In our previous discussions in Subtopic 1, we touched a little upon the 'why' of censorship and who censors. We have talked a little bit about the effects censorship has - influencing people to behave and think in a particular way; eliminating characteristics, images, opinions, even entire identities; or providing for freedom and a 'protected' nation-state. However, as we have seen, when it becomes the interest of the State to regulate sexuality, it violates rights and eliminates environments that support and provide for the expression of diversity, tolerance, and respect.

Moving from public to private, we have to look at our own discomfort with sexuality and the public space (and for that matter, the private space). It is easy to simplify and judge when it comes to issues of sexuality. Once something concerning sexuality makes us uncomfortable, or we don't understand it, why are we quick to think that opening up spaces for it will have a negative effect on society? Censorship has often been looked at as a remedy to curb the thoughts, behavior, and ideas of individuals who will 'lead' us to that 'depravity'. But in fact, isn't it our own discomfort that leads us there? How do we prevent ourselves from being driven to censor by our fears around sexuality? Terms associated with talking about sexuality have become so demonized in our culture, that it has become associated with any 'negative' sexual speech/imagery. How can we reclaim the language?

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

1. How and why does the State use institutionalized forms of censorship to eliminate 'different' realities? What are some local and national policies that have had an effect on the realization of sexual rights and sexualities?
2. Given that images and speech are not interpreted in the same way by everyone, and that sexuality is so subjective, should we censor images in an effort to 'protect society'? Why or why not? What purpose does that serve?
3. How do the public and private censors for sexuality interact with each other? How does sexuality move through both, and what are some of the implications of that?
4. How do our specific assumptions and misunderstandings around sexuality give rise to censors that infringe upon individuals' rights?

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.

In the coming weeks, we will address a variety of topics related to sexual pleasure, sexuality and rights. These will include:

Subtopic 3: The Case For and Against Censorship

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