Arguing Opposition to CensorshipFor centuries, governments and society have withheld certain information from the public to ensure security and avoid catastrophic outbursts; this withholding of public knowledge is called censorship. Censorship began in the early 20th century, when secular literature began to surface in the aftermath of World War I; since then it has been an integral part of every society. Without the use of censorship and the methods used to retain information, society would evolve and descend into complete and utter chaos. What is censorship? Censorship is what the government calls “official supervision and control” of information shared among people within a given society. Banned books, magazines, plays, videos, and films often result in censorship, as do radio broadcasts and many other communications used to provide information to the public. Censorship of certain means of public information aims to suppress thought in which it may be repugnant or offensive. Therefore, the purpose of censorship is the protection of the three fundamental institutions: family, church and state (“Censorship”). “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and disseminate information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers” (“Censorship and Freedom” paragraph 1). These rights can be adapted to protect state security from a social contract perspective. Communism seems to be much quieter on issues of individual human rights. The only reason given for holding speeches and individual information would be to protect and build a better society. Censorship is claimed...... middle of article ...... of the novel ("Young Adult Literature")In conclusion, the use of censorship is intended for surveillance, ensuring that the material presented meets a safety standard and appropriate equipment, and has ensured safety throughout the country; “Without censorship, things can become terribly confusing in the public mind. » - William Westmoreland. Works Cited “Censorship”. Problems and controversies. Preserved Facts, and Web. March 24, 2014. “Censorship.” Student resources in context. Gale, and Web. March 31, 2014. “Censorship and freedom of information.” Problems and controversies. Facts on file, and Web. April 4, 2014. “Censorship and freedom of expression.” Stanford. Np, and Web. March 27, 2014. “Censorship, press and artistic”. Student resources in context. Gale, and Web. March 26, 2014. “Literature for Young Adults.” Problems and controversies. Facts on file, and Web. April 4. 2014.