Shalom McClung

Dr. Tate

ENGL1113

May 1st, 2021

Censorship

“The right to free speech is a long-standing tradition in the United States, but actually

respecting the right to free speech is not” (Head). This disrespect of the right to speak freely can

be seen in censorship, for this restriction of new or progressive ideas is a prominent issue in

America. Lawmakers have sought to censor any opposing views they deem detrimental to their

narrative. The censorship of cultural expression betrays constitutional principles, hinders artistic

creativity, and devalues individualism.

As an American citizen, it is promised that each person can express themselves in any

way they want without fear of governmental control. “Freedom of speech is recognized as a

human right under article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right to freedom

of speech allows individuals to express themselves without government interference or

regulation” (Egemenoglu). Obviously, if a person is spewing hate speech there needs to be some

form of monitoring that type of expression. However, it clearly states in the very first

amendment that people are given the right to free speech regardless of the content of that

discourse.

The three major forms of artistic expression in our society is music, books, and films. The

creation and publication of such endeavors is a defining factor of our culture. “From 1960 to

1982, The Catcher in the Rye was the most censored book in the United States in both libraries
and schools. At the same time, it lead the nation in being censored, in 1981 it was taught in

schools so extensively that it ranked second in books used for English curricula in the country”

(Holzwarth). People believe that too much adult content harms the budding minds of youth,

however, stifling artistic creativity leads to a lackluster, unimaginative environment.

Individualism was once seen as a valuable quality in society. However, increasing

censorship can be seen as forcing conformity in society. “Within America’s modern day society,

we are “encouraged” to be individuals, but once we do disagree in a class debate, agree with a

certain political party, or not follow our gender roles, etc., it’s suddenly frowned upon” (Abbo).

Understandably teachers need to restrict discussions harmful to the learning environment.

Nevertheless, repressing those discussions all together generates conformity.

American founding fathers built this country on the grounds that all are created equal

and entitled to freedom of speech. The censoring of opinions and artistic expressions of those

opinions disrespects the sacrifices made for this country. Debating and examining progressive

ideas is a key component of a well-rounded educated person, but ongoing censorship creates

identical ways of thinking. It is unclear how much culture has been lost due to unchained

censorship. Society can only flourish by demanding the rights pledged at its origin.
 Works Cited

Head, Tom. "Censorship in the United States." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020,

thoughtco.com/censorship-in-the-united-states-721221.

Egemenoglu., Elvin. “First Amendment.” Legal Information Institute, Legal Information

Institute, Mar. 2020, www.law.cornell.edu/wex/first_amendment.

Holzwarth, Larry. “10 Appalling Examples of Censorship in the United States.”

HistoryCollection.com, 15 Apr. 2021, historycollection.com/10-appalling-examples-

censorship-united-states/10/.

Abbo, Brittany, et al. “America's ‘Individualistic’ Society.” The Odyssey Online, 5 Aug. 2020,

www.theodysseyonline.com/americas-individualistic-society.