Analysis of an Issue
Question Prompt (Source: Official Guide to the GMAT 12th Edition)
"In some countries, television and radio programs are carefully censored for offensive language and behavior. In
other countries, there is little or no censorship."
In your view, to what extent should government or any other group be able to censor television or radio programs?
Explain, giving relevant reasons and/or examples to support your position.
Essay:
Radio and television and television programs should be carefully censored for offensive language and behavior. Radio & Television are the most effective ways of the media to reach to the people. What is aired through these media often has a great impact on the people; for example: The airing of the "War of the Worlds" was actually mistaken to be live news and people took to the streets to evacuate. Though everyday programs do not have such an effect on people, these programs can actually play an important role in the way people think or act in society.
The extent to which programs should be censored can be decided from the social and cultural history of the region. A government body or group responsible for censorship must carefully consider the cultural history before deciding the extent of censorship. A program considered as offensive by a particular group of people may not be done so by another group. In a highly conservative and orthodox society the level of censorship must be higher than in a relatively modern and open-minded society. Viewers from a remote Hindu village in India, still speaking in Sanskrit, will consider even game of Beach Ball sufficiently vulgar whereas the same show will be considered offensive in New York.
Of course the creators of programs may argue that censorship is an obstacle in the path of creative expression but the idea of implementing censorship is to prevent people from taking advantage from the lack of it. An adult program may draw sufficient number of viewers over the free channels but it might also attract children viewing in absence of their parents. In absence of censorship these programs can sometimes get too vulgar for viewing of the common people. The presence of a censorship group and its effective functioning will ensure such incidents from happening. Of course these programs may be allowed to be aired but only through paid channels with proper parental control facilities.
Therefore it can be concluded that censorship is necessary in controlling the quality programs aired through television and radio though the level of censorship can vary according to the social culture of the place of airing.
Target Test Prep 20% Off Flash Sale is on! Code: FLASH20
Redeem5-Day Free Trial
5-day free, full-access trial TTP
Available with Beat the GMAT members only code
MORE DETAILSThis topic has expert replies
-
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2010 6:42 am
Analysis of an issue ..... Please Could someone rate it
by
anindya714 » Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:51 am
_____________
Anindya Biswas
Metallurgist
India
Anindya Biswas
Metallurgist
India
• Page 1 of 1
5/5
5 Star (469 Reviews)
"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."
"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."
"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."
GMAT Course Reviews
Admissions Consulting Reviews
FREE GMAT PREP RESOURCES
GMAT PREP DEAL TRACKER
- ONLY $85
- SAVE $300
- ONLY $99
- $150 OFF
- 50% OFF
- SAVE $75
- 100% OFF