Page 163 - 4188

161

during Gaddafi's rule. International press was not allowed in Libya.
Exception to this rule was made only when the government invited them
for the PR propaganda. Though some people claim that censorship curbs
freedom of expression and right to information, others are of the opinion

that it is a necessary evil. Censorship is not only used to control the flow
of information but also to benefit the people.
Pros

 Censorship does not mean restraining the expression of people, in
fact it is imposed to protect them.
 Censorship of pornographic material prevents the minds of

children from becoming corrupt.
 Religious conflicts are avoided by the censorship of material

deemed insulting or offensive to a particular religious community.
 Censorship is necessary to preserve the secrets of a nation.
 It is useful in hiding sensitive military information, which could be

used by an enemy state.
 Scenes of people consuming alcohol or smoking influence people

to copy them. Hence, censoring such scenes serves a useful
purpose.
 People may copy dangerous stunts shown on TV or movies.
Censorship proves necessary here.

 Books may be used to portray wrong information about individuals
or groups that could incite violence against them. Censorship

would definitely prove helpful here.
 It can be used to prevent politically motivated propaganda.
 It protects the privacy of people.

 Plagiarism is prevented.
 Abusive scenes in movies may offend some people. Censorship

prevents that.
 It protects indigenous cultures from the bad influence of foreign
cultures.

 It prevents the public display of disrespect to any particular
individual or community.

 It prevents companies from spreading inaccurate or grossly
exaggerated claims about their products.
 It prevents spreading of racism.

 It promotes political correctness.