Please rate my essay -Issue
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17 Aug 2009, 11:07
In some countries, television and radio programs are carefully censored for offensive language behavior. In other countries, there is little or no censorship.” In your view, to what extent should government or any other group be able to censor television or radio programs? Explain, giving relevant reasons and/or examples to support your position.
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While it is true that some countries have relaxed censorship while other countries have stricter censorship, a closer examination of this issue reveals that government should carefully censor radio and television programs.
One of the reasons for different countries to have different level of censorship is the social and cultural differences among countries. A content considered as appropriate in one culture could be inappropriate in other culture. For example, a man kissing a woman is nothing more than usual in some culture; whereas, it is considered offensive in other culture. Based on the country where the content is broadcasted censorship will vary. Therefore, it is not common sensicle to argue that when one governemt is relaxed in censorship every other government should be relaxed.
Second, television and radio are the most influential entertainment media. When you turn television or radio on you turn your minds off, and tend to absorb the content that is being broadcasted.Especially , this is very true with kids.As you sow, so you reap. Seed good thoughts and interests in children , to reap a better society tomorrow. To acheive that, government should regulate the content of television or radio programs.No parent would want his or her kid to watch offensive scene, violence and gruesome content. Pregnant women , heart patients and elderly people are vulnerable to disturbing content and hence it is necessary to censor and rate the content.
Though it is absolute necessary to censor the programs, the level of censorship needs to be varied, as television and radio reach people in all walks of life and programs are made to entertain all audience. Programs that are rated for general audience and parental guidance need stricter censorship ; whereas, programs that are viewed by matured adult audience can have lineant censorship. In addition, prime-time and family shows need more scrutiny for adult language, sexual content and violence.
In summary, government should censor television and radio programs in the best interests of the society.The level of censorship must depend on the targetted audience of a program in order to preserve cultural and moral values.