Month: September 2024

Is the importance of censorship overrated?

While censorship can protect society from harmful content, its importance is often overrated as it can also suppress freedom of expression and hinder societal progress.

Outline:
I. Introduction
Hook: Censorship is a controversial topic in today's digital age.
Background: Brief overview of censorship's role and its impact on society.
Thesis Statement: While censorship can protect society from harmful content, its importance is often overrated as it can also suppress freedom of expression and hinder societal progress.

II. Supporting View 1: Protection from Harmful Content
Topic Sentence: Censorship protects society from harmful and dangerous content.
Example 1: In 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok to prevent harmful and inappropriate content.
Example 2: In 2021, the UK’s Online Safety Bill aimed to protect children from online abuse.
Example 3: In 2018, Australia introduced laws to censor violent video content.
Analysis: These examples show how censorship can safeguard the public from harmful materials.

III. Supporting View 2: Maintaining Social Order
Topic Sentence: Censorship helps maintain social order and prevent unrest.
Example 1: In 2019, Sri Lanka temporarily blocked social media to prevent violence after bombings.
Example 2: In 2021, Uganda restricted social media during elections to maintain peace.
Example 3: In 2020, Iran censored internet access during protests to control dissent.
Analysis: These cases illustrate how censorship can help maintain stability and public order.

IV. Opposing View 1: Suppression of Freedom of Expression
Topic Sentence: Censorship suppresses freedom of expression and democratic values.
Example 1: In 2020, Thailand's censorship of pro-democracy protests limited free speech.
Example 2: In 2021, Russia restricted access to opposition websites, stifling political dissent.
Example 3: In 2019, China's censorship of Hong Kong protests curtailed citizens' voices.
Analysis: These instances highlight how censorship undermines fundamental democratic principles.

V. Opposing View 2: Hindrance to Societal Progress
Topic Sentence: Censorship hinders societal progress and innovation.
Example 1: In 2021, Turkey's restrictions on social media stifled political and social discourse.
Example 2: In 2020, Egypt's censorship of media restricted investigative journalism and transparency.
Example 3: In 2018, Saudi Arabia's control over artistic expression limited cultural development.
Analysis: These examples demonstrate how censorship can impede progress and innovation in society.

V. Opposing View 2: Hindrance to Societal Progress
Topic Sentence: Censorship hinders societal progress and innovation.
Example 1: In 2021, Turkey's restrictions on social media stifled political and social discourse.
Example 2: In 2020, Egypt's censorship of media restricted investigative journalism and transparency.
Example 3: In 2018, Saudi Arabia's control over artistic expression limited cultural development.
Analysis: These examples demonstrate how censorship can impede progress and innovation in society.

Read about:
1. The Digital Silk Road “has been just as much about promoting China’s tech industry and developing digital infrastructure as it has about reshaping standards and internet governance norms away from a free, open, and interoperable internet in favour of a fragmented digital ecosystem, built on censorship and surveillance, where China and other networked autocracies can prosper."

2. An order by the Singaporean authorities to remove a cigarette from a Chinatown mural has sparked public criticism over censorship and historical revisionism.

3. In 2023, CPJ registered 320 imprisoned journalists worldwide. The Erased uses a unique font that links every single one of these 320 journalists to a censored word, and erases these words from participating (news) websites around the world. This symbolises the importance of free and independent journalism, and the danger of censorship: it takes away our right to know.

Is there a justifiable need for wildlife?

Wildlife is essential for ecological balance, scientific research, and cultural value. However, some argue it conflicts with human needs and development.

I. Introduction

II. Supporting View 1: Ecological Balance

  • Topic Sentence: Wildlife maintains ecological balance and supports ecosystems.
  • Example 1: In Kenya, elephants help shape the landscape and promote biodiversity.
  • Example 2: In India, tigers control herbivore populations, preserving forest health.
  • Example 3: In Australia, bees pollinate crops, vital for food production.
  • Analysis: These examples show how wildlife is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

III. Supporting View 2: Scientific Research

  • Topic Sentence: Wildlife is invaluable for scientific research and medical advancements.
  • Example 1: In Costa Rica, studying frogs leads to medical breakthroughs.
  • Example 2: In Madagascar, lemurs provide insights into evolutionary biology.
  • Example 3: In Tanzania, chimpanzee research aids understanding of human behaviour.
  • Analysis: These cases illustrate the importance of wildlife for scientific progress and health benefits.

IV. Opposing View 1: Conflict with Human Needs

  • Topic Sentence: Wildlife sometimes conflicts with human needs and safety.
  • Example 1: In India, human-tiger conflicts result in fatalities and livestock loss.
  • Example 2: In South Africa, elephants damage crops, impacting farmers’ livelihoods.
  • Example 3: In Australia, sharks pose a risk to swimmers and surfers.
  • Analysis: These examples highlight the challenges of coexisting with wildlife.

V. Opposing View 2: Hindrance to Development

  • Topic Sentence: Wildlife conservation can hinder economic development and infrastructure projects.
  • Example 1: In Brazil, protecting the Amazon rainforest limits agricultural expansion.
  • Example 2: In China, preserving pandas restricts urban development in certain areas.
  • Example 3: In Kenya, wildlife reserves sometimes limit land available for housing.
  • Analysis: These instances show how wildlife conservation can conflict with development goals.

VI. Conclusion

  • Restate Thesis: Wildlife is essential for ecological balance, scientific research, and cultural value, but it can conflict with human needs and development.
  • Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
  • Final Thought: Strive for a balanced approach that values both wildlife conservation and human progress.