Censorship of Artistic Freedom - Essay Example

This was done on the eve of the Iraq war. Two of the largest radio stations were outraged by the comment and felt that it was disrespectful to the President, the troops and their listeners (Williamson par 4). In support of the Dixies, Simon Renshaw, the group’s manager, testified in a congressional committee hearing on the radio industry, and stated that the constitutional rights of the group have been abused. He added further that the "artistic freedom, cultural enlightenment and political discourse had been undermined” (Williamson par 16).

Censorship is defined as “the suppression or proscription of speech or writing that is deemed obscene, indecent, or unduly controversial” (The Free Dictionary par 1). Censorship has been around since 443 B.C., during the time of the Roman Empire. Ever since, it has already been part of several societies. The case of the Dixie Chicks is an illustration of how divisive the issue of censorship of the arts is. Since art covers a wide array of subjects, it can touch on topics which may be offensive to some but acceptable to others.

Politics, religion and social issues are some of the most controversial matters that art may portray. And this is where the problem of censorship begins. One of the main arguments presented with regard to censorship of the arts is the need to preserve the moral values of a nation (The Gemini Geek). The proponents of censorship argue that it will protect the public from violence or demoralization. Some people believe that censorship protects the youth from offensive or illicit forms of art. However, one thinks that the more you censor these things, the more the young will be encouraged to find ways to get hold of them.

Censorship makes it more exciting for the young to avail of these forms of art. They will be more interested in materials which are banned. The arousal of emotions is greatly increased. Another reason why some people are pushing for the censorship of the arts is that they view art as an effective tool in arousing doubts and emotions on certain issues. This was true in the case of the Dixie Chicks. Maine’s comment was a political stand about the Iraq war. The government was probably afraid that it might bring about an upheaval against the administration’s decision to launch a war against Iraq.

Art is deemed to have the power to influence people, especially the youth, who could easily be swayed. Censorship is founded on the belief that it is the government’s responsibility to mold the individual (The Free Dictionary par 3). One believes though that there are certain limitations to this perceived duty of the government. There is a very thin line which divides censorship and the Fifth Amendment. It is one’s view that any form of censorship is a violation of the Fifth Amendment; therefore, it must not be allowed.

Art censorship should not be misconstrued as an activity protecting people. Censorship aims to manipulate people. It belittles an individual’s capacity to decide what is good and bad for him or her. Every person has a right to know what is going on in a society, and if art is one way of disseminating such information, then so be it. Censorship “dumb down the population” (The Gemini Geek par 12). Especially during the times of political or social crisis, like the Iraq war, no one should be prevented from voicing their opinions, whether they are expressed through a painting, a speech, a comment, a sculpture, or a piece of music.

People are fuming mad if their freedom of speech is curtailed. This is no different when the freedom of expression through art is restricted through censorship. Every individual is