I received a 5/10 on my topic focus aspect of my research proposal. I think my abstract was too vague, and didn't describe exactly what I intend to research. My research idea came to me after reading the article explaining that the Obama Administration is requiring prospective employees to provide a full copy of everything they have ever posted on the internet (blogs, personal websites, etc.) This made me feel that our government is trying to limit our freedom of speech (including internet posts). I wanted to expand on this particular example of censorship by including television censors, and limitations on our freedoms we are granted as U.S. citizens in the Constitution.
November 2009 Archives
Hannah Gutowski
English 202
TR 12:15-1:45
Fall 2009
Abstract:
My research paper will focus on governmental censorship. Through research I will determine whether I, personally, feel that governmental censorship has gone too far. I plan to read articles discussing both the positive and negative aspects and consequences of censorship. Through fieldwork, I will determine how a randomly selected number of U.S. citizens feel regarding the level of current governmental censorship. Has governmental censorship gone too far? Do I predict in the future for censorship to increase or decrease? What are the negative as well as positive aspects of censorship? What is an appropriate level of censorship?
Introduction:
As Americans, we look to the United States Constitution to grant our basic rights. The first amendment of the Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." This amendment granted to us in the Bill of Rights, enables us the freedom to express our thoughts and our opinions through our speech and writing. Why should the information we post by any different? Internet censorship is defined as the control or suppression of the publishing or accessing of information on the internet. The legal issues regarding internet censorship are similar to offline censorship. Though the government may argue that censorship is for our own benefit and safety, some may disagree. Does governmental censorship benefit us as citizens or the government itself?
Another amendment written in the Constitution may also be of discussion regarding internet censorship. The fourth amendment states, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." To keep up with the time, this amendment may need to be modified to include the protection from the search and seizure of computers as well as information citizen's post of the internet. When the Bill of Rights was written in 1791, the authors of the Constitution were certainly not considering technological advances as far as personal computers and the internet.
Fieldwork Statement:
For my fieldwork research I plan to conduct a survey. I will sample a variety of U.S. citizens using a typed survey of approximately 10-15 questions. I will ask the participants to record their age, gender, and educational background. I plan to ask family members, colleagues of family members, peers in my classes, and friends. I will not exclude any U.S. citizen from taking the survey based on age or educational background. I will compare the results and take into account the differences and similarities based on age, gender, and educational background.
Sample Questions:
· How familiar are you with the rights granted to you in the United States Constitution?
· Does the freedom you are granted in the United States impact your decision to live here rather than another country (with less freedom)?
· How cautious are you regarding personal information you release onto the internet?
· Would you apply for a job that required you to provide a copy of all information you have posted on the internet? (Including personal blogs)
Source Review:
Against Governmental Censorship:
· Population Action International
Healthy Families Healthy Planet
Article:
http://www.populationaction.org/Press_Room/Viewpoints_and_Statements/2008/04_04_Censorship.shtml
· The Korea Times
Article:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/10/123_54144.html
Pros & Con's of Government Censorship:
· The Triangle.org
Drexel University Student Newspaper
Article:
· Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship
Importance of Governmental Censorship:
· World Socialist Website
International Committee of the Fourth International
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/oct2001/demo-o13.shtml
Working Bibliography:
Theirer, Adam. "Individual Liberty, Free Markets, and Peace". CATO Institute. 11/5/2009 <http://www.cato.org/tech/tk/040329-tk.html>.
College Publisher, "Role of Government in Censorship Overbearing". The Triangle.org. 11/5/2009 <http://media.www.thetriangle.org/media/storage/paper689/news/2005/04/29/EdOp/Role-Of.Government.In.Censorship.Overbearing-944151.shtml>.
Rasch, Mark. "Human rights and wrongs online". Security Focus. 11/5/2009 <http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/392>.
Alvarez, Mark. "Caught Between Corporate and Government Censorship". Telier. 11/5/2009 <http://www.atelier-us.com/e-business-and-it/article/caught-between-corporate-and-governmental-censorship>.
Panke, Mary. "Government Censorship: No Joke". Population Action. 11/5/2009 <http://www.populationaction.org/Press_Room/Viewpoints_and_Statements/2008/04_04_Censorship.shtml>.
"Censorship." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 9 Nov 2009, 10:50 UTC. 10 Nov 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Censorship&oldid=324819786>.
"Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 9 Nov 2009, 10:28 UTC. 10 Nov 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fourth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution&oldid=324817928>.
"First Amendment to the United States Constitution." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 10 Nov 2009, 03:37 UTC. 10 Nov 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution&oldid=324979933>.
But, Matt. "Internet Censorship". International Debate Education Association. 11/5/2009 <http://www.idebate.org/debatabase/topic_details.php?topicID=83>.
Caithness, Ian. "Google claims that Internet censorship is the same as international trade barriers ". Helium. 11/5/2009 <http://www.helium.com/items/568997-google-claims-that-internet-censorship-is-the-same-as-international-trade>.
Topic: Governmental Censorship
Fieldwork Ideas:
I would like to give a short survey (under 10 questions) regarding personal opinions on different questions regarding governmental censorship. I want to use a wide array of ages, career backgrounds, and education levels. I will take into account the different backgrounds while comparing the results.
