0 Video Project

For this project, I chose to display the things that causes censorships as well as the general public's opinions and reactions to censorships. I also briefly touched upon how technology is both increasing and impeding the effectiveness of censorship. I also compiled many video footages to demonstrate the wide spectrum of topics that faces censorship. For instance,

Janet Jackson's 'wardrobe malfunction' - media (TV) censorship
The split second of Janet Jackson's right breast caused TV networks to dramatically revise their programmings censorship guidelines. It also indirectly led to Howard Stern, a popular radio host known for his controversial commentaries, leaving traditional radio networks to join a satellite radio that would not censor his commentaries.

Louisiana license plate - media (music) censorship
In 1997, a Louisiana bill is introduced to authorize civil suits against retailers who sell sexually explicit or violent music to minors. Another was introduced to authorize civil suits against booksellers who sell books with any form of nudity to minors. The first bill led to the creation of Concert Rating Systems, which grants the right to imprison concert venue owners if they portray offensive acts or speech.

Lolita - literature censorship
France has banned the book for its evocative and sexually suggestive content

John F Kennedy assassination - political censorship

Bill Henson Debate Conference - art censorship
The questionable artistic merit in Bill Henson's photographs of naked female minors leads to his work being seized by the Australian police

The First Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution
A bill that guarantees citizen's personal basic freedom and protects their freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition against the government. However, the First Ammendment is often criticized as to what determines the extend of free speech (eg. hate speech, racist comments, etc.)