Are governments justified banning works of art ?

Editorial, [ Thursday, September 14, 2006  ]

History is replete with innumerable examples of the state or symbols of authority clamping down on the artists or their works or ideas. 

From Galileo to Leonardo-da-Vinci, from the present day Hussein to the editors of the Danish paper, from Deepa Mehta for her portrayal of the elements of earth to more recently the Fanaa-Amir khan controversy, all have come under fire from the State or various organizations for the ideas expressed via art, literature or scientific postulates.

While Galileo was castigated for going against the popular belief and the dogmatic views of the church, Hussein and the Danish editors had to face the consequences of taking the artistic creative independence way too far to hurt the sentiments of particular communities.

When it comes to creativity, there is a thin line between the expression or freedom of speech and contempt through speech. The onus of maintaining the balance between the two should lie on the artist (or the creator of the art).  

However, the fact remains that construing of the expressions depends on the perceptions of individuals and hence is subjective as such.  

An idea which the artist might want to imply through his creativity may not be as apparent to some sections of his audience or to the lesser informed and may be perceived differently to what the artist intended.  

The artist and the audience should both be aware of this fact, before they start interpreting each others actions.

It is in these contexts that the role of the governments or any social organization comes under the scanner. Governments need to ensure that freedom of speech does not come at the cost of offending the sentiments of any given section of the society.

With varied and diverse opinions floating around, the government has to impress upon the artists of the need and importance of striking that fine balance. It has every right to impose bans on instruments which may lead to controversies.

A word of caution though.  

Bans seem the way out, but they also lead to development of undercurrents. The government needs to ensure that no vested interests of any group are promoted under the guise of bans.

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