Are we, as writers and authors, really free to write what we want when we want? Can we exercise our right to freedom of speech without the repercussions of censorship? Or, do we succumb to public pressure to comply with today's so called norm? I wonder about this every time my word processor tries to make sure my words are politically correct, or when I see a book banned, or a mob rioting because of another person's ideals or ideas.
Censorship is not a new thing. In fact, it has been around for hundreds of years. There are many reasons for this to happen. A new ruler takes over and wants to be considered the wisest of the wise as in the case of the Emperor of China who ordered the writings of Confucius burned. Or, a philosopher, as in the case of Socrates, is deemed to be "corrupting youth" with his words, and is forced by the government to take his own life by drinking poison. Or, the subject of a book--any book--is determined to be against the principles of a nation by its leader and book bonfires are ordered.
While this might just seem to be ancient history, it really is not. Today, there are countries where what you write can land you in prison. And, there are those who incite riots against authors who write about their ideals that are not in line with the ideals of the majority. Then, of course, there is social media where thoughts or sayings can be misconstrued or taken out of context and an author's works can become socially banned.
Now I am not saying that freedom of speech and ideas do not, or should not, have limitations. I do not believe that this freedom should allow anyone to endanger the public, oppress another person(s), slander someone, violate a copyright, or even incite a riot. I know it's confusing. It almost seems like a double negative doesn't it? What do you think? Are we, as writers and authors, really free to write what we want when we want? Can we exercise our right to freedom of speech without the repercussions of censorship? And, finally--Should we?
I'm still trying to answer that for myself. Right now, however, I just want my word processor to quit changing "businessman" to "businessperson" in my historical tween novel.
Censorship is not a new thing. In fact, it has been around for hundreds of years. There are many reasons for this to happen. A new ruler takes over and wants to be considered the wisest of the wise as in the case of the Emperor of China who ordered the writings of Confucius burned. Or, a philosopher, as in the case of Socrates, is deemed to be "corrupting youth" with his words, and is forced by the government to take his own life by drinking poison. Or, the subject of a book--any book--is determined to be against the principles of a nation by its leader and book bonfires are ordered.
While this might just seem to be ancient history, it really is not. Today, there are countries where what you write can land you in prison. And, there are those who incite riots against authors who write about their ideals that are not in line with the ideals of the majority. Then, of course, there is social media where thoughts or sayings can be misconstrued or taken out of context and an author's works can become socially banned.
Now I am not saying that freedom of speech and ideas do not, or should not, have limitations. I do not believe that this freedom should allow anyone to endanger the public, oppress another person(s), slander someone, violate a copyright, or even incite a riot. I know it's confusing. It almost seems like a double negative doesn't it? What do you think? Are we, as writers and authors, really free to write what we want when we want? Can we exercise our right to freedom of speech without the repercussions of censorship? And, finally--Should we?
I'm still trying to answer that for myself. Right now, however, I just want my word processor to quit changing "businessman" to "businessperson" in my historical tween novel.
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