CENSORSHIP
A presentation by:
Adria Steuer
Mridula Nadamuni
Andrew Minton
Jule Carr
&
Alex McHugh
What is Censorship?
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Censorship is the suppression of speech, ideas or
expression by an outside force – typically the
government.
In the US censorship is prohibited in by the First
Amendment of the Federal Constitution specifically
the free speech clause and freedom of the press.
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Interestingly Obscenity and Student speech are not
protected by the constitution, nor are “True Threats” or
Libel produced with “Actual Malice”
It is illegal to shout “FIRE” in a crowded theater.
What you will learn
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Background Information on Censorship
The Negative Effects of Censorship
Potential Positive uses of Censorship
Opinions on Censorship
Background
Censorship
Control
POWER
Moral
Military
Corporate
Religious
Political
http://www.britannica.com
/EBchecked/topic/101977
/censorship/14926/Histor
y-of-censorship
Negatives
Censorship
Negatives 
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Legal. First Amendment Rights: freedom of speech, press,
religion, assembly and petition
Negatives  cont.

Moral. A single person or group cannot decide what others
should judge to be moral or immoral.
Negatives  cont.

Individuality. Our nation thrives on the hard work and
motivation of the individual.
Negatives  cont.

Reverse Psychology. When you tell someone they can’t do
something, they do it.
Opinions
Censorship
Opinions
Free Speech vs.
Censorship?
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Higher Education
Opinions
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Media Opinions
Free Speech vs.
Censorship
Free speech is a
guaranteed right
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Free speech allows the
outlet of ideas without
obstacles
•
Censorship filters thoughts
and words to promote
appropriateness to the
public
•
Censorship is used for
material exposed to young
children
•
Higher Education
Inhibits students to explore
a vide variety of opinions
and intellectual thoughts
•
The colorful flow of ideas is
what forms opposing or
agreeing thoughts by
intellectuals
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Media
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China censorship on internet
Some people think the media
has too much freedom
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Think that media has
too much violence,
sexuality, and racism
• Others think that the media is
too restricted in their freedom
to report (on government and
global cases)
•
Schools block internet sites
(forced censorship)
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