American Literature

One thing that is absolute in no time and place is the freedom of speech and expressions. Almost all government is an advocate of this very important right. But as much as legislations attempt to protect it, controversies are haunting states as regard its extent and limitations. Although conservatives enjoy its benefits, efforts to ban obscene, offensive and profane languages especially in television are given much attention. Particular concern of this issue is the vulnerability of children who happen to be the most curious and adaptable viewers.

The word obscene is synonymous with indecent. Indecent by definition simply means not decent, inappropriate under the circumstances and disapproved of by others, and unacceptable and offensive to accepted standards, especially in sexual matters. (The American Heritage Dictionary of English Language 1) Words, materials or acts indecent in nature should not be seen or heard publicly.

For protection, states have formulated agencies to serve as filters to what these children might see and hear over the television. But as much as we try hard to protect and instill good morals to them, then why should obscene lexis be allowed on public television and radio Do we still believe that they have not caused so much controversies and problems in American entertainment and even stirred racial issues  Can these words contribute in the effectiveness of general conversation

Take for example the Eminem drug ballad controversy. An online article entitled Pro-Censoring the Obscene noted the profanity in rappers lyrics. Aside from obscene words used, the song promotes drug use, alcoholism, raging and raving hence attempting to introduce a positive picture to vices. The entire song performs a vision of positivism over illegal activities as cool and comforting, thus enticing the youth to engage in such acts. (Pro-Censorship 2)

Another condemned act was that of Cynthia Rodriguez, the wife of Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez. Cynthia was criticized by wearing a white tank top printed on the back with the obscene two-word with a you ending during a game in Oakland. The Yankees, particularly Cynthias wife, the prominent A-Rod, had no immediate comment. Critics were doubly mad because Cynthia was with his 2-year old daughter in the event. What adds to the publics disgust was the clear policy among team members prohibiting banners or signs in bad taste and guests who show up using foul language or making obscene gestures, will be ejected from the scene. Yet, Yankees management remained silenced whether the ad on the shirt was profane thus violated the policy. (Foul Call 1)

An issue of a higher level which concerns another disgracing verbal comment was the controversial Desperate Housewives attack on the Filipino medical profession. The Philippine Government insisted in June of 2007 a public apology from the character Teri Hatcher and the producer of the program for a cultural slur against Filipino doctors. Filipinos were insulted by the script lines of the character played by Susan Meyer saying can I verify those diplomas because I want to build positive that theyre not from some med school in the Philippines. According to Philippine officials, this is not just an attack to a single sector in the Philippines but a cultural insult which looked down on the number of Filipino medical experts even in the United States. (Gerona-Adkins 2) This controversy has affected the credibility of medical and nursing students and practitioners who serve diligently in US hospitals and health centers.

Critics argue that this is not a good example of what our children and youth should hear. The United States is known for its democratic principles. Speech in this country is free. But like other countries, many kinds of expressions regarded as damaging to the interest of an individual or the state as a whole those which can disturb public order and profane and obscene languages are still restricted. Ironically, people of influence like Eminem and other celebrities and prominent figures who should act as role model, disappointingly act the other way around.

In this case, there is a need for an ardent call to censorship. Censorship does not mean intrusion to the freedom of ones expression but it maintains check and balance to freedom. Considering the American public, not all things seen and heard over different media are suitable especially to young children. Young and innocent minds of the American youth should not be polluted because they are more fit to intelligent ideas and information. The issue on whether to support or negate censorship is not the main concern but rather, what can Americans do to eliminate the virus. (Pro-Censorship 2)

As a conclusion, children in their toddler years happen to be at the most appropriate stage of high comprehension and recall. At this stage, they must be given utmost guidance because the information and experiences they gain from what the environment dictates to them surely affects their development. They should not be hearing curse words, and derogatory phrases, or see pornographic visuals on basic television and in other forms of media.

Children are expected to learn from what they watch and hear. But the complex society actually do notif not less, conform with the moral standards to achieve this goal of preaching what is good. Music is not an exception, since most songs nowadays are merely noises. Rap music for instance does not promote intelligence but terrible sounds unbeneficial to auditory system of children, and the choice of words is inappropriate especially to juveniles.

Problems of opposite views may arise. Advocates of speech freedom could also raise some acceptable points. Censorship may mean putting a limit to the supposedly boundless freedom of expression. It may hold our feelings and thoughts and minimize them. But understanding what censorship is will make us realize that it only means eliminating harmful or offensive things that can destroy the public.

But in the end, censorship is not intruding on the rights to speech freedom of Americans. It is just there things that we really cannot allow especially if it is for the welfare of the general public. A fruitful general conversation does not require obscene and profane languages. A television program can reach the highest ratings without exploiting morality. A person can also rise to stardom or popularity without insulting others. These things are checked through censorship. And juvenile liabilities of society especially in the America will decrease if this present generation is equipped with intelligent and morally guided learning materials rather than profanities and nonsense audio-visuals.

As is it said While both sides can argue all day and night for their point, the morals of the American people will prevail.