Censorship In Controversial Art

After numerous attempts of censoring obscene and/or immoral artwork, artistic censorship had little to no impact in its purpose of protecting citizens. Traditionally, the Canadian courts have intervened in efforts of upholding public values, which have often surrounded the protection of women, children, and vulnerable minorities from potential harm. “Harm,” as defined by the courts, concerns the person’s tendency “to act in an anti-social manner” in response to viewing obscene or immoral material, such as the physical mistreatment of women, men, and children. However, despite such a statement, there is no direct proof of harm caused by pornography, or its depiction in controversial artwork. Peter Collins, a forensic psychiatrist at Toronto’s Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, stated that it was his “clinical …show more content…
Additionally, many people are continuously exposed to violent depictions in media such as television, the internet, or in video games, therefore, arguments stating that obscene artwork can corrupt vulnerable minds, such as those of minors, can be considered far-fetched. Due to the technological advances of this present era, the government’s efforts of removing obscene artwork post-publication – after it’s display in a public institution such as a museum – is rarely effective because it is difficult to remove all evidence of its existence, especially with photographical evidence continuing to circulate on the internet, in newspapers, or on private devices. Ultimately, the exposure to obscene or immoral material comes down to the viewer themselves, as it is solely the viewer’s choice to seek out and view such pieces. Therefore, the act of self-censorship is largely embedded in society, such that active governmental censorship for the purpose of protection is not