Name: Titisha Kushwaha

Class: 10th A
Genre: Speech
Persuasive writing

Q. Deliver a speech in your school assembly on “Why the government should not censor
internet content deemed inappropriate?”.

Good morning everyone! Thank you for your presence. “No sign of pardon for Iran blogger
sentenced to death” (al-monitor.com)—this headline caught my eye early in the morning. My heart
broke to find out that an Iranian was announced a death penalty by the court for sharing his views
on Islam on a social networking site. This made me doubt our freedom of expression and privacy.
Many people out there are living with a constant fear of saying something wrong. Why?

The dictionary defines censorship as the suppression or prohibition of any part of media that is
considered obscene, politically unacceptable or a threat to security. If the government decides to
apply censorship on internet, authorities are hired to keep a check on the websites that are accessed
and decide the content that is appropriate for the people. Moreover, these authorities represent the
mindset of a population of millions; consisting of people like you and me. Purportedly, the Chinese
government employs thirty-thousand members for this purpose.

We have many grounds to oppose censorship on. Craving for personal freedom is in human
nature. These days, people are scared to convey their thoughts, people are scared to think about the
actions that the government may take as a response. Iranian bloggers do not enjoy the freedom to
express. For example, if their blogs have anything against the radical people that rule the country,
they are harassed and imprisoned. Ultimately, isn't censorship is a disservice for the society?

The Chinese government has full access over the internet, where they can hide political
shortcomings and show content that is favourable for the ruling party. They have blocked
worldwide popular websites like Facebook and YouTube and introduced their tailor-made
substitutes for these websites. While multinational software companies experience loss of e-trade,
China is losing communication with the world.

In this way, a government takes full control and shifts from being a democracy to a dictatorial
form of government, where the people have no say in the government’s doings. We cannot ignore
that censorship allows the government to have the ultimate power to control the people.

Don’t you think the main purpose of the internet is being ignored? Masterminds like Robert E.
Kahn and Vint Cerf invented internet to provide a free platform for knowledge sharing and easy
communication. It took many sleepless nights to make internet one of the biggest technological
achievements in human history. Governments have no right to impose limits on such a revolution!
Censoring information on the internet is equivalent to taking a step back in technological
advancement.
 We should be free to decide the content we want to watch or read. Aren't we mature enough to
make our own choices and differentiate between good and bad? Internet was supposed to help
people express their feelings and learn from other’s experiences.

There is no doubt that many adults here in the assembly may state that children may get exposed
to inappropriate content as a result of internet’s vastness. However, the word “inappropriate” should
be defined to the new, blooming generation. Young minds are always curious to know new things in
life; this is how mental development takes place; hiding and depriving an individual of knowledge
is never justified. A sense of deciding the difference between right and wrong should be instilled in
them. Hence, good parenting results in responsible and diligent youth in the society.

I am sure that all of you are familiar with our most adored Pokemon named Pikachu; the one
with electric, thunder bolt attacks? Yes, you are heading in the right direction. Wonder why I am
relating Pikachu here? Middle Eastern country, Saudi Arabia, banned the “Pokemon Trading Card
Game” because some symbols used had a striking resemblance with Israel’s emblem and promoted
Zionism. This proved to be heartbreaking for many gamers while ordinary people were deprived of
the most trending entertainment. Consequently, censorship leads to banning of material that is
practically appropriate, but is deemed inappropriate by the government.

The idea of censoring the internet is spreading like a wildfire among democratic countries. We need
to take a strong action against this new trend. Why don't we use the ultimate power that we enjoy of
being a part of a democratic country? We have the right to counter-argue the governments decisions
and stop them from being executed. This can be possible only when we are aware; we are diligent
and enthusiastic enough to deal with a raging issue. I am willing to spend day and night fighting for
the freedom and rights of my fellow citizens and do something exemplary. All I wish for, is your
support. Thank you.

Words: 797

Cititations:

1. http://www.cfr.org/china/media-censorship-china/p11515
2. https://www.cpj.org/2015/04/10-most-censored-countries.php