Censorship Is Evil (Most of the time) - Phillip Vo

“We shall beg Homer and the other poets not to be angry if we ban these and all similar passages. Our objection is not that they are not poetic; nor is it that they do not please most hearers. Rather it is because the more poetic they are, the less they are suited to the ears of boys and men being schooled to be free and so to fear slavery more than death.”

As I read this line, along with lines to follow it I was utterly amazed at Plato’s idea to ban poetry such as the examples he gave before it. He understands the idea that censorship in some cases is necessary, yet I feel as though when we examine how man continually evolves and grows, it is the stress of controversy that fuels the desire to search for good. When we allow those at the top to control what those at the bottom hear, it is not only morally wrong but it keeps them from being able to grow as individuals, and then as a society. I think North Korea. I think Vietnam. And I realize that no matter how noble the intentions of those in leadership (or how evil) no accountability and no room for criticism leads to a people’s demise rather than their freedom.

I commented on Isaac's and Cody's