by Kevin C. Carr

Created on: August 02, 2009

Go ahead and do it. If you dare. Or better yet, burn a book. Censorship is a tactic used by communists, fascists and terrified masses of ignorant fools. If you wish to become a part of such an onslaught of violated personal rights of expression, then by all means, support those who choose to muzzle the speech and ideas of freethinkers. Obscenity is not a crime of the land. Nor is it a crime of God (whether or not you believe it). It is a form of expression. And it hurts, yes. But it does not destroy. It offends, but it does not kill. To disgust one's sensibilities is petty. You, as a human being, have the right to dislike and choose not to be affected by what offends your own personal morals and ethics.

For as true as a rash or abrasive word from the likes of a man like Eminem can offend you, the ideologies of a Republican conservative could offend and disgust a Democrat liberal or vice versa. Would you then abolish or censor the ideas of one political party versus the other. If you do, then you will soon find yourself alone and alienated by society as Eminem has felt on more than one occasion.

Religion disgusts atheists. But do you censor a faith because it offends the intelligence of another? I would hope not. Would you condemn an atheist for not following your own faith. You better not, or if you do, then be prepared yourself for an attack on your own beliefs. This type of behaviour and intolerance is the seed of absolute chaos. Do not become a part of the flock of sheep who think they know what's best for the rest of the world. Be different, unique, strong-voiced and free yourselves from the chains of social conformity. Let the artists do their work and you do yours. Otherwise you will find yourself, sooner than later, muzzled and constricted yourself.

There was a time when this country encouraged freethinkers. Now, more so than ever, we have become constrained by our own fears of indiscretion. Yet, we choose to point the accusing finger at an artist or a writer or a politician or a clown who chooses not to follow the norms of conformity. How hypocritical is that? Tremendously hypocritical. And truth be told, it is more disgusting than the rants of an Eminem-type. At least he does not lack the courage of his own convictions. He speaks his mind. Well, speak your mind. But do not expect anyone to listen if you will not listen yourself. Smack or punch a fellow human for a petty reason and expect to get hit back just as hard. Censorship breeds anger, hatred, resentment and every other foul trait known to us as totalitarianism.

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