Television is a very important part of the American society today. It is estimated that "the average American watches up to 6.75 hours of television daily"(Flahey 35). But does something that is such an influence on the American society need to be censored? Chambers' English Dictionary defines Censorship as "the authorization to examine books, films, television, or other material and remove or suppress what is considered objectionable" (50). When anything goes through a process of censorship, a committee reviews it and deems it acceptable or unacceptable for the common viewer. Censoring television is an unnecessary and unconstitutional way of controlling what people see.

Many people for the censorship of television argue the point that media shapes society. This means that the way people in society act today is a direct result of what they observe on television. Also argued, is that TV provides a small number of role models and children who view these programs will act poorly towards others, just as they have seen on television. Many believe that if television is censored, society will change along with it for the better.

However, this is not the case at all. If tel

The box will read either G, meaning it is expectable for general audiences, PG, parental guidance suggested for that program, TV14, meaning it is not suggested for children under 14 to view that program, or M, which is intended for audiences 18 years or older. (Craig 2)

Similar to the PLS, the rating system allows parents to regulate what their child watches. This system was put on all television programs on January of 1997. Before every TV program, in a small black box, a rating is given by the US Federal Communications Commission that determines how vulgar a program is. Jeremy Craig, an expert on the issue, explains how the system works:

Craig, Jeremy. Understanding the Ratings System. n. p. Online. 28 Oct. 1998. Available: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/6578/ratings.htm

evision is censored, society is not likely to follow in suit. For many children, the forbidden and mysterious are more attractive, and they will strive towards what they can not have or see. Therefore, it is best to allow them access to these things so that they will know the problems and be more likely to avoid them.

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Approximate Word count = 1328
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)