Will The UK Ever Completely Abolish Censorship of Film and Literature Like in Denmark’s Sixties?

Will the United Kingdom ever fully abolish censorship of film and literature, as it happened in Denmark during the sixties? The answer is likely no, at least not anytime soon. Let’s explore why.

Political Climate and Public Demand

The primary reasons against fully abolishing censorship in the UK involve the political climate and public demand. Politicians generally undertake significant changes only when there is a strong, widespread call for it. Currently, there is little such call in the UK for total abolition of censorship.

Additionally, the lack of censorship of literature in the UK already reflects a significant liberalization. Most publications and books can be legally published without facing serious restrictions. The exception remains in film and TV, where some censorship still prevails. However, the limitations are more about genres and time slots rather than outright prohibition.

Media Access Alternatives

Furthermore, the emergence of digital media and platforms has provided alternatives to traditional broadcasting. Those who desire content that isn't available on primetime TV can easily find it on other channels or streaming services. This flexibility means that censorship, when it does occur, is more about controlling access during peak viewing times rather than outright prohibition.

The phrase “start your own channel then” suggests that creators and consumers have numerous options to bypass traditional media restrictions. This diversity of content delivery mechanisms significantly mitigates the impact of any remaining censorship.

Cultural and Social Factors

Another aspect to consider is the cultural and social context. The Danish example showcases a highly progressive and broad-minded society, which made it possible to move away from comprehensive censorship. In contrast, the UK, while becoming increasingly liberal, still has a diverse population with varied values and beliefs.

The political and cultural landscape in the UK tends to be more conservative. The prevailing sentiment among a significant portion of the population is that not every form of content should be freely accessible, especially those that depict violence or are deemed inappropriate for children. This attitude is reflected in the continued presence of certain forms of censorship on film and TV.

Focus on Violence, Not Sex

There is a far greater focus on the regulation of violent content in the UK compared to sexual content. While sexual content may be viewed as a fundamental aspect of human life, violence is often seen as harmful and a potential source of social instability.

That being said, the argument for maintaining some level of censorship is frequently tied to the welfare of children. In the UK, the primary concern is often how to protect minors from exposure to harmful content. While the UK has made significant strides in this area, the debate about the appropriate level and nature of censorship remains ongoing.

Conclusion

The UK has made considerable progress in terms of freedom of expression, particularly in literature. However, the diverse and often conservative cultural views in the UK, combined with the availability of alternative content delivery platforms, make a full abolition of censorship in the traditional sense unlikely. Instead, the focus continues to be on ensuring that harmful content, especially violent content, is appropriately regulated to protect children and maintain social stability.