very long ago in such close proximity as Bourne. An eighteen-year-old youth decided to imitate Eminem (the famously controversial white rapper from the USA) and tied his sister up while his parents were away, then proceeded to beat her and threaten to kill her with a chainsaw. When asked to comment upon his actions he said only that he didn't see what was wrong and that he was simply mimicking Eminem. And violence and sex are supposed to be seen as catharsis??
However, it must also be commented upon that violence can be a deterrent to young people by reinforcing opposition. Films which support this include 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. This is not true all the time however and it must be remembered that violence is often glorified, encouraging callous attitudes.
It has been suggested that censorship can be politically dangerous also. This could be because if it is introduced in one area, it could then be extended to another. However this view may only suggest a democratic view of the population, if it is introduced in another area of the world. There is also a political debate over its impracticalities in terms how to rate violence etc… as most of the time any solutions reached are arbitrary.
The opposition to censorship also believe that as well as it being unnecessary, it also influences views regarding sex, making it seem dirty, even though the majority of people these days are 'repressed enough' about it. Many people believe, however, that portraying sexual scenes on television demeans its purpose. It cannot be foreseen, either, what certain people will class as pornographic, therefore what will offend them. Old people have the right not to have to be confronted with obscene language, just as members of religions shouldn't have to put up with their faith being ridiculed on national television.
Those campaigning for censorship also believe that the paparazzi should be prevented from intruding on people's privacy. Without censorship, therefore, there will be no restraints held against the press, even in situations such as a family crisis after a murder of plane crash.
It can therefore be concluded that although censorship is very prominent in the United Kingdom, there is a strong case against it. It must however be examined in great detail, as though there are many disadvantages, the advantages of censorship suggest it is vital to the smooth running of the country and bringing up of children. It may sometimes appear that there is no need for it, but without the imposition of regulations, the democracy of Britain could well shatter.
