Re: censorship
There is a myth that's ingrained in society that the people need "the truth" managed. The reasons for this range anywhere from the people are "too stupid" to handle the truth to they will panic/stampede if told the truth. Let's take a current example
There is a myth that's ingrained in society that the people need "the truth" managed. The reasons for this range anywhere from the people are "too stupid" to handle the truth to they will panic/stampede if told the truth. Let's take a current example
The China virus. In one country, we have the government following the myth. They are locking down information, removing social media posts, not inviting people from outside in. In another country, we have a government that seems to be presenting all information available.
One action is causing panic and distrust by the people, the other action is not. One action is allowing people to think horrible thoughts, the other isn't. One action is causing people to question all information coming from that government, the other is not.
One is clearly better than the other. Censorship is never the answer. This also includes classified information. For example the Mueller report was supposed to be classified, the Ukrainian phone call also. Did the nation end because they were released? Did people panic?
While some people couldn't understand the information without putting it through a partisan lens, the majority were fully capable of digesting both.
Some people will point to the panic caused by the "war of the worlds" radio show in the 1938. However, that show was presented in a specific way to seem "real" and while some did panic millions heard it that didn't panic.
From that episode many took the myth to heart and believed that any really bad truth had to be censored to avoid a panic. However, the panic was more about incomplete information. The program was presented as news and gov leaders giving little information leaving
...the people to make up their own nightmares which actually points to releasing more information to avoid panic. The press conference by the Trump task force on the virus showed that the more information presented the less panic and fear it causes.
Censorship is never the answer.
