The debate about censorship takes place on various levels. Internet kids curse against governments who try to restrict access to Internet sites. Radical feminists want to ban every form of pornography as they believe it degrades and dehumanizes women. Liberals on the other hand call for the abolition of censorship because it violates the human right of freedom of speech and expression. Newspaper journalists and editors fear retaliation through defamation trials and by the almighty proprietors of the media organizations they are working for if they do not report along the mainstream.
In this essay I will examine all these facets of the censorship debate. I will start with a history of censorship in Australia. Exemplary and due to restriction of space, I will focus merely on book censorship. Then will follow a discussion of two current issues in the debate: First, the argument surrounding the Australian government's attempt to restrict access to pornographic content in the internet by legislation. Second, the issue of pornography, censorship and freedom of speech. This will take place on a more general level and less related to current Australian problems.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A brief history of censorship in Australia
- Newspapers
- Books
- Internet censorship in Australia
- Is censorship necessary?
- Freedom of the press
- Pornography, censorship and freedom of speech
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines the debate surrounding censorship in Australia, focusing on the historical evolution of censorship practices, the impact of online censorship, and the relationship between censorship and freedom of speech. The essay explores the various perspectives on censorship, including those of government officials, media outlets, and individual citizens.
- The historical development of censorship in Australia
- The impact of internet censorship on freedom of speech
- The relationship between censorship and freedom of speech
- The role of government and individual responsibility in censorship
- The evolution of censorship policies in response to changing societal values
Chapter Summaries
The essay begins with an introduction that outlines the key issues and perspectives surrounding censorship in Australia. The following chapter provides a historical overview of censorship in Australia, focusing on the evolution of censorship practices in relation to print publications, particularly newspapers and books.
The essay then explores the contemporary issue of internet censorship, examining the Australian government's attempt to restrict access to pornographic content online. The chapter discusses the legal framework governing internet censorship and the arguments surrounding the effectiveness and appropriateness of such measures.
The essay concludes with a discussion of the broader relationship between pornography, censorship, and freedom of speech. This section examines the arguments for and against censorship in relation to pornography, highlighting the complex ethical and legal considerations involved.
Keywords
The primary focus of this essay is censorship in Australia, examining its historical development, contemporary applications, and implications for freedom of speech. Key terms include freedom of speech, censorship, internet censorship, pornography, defamation, and the Australian Constitution. The essay explores these issues within the context of Australian society, examining the evolution of censorship policies and the roles of government, media, and individuals in shaping public discourse.
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- Magister Artium Steffen Blatt (Autor), 2000, Censorship in Australia, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/10041
