Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.

On the surface, censorship seems objectionable because it limits our freedom. But all societies need to suppress or restrict information that is offensive or potentially harmful. People depend on the establishment of some limits, some way of making distinctions between what is right and what is wrong. Censorship is actually beneficial to a society because it helps to establish ideals of what is proper in such areas as art, music, and literature.

Assignment:

Should society limit people's exposure to some kinds of information or forms of expression? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

When I was seven years old and would sit down with my uncle to watch Comedy Central, I would constantly hear a loud BLEEP. As first, I found it to be quite comical, but eventually it became cumbersome. Once my uncle explained that its purpose was to censor out profane words, I was infuriated. These words had become a part of everyday life for me, and I couldn't believe that the FCC would censor the words out when they were meant for humor. I believe that society should not be allowed to censor information, as seen through my experiences with Beyond the Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, and 1984 by George Orwell.

In the seventh grade, my humanities class read Cormier's Beyond the Chocolate War. Our teacher collected all of our books and proceeded to rip out a page she found to be offensive and "unreadable." Having paid for this book in its entirety, I stood to believe that she had no right to impose her views upon me. My friend came in the next day with his complete copy. I photocopied that page, and taped it into everyone's book in sheer defiance of the unjustified censorship. I was reprimanded as the issue rose to the school board, where I was vindicated. In this instance, censorship was uncalled for and had no right to be enacted.

In George Orwell's 1984, it is not one person who censors, but the entire government that commits the act. Winston Smith is caught between what he knows and what he is being told to believe. As everything the government delivers to him is censored, he fights to retain the ability to differentiate between what is behind the "BLEEPS" that he sees. He rebels in his own way, avoiding the grips of censorship in favor of a life where nothing remains in the unknown. Though he dies in the attempt, he dies trying to overturn the unnecessary use of censorship.

The small incident in the seventh grade proved a lot about me. I refuse to let someone impose their beliefs about offensive forms of expression upon my own beliefs. Though in a few exceptional cases, censorship may be beneficial, it remains to be a violation of one's right to all forms of free speech and expression.

GuruBlue- you told me to use a personal example, so here it is.

Sahil... I really believe this is the best essay you have written. It is interesting. It is personal. It is relevant today. Beyond that it is very well written an organized. Were there another number beyond 6, I would give you that. <G>

Furthermore, bravo for not being afraid to support in a positive manner what you believe.

Thank you very much!

To answer the question, "Should society limit people's exposure to some kinds of information or forms of expression?", you can develop your point of view by considering different perspectives and supporting your argument with reasoning and examples.

1. Introduction: Begin by briefly explaining the purpose of censorship and its justification in limiting people's exposure to certain information or forms of expression. You can also mention the controversy surrounding this issue and state your thesis statement.

2. Body Paragraph 1: Start by sharing your personal experience with censorship, such as the incident with Comedy Central's bleeping of profane words. Explain how this experience made you question the necessity and effectiveness of censorship, especially in the context of humor. This personal anecdote provides a relatable and engaging introduction to your argument.

3. Body Paragraph 2: Introduce a literary example to support your viewpoint. Discuss how in Robert Cormier's Beyond the Chocolate War, you witnessed an instance of censorship in your humanities class. Describe how you felt that the act of ripping out offensive pages infringed upon your right to access the complete work. Share your act of defiance and how it led to a vindication after appealing to the school board. This showcases your belief in the importance of unrestricted access to information.

4. Body Paragraph 3: Use George Orwell's 1984 as another example and discuss Winston Smith's struggle against the government's censorship. Explain how this fictional example highlights the dangers of an all-encompassing censorship regime where individuals are deprived of the ability to differentiate between truth and propaganda. Emphasize Winston Smith's rebellion and his desire to resist censorship at all costs, even in the face of his own demise.

5. Counterargument: Acknowledge that some may argue in favor of censorship for the sake of protection, cultural preservation, or maintaining social order. However, address these counterarguments by asserting that in most cases, censorship violates individuals' rights to free speech and expression. Mention that while certain exceptional situations might require limited censorship, it should not be the norm or a tool for imposing personal beliefs on others.

6. Conclusion: Recap your main arguments and restate your thesis, emphasizing that while society may have reasons to limit exposure to certain information or forms of expression, it ultimately infringes upon individual rights. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement that encourages readers to consider the implications of censorship on personal freedoms.

Remember to provide supporting evidence, examples, and logical reasoning throughout your essay to strengthen your argument. Additionally, make sure your essay follows a clear structure and maintains coherence.