The Problem with Censorship

A friend brought to my attention the following article about the American singer, Britney Spears who has had to change part of a song lyrics because people have found it offensive.

It's a tricky thing censorship.

On the one hand, I believe in censorship i.e. only letting in thoughts that I feel are wholesome and good for me. On the other hand, some of the songs I love could be considered by some to be "offensive." That's the mystery of love, I love what I love for different reasons. For instance, sometimes I fall in love with the way a song has been produced, the beat, the singer's voice, the lyrics, the video, or for reasons unknown. That's why I wouldn't dream of imposing my idea of "good" on others because I know we all have different reasons for liking or not liking something.

I'm reminded of a programme I watched recently on television called "I Can Make You Thin" when the hypnotherapist, Paul McKenna was sharing techniques about how to lose weight. In one exercise he shared, he asked the audience to visualise something that disgusts them. When one woman was asked about her disgusting image she saw a banana. I can imagine millions, if not billions, of people like bananas. What if this woman was to insist that because she finds bananas disgusting, everyone should hate bananas? That would be ludicrous! Yet, people have this tendency to impose their idea of "good" or "bad" on others.

If I were you, Britney, I would listen to your heart and not the censors. If you let others determine how you should act, you will always be under their control. People always have a choice whether to buy your songs or listen to a radio station. Always remember your REAL fans love you anyway. I certainly love and believe in you.

I believe in censorship, self-censorship.

Enocia

Related articles: The Importance of Good Hygiene; Misery Loves Company; The Problem with Love; The Importance of Self-Belief; Creation is Making Something Out of Nothing; Listen to Your Heart; Keeping It Real; I Still Believe in You; Disgust

See also 'Squeaky-clean' Britney falls foul of lyric censors