Censorship
This past week, I was working hard on the final essay of one of my library modules. The essay question basically asked, “To what extent do you support censorship? What reasons justify it?” And I found myself writing a fairly passionate essay that basically said, “Nope. Nothing.”
I am against censorship. Yes, there are people and books and movies and websites out there saying all kinds of things that I do not agree with. Sometimes it can be frustrating, sometimes offensive. But they still have the right to say it, just as I have a right to share my ideas, thoughts and beliefs. Free speech is important.
Freedom of thought and expression is important.
But in addition to that, freedom of information is important. This includes the internet. If the SOPA and PIPA bills get passed, the very way the internet works and the way information is shared so freely will completely change. It’s a change I don’t wish to imagine. Do I support piracy? No. But the loose speak of the bill pretty much ensures that corporations will have the power to shut down sites like Wikipedia, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, just to name a few.
This is why I support the SOPA Strike.
My 2012 Goals| Write 1, Sub 1 » »
Leave a Comment