| Papers [1-14] of 41 :: [Page 1 of 3] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 —> | Search results on "OBSCENITY": |
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What Constitutes Obscenity?, 2006.
A review of obscenity and what is considered by American society to be obscene.
1,763 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Americans despise obscenity by and large, but have always had a problem with identifying just what was obscene and why. This study maintains that while popular and legal definitions may vary, some people may simply consider something obscene if it is forced upon them rather than when they purposely seek out such literary materials or artistic works for themselves for prurient or other reasons. A summary of the research and important findings is provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Arbiters of Obscenity and Their Implications for Artists and the Media
Conclusion
From the Paper
"According to Kidd, there was essentially no due process provided the artist in this unfair association between him and denied Mapplethorpe his "day in court" in which he could voice his rebuttals; rather, the case was an example of an arbitrary - and some say capricious - decision by the Institute for Contemporary Art as to what they regarded as obscene, and they got paid handsomely for the privilege of designating Mapplethorpe's work as being obscene: "The key decisions that implicated the NEA in the funding of 'obscenity' were made not by the artist, and not even by the NEA, but by mediating arts organizations -- specifically, the Institute for Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, that used a $30,000 NEA grant to mount a retrospective of Mapplethorpe's photography" (Kidd, 2003, p. 6). By any measure, Mapplethorpe's works could be viewed as being inappropriate for certain age groups or others, depending on the unique individual factors involved, but the same issues that affected the Mapplethorpe outcome are at play in virtually every instance of the obscenity determination."
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Catullus and Obscenity, 2005.
This paper discusses the function of sex and obscenity in the poetry written by Catullus.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, £ 32.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the first thing about Catullus that may strike a modern reader is his frequent preoccupation with sex in general, and with obscenity in particular. The writer maintains that this is in stark contrast with his love poems about lesbians. Further, the writer points out that it has been said that Catullus sought in love not sexual transport but a deep human union which would last a whole lifetime.
From the Paper
"On examination an argument can be made that these two facets were flip sides of the same coin, and together offer a complete and direct look into the mind and heart of Catullus. They reveal to us two honest, although contradictory, faces of the same man. Like all of us, Catullus encapsulates dark and light in one person. He is highly unusual in that he communicates both sides so directly and personally with his readers. It seems that the obscenity, along with the love and pain, has the same function: they achieve the direct and honest expression that Catullus clearly desired."
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National Obscenity Standard, 2001.
Analysis of Supreme Court's 1975 landmark ruling in Miller vs. California. History of obscenity definitions. Role of Congress & FCC. Problem of a national consensus & local community standards.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 4 sources, £ 49.95
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From the Paper
"Any discussion of a national obscenity standard must begin with the question: Does one exist? The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Miller v. California, along with subsequent clarifying decisions, declared that from then on local communities would in effect establish their own rules and standards of what was and was not obscene. What's more, the court "specifically rejected the concept of a nationwide 'contemporary community standard,' and left to the individual states" to determine the scope of the community upon which questionable material might be judged (Linz, 1994, 82). Thus, at the time many thought this might abolish for good any thought of a national standard. Not surprisingly, however, considering the unpredictability of American public life, the high court's ruling has raised surprising ..."
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"Obscenity and Pornography" ( Berl Kutchinsky ), 1999.
Analyzes the 1983 article's argument that pornonogrphy is not a major social problem.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, £ 24.95
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Abstract
"Berl Kutchinsky, in "Obscenity and Pornography: Behavioral Aspects," states that "In the twentieth century the issue of pornography, like that of environmental pollution, has grown from insignificance to the status of a 'major social problem'" (Kutchinsky, 1983, p. 1077). In
From the Paper
"Berl Kutchinsky, in "Obscenity and Pornography: Behavioral Aspects," states that "In the twentieth century the issue of pornography, like that of environmental pollution, has grown from insignificance to the status of a 'major social problem'" (Kutchinsky, 1983, p. 1077). In fact, Kutchinsky clearly means to hold up the phrase "major social problem" in describing pornography in order to show that the term does not apply in reality to pornography. This report will examine the ways in which Kutchinsky demonstrates that, in fact, there is little if any evidence to support the argument that pornography can legitimately qualify as a major social problem. The reader finishes Kutchinsky article with the clean impression that the author believes pornography is hardly a legitimate social problem at all."
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Pornography and the First Amendment, 1992.
A look at the definition of free speech, obscenity, court cases, decisions and determination of obscenity.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, £ 24.95
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From the Paper
"Pornography and the First Amendment
Erotic literature, depictions, and displays have been common in all cultures since ancient times, with some of the earliest examples belonging to the ancient Greek civilization, which frequently celebrated the human form in art.1 Although not as prevalent as during the Greek period, erotic art continued to be produced throughout the Roman period, Middle Ages, and Renaissance.2 Throughout these times, little attempt was made by governments to censor or regulate these materials, except during the Puritan period in England and the American colonies during the 17th Century.3
Protected under. the First Amendment of the Constitution, there has been much debate as to what constitutes speech. It is generally agreed that conduct, in order to be protected, must..."
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Law and Morality, 2006.
An essay discussing the intersection of law and morality using a Canadian Supreme Court case on obscenity.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, £ 22.95
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Abstract
The question of the intersection of law and morality is one that has been the subject of debate among philosophers and jurists for centuries. In this essay the debate between Patrick Devlin and H. L. A .Hart with respect to the relationship between law and morality is explored with reference to R. v. Butler, a decision of the Supreme Court of Canada on the question of obscenity. The paper argues that in the Butler decision the Supreme Court adopted the utilitarian justification - as described by Hart - in its approval of the limitation of the freedom of expression of Donald Butler.
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Pornography in Canada, 2002.
A summary and critical evaluation of the article "Pornography, Censorship, and Obscenity Law in Canada"by Leo Groarke.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 1 source, £ 41.95
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Abstract
Leo Groarke, in his article "Pornography, Censorship, and Obscenity Law in Canada," presents an analysis of the issues of censorship, pornography and their co-existence with the principles of free speech and freedom of expression, in Canada and the United States. This analysis explores these issues from a primarily Canadian perspective, beginning with an analysis of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of these issues and extending this to their application in case law and legislation. Within this context, Groarke argues that while proposed legislation in Canada with regard to pornography and freedom of speech are flawed in that they do not take into account the complexities of these issues, it is nonetheless possible to reconcile restrictions on access to pornographic materials while still maintaining the principle of freedom of thought, speech and expression in our society.
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A Question of Ethics, 2002.
The issue of obscenity in the media.
2,385 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses obscenity in the form of sexual explicitness and wanton violence in the media and questions whether the media can claim 'freedom of speech' as a reason for using sex and violence to sell their products and films. The paper examines the effect of violent and offensive media on children and society as a whole.
From the Paper
"These acts of violence include not only murder, but also rape, other forms of sexual assault, assault and aggravated assault, and robbery. In 1996, juvenile offenders accounted for more than 40 % of all instances of serious violent crime (all the above except for simple assault), and some 30% of the perpetrators of all violent crimes were juveniles. (Snyder and Sickmund. Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 1999 National Report) That these inappropriate behaviors are influenced by the images seen on television, in video games, and in other media is not in doubt. The typical American child watches an average of twenty-eight hours of television a week. By the time this child has reached the age of eighteen, he will have witnessed some 16,000 television murders and 200,000 sundry acts of violence."
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National Endowment for the Arts ( NEA ), 1992.
A discussion of obscenity, the pros and cons of funding it and the hard anti-funding stance.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, £ 32.95
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From the Paper
"The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is responsible for funding many art projects throughout the United States. Recently, controversy has arisen concerning the group's funding of what right-wing fundamentalists consider "pornographic" art. As reported by NEA chair John Frohnmayer: "A dozen arts professionals in Seattle were informed that 'political realities' make it likely I will have to veto some grants recommended by the Endowment's peer panels.". These "political realities" come in the form of protests from people like Pat Robertson and Senator Jesse Helms who feel the NEA has recently funded some artists' works depicting what they consider "obscenity."
The NEA has funded many worthwhile projects in communities all over the country, for example, orchestras performing Brahms and Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf." However, shows exhibiting..."
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Internet Censorship, 1996.
Examines regulatory proposals. Fines, obscenity, sexual messages, protecting children, role of parents and free speech.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, £ 24.95
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From the Paper
" Interactive computing is found in places like the Internet, a loose agglomeration of computing networks that enables the user to access vast amounts of information from sources all over the world. The Internet is notorious for being difficult to learn and to traverse, but those who manage to learn can access huge amounts of printed data, images, and even video on a limited basis. As access to the Internet in its various forms becomes more prevalent, including the World Wide Web, Usenet Groups, and bulletin board services through such access providers as America On-Line, Prodigy, and CompuServe, parents and government officials have become more concerned about the possibility that children will be able to access areas of the Internet containing obscene materials, pornographic images, and even pedophiles on line looking for young people. This concern has led to proposals."
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Freedom of Speech, 2001.
History of First Amendment free speech clause. Free speech prior to 1st Amendment; Bill of Rights; U.S. Supreme Court rulings & interpretaitons of political speech, obscenity. Internet & free speech.
4,050 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 25 sources, £ 70.95
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From the Paper
"The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech." And although the First Amendment specifically mentions only Congress, the provision now applies to protect the free speech rights of each individual from all governmental intrusion, including local, state and federal. In many ways, the evolution of the right to free speech in the United States illustrates the social and political history of the nation. Begun as a contested amendment to the Constitution, the right to freedom of speech has become one of the central tenets of American democracy."
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Allen Ginsberg's "Howl", 2006.
A review of Allen Ginsberg's controversial poem "Howl".
1,949 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the poem "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg which led to a widely publicized court case dividing readers between a view of art and obscenity. This paper discusses how "Howl" is not obscene or socially deviant writings, but instead, a valuable social critique of Ginsberg's time. By teasing out the parts that are labeled obscene, it picks the most controversial topics and explores the meanings behind them, also showing how it is more of a social critique than plan obscenity for no reason.
From the Paper
"The topic of homosexuality and blatant crudeness towards heterosexuality makes itself visible in the text, a topic that society at the time tried to shy away from and viewed as indecent. The most obvious is the image of one having anal intercourse and not feeling ashamed to enjoy it, "who let themselves be fucked in the ass by saintly motorcyclists, and screamed with joy" (128), writing in this way without holding back literally shoves the idea of homosexuality in the face of the reader, without hiding from it, and makes the reader interpret it in the poem. The character does not care where the sex comes from, jumping into passing limousines "seeking jazz or sex or soup" (127), he or she seems to not care where or how they receive this sex they are looking for, comparing it to something as little as soup or jazz."
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China and its Internet Regulations, 2002.
A discussion of how the Chinese Government exercises authority on how its citizens use the internet, simultaneously restricting websites that are considered obscene or offensive to the government.
2,227 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 13 sources, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how China would like to embrace the internet for the prosperity of its country while keeping their citizens safe from illegal material that could demoralize the society. It looks at how Chinese leaders are trying to make constructive usage of the Internet because they realize the profit wired economy can bring to their country and how they also feel that political discussions should not be openly accessible by their citizens or other countries since it can bring harm to the well being of their law and order situation. It looks at how the internet in China has been predominantly controlled by the authoritarian regimes and how officiating bodies are bent on filtering material and also have the users register online.
From the Paper
"In China Playboy, CNN, BBC all have one thing in common, they have been blocked by the local ISPs. Even search engines like Google and AltaVista have become restricted sites. The Chinese government has blocked these sites because it finds them rebellious to their regime. The search engines have been blocked so that the citizens cannot access material that is anti-government and may threaten the ruling Communist Party. The Chinese government's does not approve of Google because it has the ability to allow the users to see cached websites. This ability allows the users to see archived sites that may have been deleted or blocked. However, Chinese people have their own way to get around this, they use Elgoog that is a site similar to Google and are not filtered. This site is written backward that is why it requires a mirror to be read. People can access Google by typing search queries backward in this site. The governments stand on blocking Alta Vista and Google have led the people to use domestic search engines that are approved by the communist government."
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National Endowment for the Arts, 1992.
Examines controversies over the NEA funding of art called obscene by conservative groups, discussing economics, censorship issues, public views, legislation, quality of art and leadership.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, £ 37.95
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From the Paper
"The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has become a key funding source for all kinds of artistic endeavors across the country. For many it has been a savior at the taxpayers' expense; for others, an ill-conceived bureaucracy that should never have been created. However, it has survived and if Congress has its way it will continue to do so, but at a more controlled level. The purpose of this report will be to discuss the state of the arts in America as it relates to the NEA and the government's right to insert itself in the grand selection process by placing restrictions on what artists can do. In other words, government could be determining what is art and what isn't art, a situation causing much consternation among those in and outside of the arts. And, if government does have the right, what does this mean for the art world?"
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