The Role of Censorship in Victorian Novels, Hays Code Films, and Popular Entertainment

Censorship has been a persistent force in shaping the contours of artistic expression throughout history. From the moralizing constraints of the Victorian era to the strictures of the Hays Code in Hollywood's Golden Age, censorship has sought to regulate and control the content of novels, films, and other forms of popular entertainment. While censorship has often been criticized for its stifling effect on creativity and freedom of expression, it has also been defended as a necessary tool for safeguarding public morals and protecting the sensitive from exposure to harmful or offensive material.

Better Left Unsaid: Victorian Novels, Hays Code Films, and the Benefits of Censorship (The Cultural Lives of Law)

by Nora Gilbert

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Language	:	English
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Censorship in Victorian Novels

The Victorian era (1837-1901) was a time of great social and economic change in Britain. The rise of the middle class and the growth of industrialization brought with them a new set of moral values and expectations. These values were reflected in the literature of the period, which was often characterized by a strong sense of propriety and decorum.

One of the most common targets of Victorian censorship was sexual content. Explicit descriptions of sex were considered to be morally offensive and were often removed from novels before they could be published. For example, the original manuscript of Charles Dickens's "Oliver Twist" contained a scene in which the character of Nancy is raped. However, this scene was cut from the novel before it was published due to concerns about its potential to corrupt readers.

In addition to sexual content, Victorian censorship also targeted other topics that were considered to be sensitive or controversial. These topics included religion, politics, and social class. For example, the novel "The Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin was banned in many parts of the United States because it challenged the traditional Christian belief in the creation of the world.

Censorship in Hays Code Films

The Hays Code was a set of guidelines that governed the production of films in Hollywood from 1934 to 1966. The code was created in response to public outcry over the perceived immorality of some films. These films often featured violence, sexuality, and other content that was considered to be harmful to children.

The Hays Code prohibited a wide range of content, including nudity, profanity, and blasphemy. It also required that films portray a positive image of American life and values. For example, the code forbade films from showing scenes of crime or violence that were not necessary to the plot.

The Hays Code had a significant impact on the content of Hollywood films. Many films were censored or edited to comply with the code. Others were banned outright. For example, the film "The Birth of a Nation" was banned in many parts of the United States because it portrayed the Ku Klux Klan in a positive light.

Censorship in Popular Entertainment Today

Censorship continues to be a factor in popular entertainment today. However, the nature of censorship has changed over time. In the past, censorship was often imposed by governments or religious organizations. Today, censorship is more likely to be imposed by private companies or interest groups.

One of the most common forms of censorship in popular entertainment today is self-censorship. This occurs when creators choose to avoid certain topics or content because they fear it will offend their audience. For example, many television shows and movies avoid depicting nudity or violence. This is not because these topics are necessarily forbidden, but because the creators do not want to risk losing viewers.

Another form of censorship in popular entertainment today is corporate censorship. This occurs when companies use their power to influence the content of artistic works. For example, a company may refuse to distribute a film that contains content that the company deems to be offensive.

The Benefits of Censorship

Despite the concerns about censorship, it can also have some benefits. Censorship can help to protect children from exposure to harmful or offensive material. It can also help to maintain public morality and order.

For example, censorship can prevent the spread of child pornography and hate speech. It can also help to prevent people from using art as a means of promoting violence or terrorism.

The Costs of Censorship

While censorship can have some benefits, it also has some costs. Censorship can stifle creativity and freedom of expression. It can also lead to the suppression of important ideas and perspectives.

For example, censorship prevented the publication of books such as "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. These books were considered to be controversial at the time, but they have since become classics of literature.

Censorship can also lead to the persecution of artists and writers. For example, the Chinese government has been known to imprison artists and writers who produce work that is critical of the government.

Censorship is a complex and controversial issue. There are good arguments to be made both for and against censorship. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support censorship is a personal one.

However, it is important to be aware of both the benefits and costs of censorship before making a decision. It is also important to remember that censorship is a double-edged sword. It can be used to protect the public from harm, but it can also be used to suppress important ideas and perspectives.

References

• The Hays Code: A History and Analysis by Thomas Doherty
• Censorship: A World Encyclopedia by Ian Valentine
• The Benefits and Costs of Censorship by the American Civil Liberties Union