Censor police
So a town in Missouri has banned its high school students from performing "Grease" and "The Crucible" as being morally offensive. After all, the characters in "Grease'' drink, smoke and kiss. And "The Crucible" is about the Salem witch trials. Horrors!
When will the censors of this world learn the value of artistic expression in sparking discussion? "Grease'' is a satire of teenage life, yet the culture police take it seriously. My sons had roles in "Grease'' in high school and somehow we all survived. One of them (Dave) pursued a career in radio after playing DJ Vince Fontaine. "The Crucible'' is not only about 17th century witchery but is Arthur Miller's response to the congressional hearings about Communists running Hollywood in the 1950s. What a rich source of classroom lessons!
Will the student play soon disappear from the school calendar because somebody who probably hasn't read or seen the play decides it will offend some undefined group? Is any play censor-proof? Even Shakespeare isn't safe, given the Bard's double-entendres. Save us!
When will the censors of this world learn the value of artistic expression in sparking discussion? "Grease'' is a satire of teenage life, yet the culture police take it seriously. My sons had roles in "Grease'' in high school and somehow we all survived. One of them (Dave) pursued a career in radio after playing DJ Vince Fontaine. "The Crucible'' is not only about 17th century witchery but is Arthur Miller's response to the congressional hearings about Communists running Hollywood in the 1950s. What a rich source of classroom lessons!
Will the student play soon disappear from the school calendar because somebody who probably hasn't read or seen the play decides it will offend some undefined group? Is any play censor-proof? Even Shakespeare isn't safe, given the Bard's double-entendres. Save us!
posted by Larry Benjamin at 11:22 AM
4 Comments:
Yes and when will the newspapers in the United States print those Muslim cartoons? Talk about censorship?
Does this same town ban cable or satellite T.V.? I can find at least 100 more "morally offensive" things presented, not only on cable and satellite (although they have more liberties), but on broadcast, as well.
To describe these plays as "morally offensive" only exemplifies the narrow-mindedness of the "town fathers". A better description would be "controversial". Personally, I find their way of thinking offensive. Any way we could ban them?
Censorship in any form today is an example of the continued eroding of our true American Values.
If the good citizens of Missouri find such an emotionaly draining and thought provoking play such as "The Crucible" morally offensive they can make a statement by not attending the production.
In America no one is forced to attend or perform in a show of any kind.
And I thought our students were supposed to learn what the First Amendment is all about.
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