Monday, March 2, 2015

Should Shakespeare be Censored?


(image credit)
Shakespeare’s plays contain anti-Semitism, racism and sexism, sexual abuse and violence; they magnify the tenor of their age. But should they be censored when they might offend a particular community?
Reference: Should Shakespeare be Censored?

My answer is an unequivocal no. An artist ought to have as much license as is rightful and reasonable to decide how he or she should create or portray discriminatory, offensive stuff.  We do live in highly tense, sensitive times, however, and an artistic expression that is benign for one group may be incendiary for another (rf. Charlie Hebdo massacre).  So an artist must be thoughtful, responsible and forthright with however he or she decides.
 

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