In the mid-1960's, a Free Speech Movement took place led by student protesters insisting that university administration lift the ban of on-campus political activities and acknowledge the students' right to free speech and academic freedom. 50 years later and it seems as if little progress has been made. Every person has their own opinions and these opinions can be expressed in several different ways. Vocally expressing one’s views cannot be repressed for once the words are spoken, they cannot be retracted. Books can be removed; music can be banned; movie production can be halted – but these art forms are in no way different from verbal expression. These forms of art are the author’s own way of bringing personal ideas and opinions to the public …show more content…
However, in recent years, libraries have banned countless works because of their apparent “offensive” nature. One prime example of this is the novel “Catcher in the Rye” which caused a great uproar upon publication because of its “gross” aspects. But today, people describe it as a captivating novel that captures the minds of the American youth and teaches a great lesson on self-awareness. These different challenges and forms of censorship have aimed at limiting conflict. However, in recent years, these restrictions have sparked great amounts of dispute because prohibited materials forces people to bite their tongues. Needless to say, attempts to promote censorship have stifled free speech and limited intellectual discourse amongst individuals. Censoring different forms of media limits discussions and narrows academic exposure because people are deprived of information that may enrich their knowledge or improve their overall being. In essence, censorship would be largely ineffective because it keeps people from progress and development. Furthermore, it is not pragmatic to shield people from the real world. Doing so may create a generation of overly vulnerable, easily offended