Facebook Twitter Instagram
Search
844.520.6991
My Account
  • Show Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Annual Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Cyber Liability
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Who We Insure
    • Artists & Crafters
      • Artists
      • Crafters
      • Artisans
      • Jewelers
      • Painters
      • Glass blowers
      • Potters
      • Paper Crafters
      • Sculptors
      • Wood & Metal Crafters
      • Leather Crafters
      • Clothiers
      • Vendors
    • Art & Craft Booth Holders
      • Craft Fairs
      • Art Shows and Festivals
      • Trade Shows
      • Farmers Markets
      • Swap Meets
      • Events for Arts and Crafts
      • Arts and Crafts Vendors
      • Fairs
      • Conventions
    • Art Galleries
    • Exclusions
      • Show Policy
      • Annual Policy
  • Events
    • Register an Event
    • Why register?
    • Upcoming Events
  • About Us
    • FAQs
    • Contact us
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Koins For Kenya
  • Buy Now
    • Buy Show Policy
    • Buy Annual Policy
Menu
  • Show Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Annual Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Cyber Liability
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Who We Insure
    • Artists & Crafters
      • Artists
      • Crafters
      • Artisans
      • Jewelers
      • Painters
      • Glass blowers
      • Potters
      • Paper Crafters
      • Sculptors
      • Wood & Metal Crafters
      • Leather Crafters
      • Clothiers
      • Vendors
    • Art & Craft Booth Holders
      • Craft Fairs
      • Art Shows and Festivals
      • Trade Shows
      • Farmers Markets
      • Swap Meets
      • Events for Arts and Crafts
      • Arts and Crafts Vendors
      • Fairs
      • Conventions
    • Art Galleries
    • Exclusions
      • Show Policy
      • Annual Policy
  • Events
    • Register an Event
    • Why register?
    • Upcoming Events
  • About Us
    • FAQs
    • Contact us
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Koins For Kenya
  • Buy Now
    • Buy Show Policy
    • Buy Annual Policy
My Account
Act Logo
My Account
  • Show Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Annual Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Cyber Liability
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Who We Insure
    • Artists & Crafters
      • Artists
      • Crafters
      • Artisans
      • Jewelers
      • Painters
      • Glass blowers
      • Potters
      • Paper Crafters
      • Sculptors
      • Wood & Metal Crafters
      • Leather Crafters
      • Clothiers
      • Vendors
    • Art & Craft Booth Holders
      • Craft Fairs
      • Art Shows and Festivals
      • Trade Shows
      • Farmers Markets
      • Swap Meets
      • Events for Arts and Crafts
      • Arts and Crafts Vendors
      • Fairs
      • Conventions
    • Art Galleries
    • Exclusions
      • Show Policy
      • Annual Policy
  • Events
    • Register an Event
    • Why register?
    • Upcoming Events
  • About Us
    • FAQs
    • Contact us
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Koins For Kenya
  • Buy Now
    • Buy Show Policy
    • Buy Annual Policy
Menu
  • Show Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Annual Policy
    • Coverage details
    • Compare Policies
    • Cyber Liability
    • Price Check ACT
    • Buy Now
  • Who We Insure
    • Artists & Crafters
      • Artists
      • Crafters
      • Artisans
      • Jewelers
      • Painters
      • Glass blowers
      • Potters
      • Paper Crafters
      • Sculptors
      • Wood & Metal Crafters
      • Leather Crafters
      • Clothiers
      • Vendors
    • Art & Craft Booth Holders
      • Craft Fairs
      • Art Shows and Festivals
      • Trade Shows
      • Farmers Markets
      • Swap Meets
      • Events for Arts and Crafts
      • Arts and Crafts Vendors
      • Fairs
      • Conventions
    • Art Galleries
    • Exclusions
      • Show Policy
      • Annual Policy
  • Events
    • Register an Event
    • Why register?
    • Upcoming Events
  • About Us
    • FAQs
    • Contact us
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Koins For Kenya
  • Buy Now
    • Buy Show Policy
    • Buy Annual Policy

Home - Blog - To Censor or Not to Censor: That is the Question

To Censor Or Not To Censor: That Is The Question

  • January 13, 2015
TO CENSOR OR NOT TO CENSOR: THAT IS THE QUESTION
Facebook
Twitter

Note: The opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of ACT Insurance, its employees, or any of the companies affiliated with it.

In light of recent events, it seemed a good time to write a blog post about something that many artists and other creative people have faced for thousands of years and that some of them are still facing today. When, if ever, is it ok to censor art or books, and how much freedom of expression should creative people be allowed to have?

These are difficult questions that can’t be fully answered with this simple blog post. So why bring it up? Why bother even writing about it? Because having the conversation is just as important as answering the question.

As with most everything, people have differing opinions on the issue. There are those who believe that some images and words are not appropriate and should be censored every time. Other people believe that nothing should be censored – under any circumstances. There are also those who take a middle ground.

Sometimes the reasons art is censored changes over the years. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain has been censored numerous times over the years. While today it is usually banned because of its racist language and stereotypes, it was first banned one month after its publication by a Massachusetts library in 1885, according to a Huck Finn teacher’s guide provided by PBS. Why was it banned? Because of the “very low grade of morality…couched in the language of a rough dialect [with] a systemic use of bad grammar and an employment of rough, coarse, inelegant expressions. It is also very irreverent…”

Ouch! What artist or author would want to hear that about their work? Mark Twain didn’t mind. His response: “They have expelled Huck from their library…this will sell us another 25,000 copies for sure.”

There are good reasons that people give for why censorship is needed (usually for the sake of children), whether you agree with them or not. There are good reasons that people give for why censorship is not needed, whether you agree with them or not.

Still, it seems odd to call for art to be censored simply because I don’t like what I’m seeing. Who am I to censor something that I consider “offensive” when someone else may have the opposite feelings as I do? My feelings about this “indecent” thing may be very strong. The other person may have feelings just as strong as mine. A piece of art that I consider “immoral” could be a beautiful work of art to someone else.

And here’s the great thing: If I am offended by some piece of art, I have options. I can be my own censor.

If I find a passage in a book that is offensive to me, I can stop reading and close the book.

If I’m at a museum and I see something “indecent,” I can walk away.

If I see art I consider offensive about someone or something that I consider sacred (or that I feel at least deserves reverential treatment), I can ignore it.

What I do know, and I think the majority of people in the world would agree with me, is that there is NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON LIVING ON THIS EARTH who has the right to kill someone else because they were offended by an image, word, or other piece of art. Ever. No exceptions.

Artists, authors, sculptors, and other creative individuals should have the right to create whatever art they want. I have the right to personally decide whether that art is something I want to look at or not. In essence, it really is that simple.

Do you agree with the post? Want to express your opinion about censorship? Please comment below.

Annual / Show policies

Show policies

starting at
$49
Buy policy

Annual policies

starting at
$279
Buy policy

Not ready to buy?

Set up a reminder to make the switch

Set a reminder

Check Out Our Most Recent Blog

ACT Spotlight artist, Joan Radell, shows off her showing machine with all of her sewing tools she has invented and sells at craft shows.

Finding Purpose in Unexpected Places

Joan Radell combines creativity with practicality as her unusual sewing tools help crafters stitch together beautiful works of art.

See What People Are Saying

Excellent insurance. Fast and straightforward.
Obtaining insurance for my event was fast and seamless. Thank you for allowing me time to focus on my art and less on logistics.
Lisa Q.Real People. Real Artists.
We Love Act Insurance
We have used Act Insurance for a couple of years now.... ...We immediately have access to our policy and any past policies are kept in your online account for future reference if needed. It makes things so easy and they have been very reliable! Definitely recommend using them.
R.B.Real People. Real Artists.
I spoke with Melissa who was awesome in helping me. She was understanding of my concerns and took the time to answer all of my questions and was extremely professional.
Peggy L.Real People. Real Artists.
Easy And Fast To Get Covered
Very easy to get covered through Act Insurance! It was cheaper than other places I checked and they were very quick in getting us covered.
Cheryl C.Real People. Real Artists.
Great Service!
The online process was fast and efficient. They provided all tge necessary documents I needed.
Trusted CustomerReal People. Real Artists.
Easy To Use And Keep In Place At An Affordable Price
I have referred fellow crafters to it, as the policies which they were getting through their regular insurance agents were over twice as much and did not cover as much.
Lynn W.Real People. Real Artists.
It Was So Very Fast And Easy! TY
It was a very user friendly transaction! I thank you!
Trusted CustomerReal People. Real Artists.
Highly Recommend
Website is easy to use; process is simple and straightforward. This is my second time purchasing a short-term policy and would definitely do it again.
Patricia N.Real People. Real Artists.
Good Communication, Ease Of Policy Renewal
Emails alerted me clearly about policy renewal and allowed me to do nothing in order for the rollover to occur — very easy!
Trusted CustomerReal People. Real Artists.

Contact Us

ACT Insurance

(Artists, Crafters & Tradesmen)
260 South 2500 West Suite 303
Pleasant Grove UT, 84062

  • 844.520.6991
  • info@actinsurance.com

All policies have conditions, limitations and exclusions, please read the policy for exact verbiage. Claim scenario circumstances vary in nature and similar claims do not guarantee coverage.

© 2013-2021 VeracityInsurance.com | All rights reserved.

Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Licensed in All 50 States
Facebook Twitter Instagram