-
John Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger, a NY newspaper printer, printed an article bashing the governor of NY. He was taken to jail and tried for "seditious libel." He was successfully defended by Andrew Hamilton, who was made famous for his quote, "truth cannot be libel." Additional Facts: Libel: saying anything against the government, true or false. (as defined in 1735). NY Governor: William S. Cosby -
-
John Adams signs the Alien and Sedition Acts
These acts decreed 2 years of imprisonment for publishing false, scandalous, and malicious writing about the president. These were allowed to expire in 1801. -
US Postmaster General can no longer prohibit abolisionist pamphlets from being mailed to the South
-
First act of movie censorship: 1897 Heavyweight Championship
Thomas Edison commercialized moving picture technologies in 1894, allowing the production of prizefight films at his studio in NJ, where prizefighting was legal.
However, because of controversy surrounding fighting, Edison decided to veto use of equipment for prizefight films a few months after production. This decision constituted the 1st form of censorship in the motion-pictures. Additional Facts Edison commissioned William Dickson to create motion picture camera used in prize fight filming. -
"Banned in Boston"
The phrase "banned in Boston" is established because the long-established New England Watch and Ward Society was forever getting the city censor to ban books from sale. Many publishers sought to have their books banned in Boston because it would increase sales in other parts of the country.
In 1903, a man walked into the Old Corner Bookstore and asked for a copy of The Adventures of Gargantua and Pantagruel and went about his business. Several days later he brought back a police officer. -
The Sedition Act of 1918
Congress passes a controversial law against opposing World War I. This law was repealed in 1921. -
Tweety Bird is controversial?!?
Tweety Bird first appears in "A Tale of Two Kitties." Animator Bob Clampett originally draws him without feathers, but the Hays Office censorship bureau thinks the plucked bird is just a little too naked. So Clampett covers Tweety's titillating flesh with yellow plumage. Clampett doesn't let this pass quietly, though. In the episode, a cat yells to his partner, "Give me the bird!" To which the other cat responds, "If the Hays Office would only let me, I'd give him the bird, all right!" -
World War II Wartime Censorship
Government control of news was comprehensive. War news had to pass through the Office of War Information. A “Code of Wartime Practices for the American Press” issued on Jan 15, 1942 gave strict instructions on handling of news. The code was voluntarily adopted by the major news organizations and implemented by more than 1,600 press members accredited by the armed forces. The government also relied on reporter’s patriotism, to ensure that dispatches from the front lines accentuated the positive. -
I Love Lucy Censored
During Lucille Ball's pregnancy during an entire season of "I Love Lucy," the actual word "pregnant" isn't allowed on air. Instead, the show uses phrases that seem equally informative but (somehow) less fraught with sin, such as "with child," "having a baby," and "expecting." -
Elvis and his hips: Too much for television
Elvis' first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" is seen by 60 million people (about 80 percent of America's TV owners at the time). His hips, however, aren't so lucky. After his cover of Little Richard's "Ready Teddy" -- complete with trademark gyrations -- the camera switches to a close-up of his face as not to over-stimulate the American public. By the time he appears on the show for the third time (in January 1957), he's only shown from the waist up. -
Gilligan's Island and Belly Buttons...
Mary Ann from "Gilligan's Island," Jeannie from "I Dream of Jeannie," and "Gidget" are all barred from baring their navels. Actress Mariette Hartley receives the same treatment in a 1966 episode of "Star Trek," but the show's director, Gene Roddenberry, gets his revenge in 1973. He recasts Ms. Hartley in the pilot for his new show, "Genesis II," and gives her two belly buttons. -
Free Speech Decisions under Chief Justice Earl Warren
In a series of court decisions, Chief Justice Earl Warren extends the protections of the First Amendment and thus brings much stricter standards of review. Additional Facts:
Warren may be best known for Brown vs. Board of Education, which happened during his tenure as Chief Justice. -
Gulf War Wartime Censorship
Journalists are censored from reporting their exact locations and other sensitive information that may endanger war efforts. -
Edward Snowden
A subject of controversy, Snowden has been variously called a hero, a whistleblower, a dissident, a patriot and a traitor. His disclosures have fueled debates over mass surveillance, government secrecy and the balance between national security and information privacy. -
-
10 Most Challenged Books of 2015
Looking for Alaska
Fifty Shades of Grey
I Am Jazz
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Holy Bible
Fun Home
Habibi
Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan
Two Boys Kissing Reasons:
Language--Sex and sexuality--Unsuited for age--Poorly written--Concerned teens will
try it--Inaccurate--Religious viewpoint--Anti-family--Political viewpoint--Violence--Condones public display of affection
