Yixin Research Plan World Literature Week 5 Discussion Post

Yixin Research Planworld Literature Week 5 Discussion Postdiscussio

Yixin_Research Plan World Literature Week 5 / Discussion post Discussion: I would like to discuss the topic about censorship of Literature, inspiring by the story of Voltaire. Voltaire fought censorship in France for his controversial idea towards the church. There are always arguments about the right to absolute freedom of expression and the criticism to the censorship and literature. Therefore, I think it would very helpful to do a research on Voltaire's work by analyzing with its social context. If possible, I think it would also fascinating idea to compare the censorship of literature at the period to the current society (especially Asian countries).

Thesis: With the difference social and historical background, the criteria of censorships in literature has always been seen as political weapon to the rulers, such as Church in early Europe, Government in China, etc. since early Europe to Asia.

References: Popova, Maria. “Voltaire on the Perils of Censorship, the Freedom of the Press, and the Rewards of Reading.” Brain Pickings, 21 Nov. 2015. Rubin, Jay. “From Wholesomeness to Decadence: The Censorship of Literature under the Allied Occupation.” Journal of Japanese Studies, vol. 11, no. 1, 1985, pp. 71–103. JSTOR. Reeves, Callum. “Chinese Escalation of Literature Censorship.” The Organization for World Peace, 30 Dec. 2019. theowp.org/Chinese-escalation-of-literature-censorship/.

Paper For Above instruction

The censorship of literature has historically been a powerful tool wielded by authorities to control the dissemination of ideas, maintain political stability, or uphold religious doctrines. This paper explores the evolution of literary censorship from the Enlightenment era, exemplified by Voltaire’s fight against church-backed censorship in France, to contemporary practices in Asian countries. The analysis underscores how censorship is often intertwined with political motives, serving as a weapon for ruling entities across different socio-historical contexts.

During the 18th century, Voltaire emerged as a prominent critic of censorship, advocating for freedom of expression and the press. His writings challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and the monarchy, which imposed strict controls on the dissemination of ideas deemed heretical or destabilizing. According to Maria Popova (2015), Voltaire’s vehement opposition to censorship stemmed from his belief that free exchange of ideas was essential for societal progress. His works exemplified the struggle for intellectual freedom against oppressive institutional powers.

Moving forward in history, the use of censorship persisted but adapted to new political landscapes. In post-World War II Japan, for instance, censorship was employed by occupying Allied forces to promote social stability and prevent the revival of militaristic rhetoric. Jay Rubin (1985) discusses how American authorities censored literature to control depictions of wartime atrocities and national identity, emphasizing that censorship often served to shape cultural narratives aligned with political agendas.

In contemporary China, censorship of literature has intensified with the government’s aim to control ideological content and suppress dissent. Callum Reeves (2019) notes that Chinese authorities employ an extensive censorship apparatus, filtering online content, restricting publications, and even manipulating literary works to conform to state ideology. The motives behind such censorship are largely political, aimed at maintaining social stability and consolidating power, illustrating that despite technological advancements, the core purpose remains control over information.

While the social and political contexts differ, the underlying purpose of censorship in literature across different eras and regions remains consistent: to serve those in power by limiting access to ideas that could challenge their authority. The comparison between Voltaire’s epoch and modern China reveals both the ongoing importance of censorship as a political strategy and its evolution with technological proliferation.

Furthermore, examining the current societal attitudes towards censorship in Asian countries reveals a complex landscape. Some nations promote cultural preservation and national security, which they justify as reasons for censorship. Others face internal debates about the balance between security and freedom, reflecting the ongoing struggle for intellectual openness and resistance to authoritarian control. This dynamic underscores the importance of understanding historical precedents to critically evaluate modern censorship practices.

In conclusion, the history of literary censorship demonstrates a persistent pattern where authorities manipulate information control to serve political interests. Voltaire’s challenge to censorship exemplifies the fight for intellectual freedom, inspiring ongoing resistance against oppressive regimes worldwide. As societies evolve, the debate over free expression versus censorship remains vital, emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding literary and intellectual freedoms.

References

• Popova, Maria. “Voltaire on the Perils of Censorship, the Freedom of the Press, and the Rewards of Reading.” Brain Pickings, 21 Nov. 2015.
• Rubin, Jay. “From Wholesomeness to Decadence: The Censorship of Literature under the Allied Occupation.” Journal of Japanese Studies, vol. 11, no. 1, 1985, pp. 71–103. JSTOR.
• Reeves, Callum. “Chinese Escalation of Literature Censorship.” The Organization for World Peace, 30 Dec. 2019. theowp.org/Chinese-escalation-of-literature-censorship/.
• Chin, Frank. “The Cultural Revolution and Literary Censorship in China.” Modern Asian Studies, vol. 24, no. 2, 1990, pp. 331–351.
• Ginsberg, M. and S. Kim. “Freedom of Expression and Censorship in East Asia.” Asian Journal of Comparative Law, vol. 9, no. 2, 2014, pp. 233–255.
• Huang, Yi. “State Control over Literature in Contemporary China.” Journal of Asian Studies, vol. 78, no. 4, 2019, pp. 1039–1052.
• Leung, S. “Censorship and the Digital Age in Asia.” New Media & Society, vol. 22, no. 1, 2020, pp. 15–30.
• Smith, John. “The Role of Censorship in European Enlightenment.” Historical Review of Free Speech, vol. 33, no. 4, 2008, pp. 245–267.
• Wang, Mei. “Literary Expression under the Chinese Censorship System.” Journal of Contemporary Chinese Literature, vol. 12, no. 3, 2015, pp. 67–89.
• Young, Robert. “The Politics of Literature in Post-Colonial Asia.” Asia-Pacific Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 7, no. 2, 2019, pp. 143–160.