The Effects of Censorship of Music and Movies Essay Example

The Effects of Censorship of Music and Movies An act of violence that is completed by individuals is not being done because of what the individuals saw on T.V. or what he or she listened to, it is because the individuals must clearly have issues with someone or something to cause them to be violent. Censorship can not stop this from happening. Censoring music and movies is not a necessary factor in trying to limit the violence in society due to the fact that there is no actual proof of these two media formats influencing an individual to complete an act of violence. “Censorship is counter-intelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy; deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances” (“Censorship”). In particular, “Music censorship is any discriminatory act that advocates or allows the suppression, control, or banning of music or music related works against the wishes of its creator or intended audience” (Nuzum 7). “A censor is a man who knows more than he thinks you ought to” (as qtd. in Nuzum 191). For a long time now, many different things have criticized music and movies for many different reasons. From the incident at Columbine to suicide attempts, music and movies have been blamed for causing, or fueling these events. Though many studies have been done and the results are almost conclusive. “Censorship under the guise of child protection has traditionally been, and continues to be, a convenient excuse for not educating children – about media, critical thinking, and moral values” (Heins 2). “While censors justify their actions completely disregarding music’s demonstrated evocative nature. Thus, as we impede music, we inhibit our ability to be fully human” (Burns 67). “…Censorship flatters us into thinking that we have done something to improve life, while we ignore what might be done (Pally 5). “One of art’s primary functions is to ‘reflect’ the world, goodness and bad, in