Sexuality and Censorship
Subtopic 3: The Case For and Against Censorship: Representation – An Introduction 

In our previous discussions, we touched upon different mechanisms and forms of censorship by the State, society, and self. We also addressed several aspects of why the State has such a vested interest in censoring sexuality that is deemed to be 'out of line with societal moral standards'. We have talked briefly about several potential and real effects of censorship. We have begun the discussion on the 'virtues' of eliminating images and thoughts as a way of 'protecting' people, as well as the alternative of encouraging as many images as possible. Let's move the debate to representations of sexuality and how censoring that affects the debates on sexuality.

Words and images do have power to affect how people think and act. But suppression of 'bad' ideas or images, even if it were possible to agree on what those might be, does not result in the disappearance of those ideas or of acts premised on them. So then why are we still so quick to want to eliminate those ideas that make us uncomfortable? Society has been concerned with identifying the 'appropriate' level of 'decency'. What is the purpose of setting that line?

Let's look at how we do advocacy - representation reflects the assumptions that we carry as a society and as individuals - particularly when it comes to sexuality. How we look at a particular group or issue is based on how we ourselves filter images and choose to represent the one we feel is either most accurate or most effective. Take an example - the representation of sex workers - victims or empowered individuals? Why can't it be both? Why can't someone be both at the same time? Or at different times? Does it really dilute the message if we allow for an expanded set of representations? Or does it really damage groups when we do; which is why we should be censoring representations 'we' don't agree with in the first place?

Images are not read in the same way by everyone; for that matter, neither are definitions. For example what is the definition of pornography? Is it meant to mean all 'sexually explicit' material? Then we have to be able to look at how context plays a role in defining pornography - is it different if the images are in a medical anatomy textbook as opposed to a video? Why? Because one is traditionally thought of to be 'educational' and the other purely for sexual arousal? There is an assumption here is that there is a category of material that is inherently 'bad' and 'indecent'. Is that what separates material into pornography and erotica?

For the next two weeks, we will be examining the following questions as a part of the forum discussion:

1. How can we critique the nuances of context, definitions, and intent of pornography as it relates to sexuality? How do we reconcile the aspects of the debate that try to define 'degrading' and 'exploitative' as a reason to censor pornography?
2. When we encourage as many realities and representations as possible, it only enriches the debate; but sometimes, we want to eliminate all other representations to prove our own? How do we create mechanisms for continuing to challenge our own assumptions? Why do we need to challenge them at all?
3. What are the benefits of allowing as many representations as possible in a debate on sexuality? How does this affect how we talk about sexuality?
4. Can you cite specific examples of debates and issues that highlight these issues? In your work, how have you been able to address those who want to censor how you do advocacy?

Please feel free to write in your analyses, observations, thoughts, comments, and examples addressing any, one, or all of the issues and questions raised above. Alternatively, please pose new questions you feel are relevant for this sub-topic. Let's continue to keep this a safe space for open discussion and debate on the relevant topics.

In the coming weeks, we will address a variety of topics related to censorship and sexuality in Subtopic 4: Censorship and 'Good Sense'. We look forward to a lively and exciting discussion!

Neha Patel (Moderator)
The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality