Some Say The Internet Needs to be Censored

Some people do believe the internet needs to be censored. Why? Well, look at it, they say, the internet is full of garbage and trash, and we don't want that around, do we?

So let's play devil's advocate (great movie, by the way) for a minute, shall we? I know, I know, some will protest that term in this context. After all, isn't it generally true that the devil wants all this fifth to reign free? Isn't it right and true to keep this trash out of the hands of anyone?

Let's look at the opinion of one reader of this web site.

Hello, I guess I am one of the few people who believe censorship is a good thing. I realize it can be over restricting or this has been true in the past. But...I do think too many adult movies, videos, and the internet are adding to society's decline. I speak as a parent of two teen's who has to accept the harsh reality of our adult oriented and violent society. Things have changed so dramatically from my childhood in the 60's,that it almost seems like we are living in a totally different society that is so willing to accept any kind of behavior regardless of its moral or lack of moral accountability rather than be "unpopular" and condemn it. All the vices of the past including but not limited to gambling, drug addiction and soft porn are now popular and accepted by society as part of life. Sadly, the even more important values like forgiveness and self-control are being sacrificed. How can be respect the other person if we aren't encouraged to by larger society or held accountable. Once respect is gone democracy will go and I only hope this doesn't happen in my lifetime. But ... I'm afraid my children might reap what has been so selfishly sowed.

On the surface this sounds good, doesn't it? I'm sure we could all (or the vast majority of us) agree about some things that should be censored. In fact, some censorship on the internet does happen. There are a number of things that are illegal to be shown - it's just that, well, the internet is so vast and so poorly policed that it's impossible to prevent. 

Okay, let's assume for the moment that you did have the power over the entire internet. Let's say whatever you decided should be censored would be effectively censored.

So what should be censored. Well, you could start with the most perverse stuff - hate sites, extreme violence, perversity and so on. Of course, site which tell how to make a bomb shouldn't be allowed. What about sites promoting drug abuse, animal abuse and so on? I'm sure most people would agree these sites should be censored.

Now you get to the crux of the problem - where do you draw the line? Art which shows human nudity? Dangerous automobiles? Pro-hunting sites? Do you exclude certain religions? 

The second fact, of course, is one man's raw fish is another man's sushi. Personally, you could not even get me into a sushi restaurant. My boss, on the other hand, practically salivates at the mention of eating this horrible stuff. In my opinion, it would be perfectly fine to outlaw sushi, yet my boss loves the stuff.

Another problem is one of logistics - even if you could outlaw, saw, hunting sites, you could not outlaw them everywhere. The internet has no boundaries and no borders. All someone has to do to set up a hunting site is find a place that allows them (very simple), setup the site, and start advertising. No one can do anything about it.

Okay, those are the issues. The answer is ... well, it doesn't matter, now does it? The internet is defined as being free and open. Virtually anything goes and there is nothing, really, that we can do about it in any meaningful way.

I believe that with the advent of the internet, censorship is quickly becoming a moot point. The entire concept of censoring is obsolete. Give it up - get used to it. It's a new world and you may as well join the group.

Got something you want to say - just put up a web site and say it.