A Critical Analysis of “A First Amendment Junkie”

Introduction

Susan Jacoby wrote her controversial essay “A First Amendment Junkie” in 1978. Although she was a female journalist with a good reputation, the publication of this essay made her to be better known in women’s society as a “First Amendment junkie” particularly for her candid views relating to the censorship of pornography. In this essay, she held out her firm belief that it was wrong to impose any kind of censorship against pornography as it violated the right to freedom of speech and press guaranteed under the First Amendment. Little wonder that such a radical view ruffled many a feather of feminist activists in particular who found it hard to accept the fact that one of their kind was expressly advocating the right of pornography to exist at all.

In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyze the assertions of the essayist and hold it to scrutiny in light of contrarian views and to present argumentative conclusions on this controversial topic of great concern to society at large.

Summary

Jacoby’s essay unfolds, in her own words, as an “absolute interpretation” (Jacoby) of the First Amendment in relation to the rights concerning a wide range of expression modes in general and pornography in particular. She effectively argues that it is possible on the one hand to frown upon pornography and at the same time to defend the right to freedom of expression that is guaranteed by the First Amendment. She shows how one needs to take a holistic and healthy view of the whole issue without taking rigid stances as either anti- or pro-First Amendment.

This essay presents a bold defense of her unique stance and image as a “First Amendment junkie” and what it means for her in the society of her times.  Her unswerving conviction that the First Amendment must be upheld at all costs without regard to the content of expression found little appeal with the feminist groups. This in effect implied that expression of even prurient and vulgar stuff (read “pornography”) would pass muster even if it might be offensive to certain groups of audience.

It is not surprising to note that Jacoby admitted to having been ostracized and berated by “many women [she] likes and respects” (Jacoby) for her bold views in this controversial essay.    The essayist herself finds pornography offensive, nonetheless she stoutly opposes the averment that it embodies a mode of expression that is particularly vile, dangerous and as such to be forbidden. Jacoby thinks that such an averment is grounded in “the implicit conviction that [pornography] poses a greater threat to women than similarly repulsive exercises of free speech pose to other offended groups.” (Jacoby).

Writing Techniques

Susan Jacoby has a lucid style of putting her bold views across with candor and conviction. She minces no words in castigating the contestants of the First Amendment. She handles a difficult and controversial topic with the ease of a martial art expert, but for the fact that her only weapon is her incisive ideas and her armor unswerving honesty. By the very title– apparently degrading to herself–”A First Amendment Junkie”, Jacoby draws upon the curiosity of the readers and eggs them on to engage in this tricky but substantial social debate on pornography and the freedom of expression.

Critical Analysis

The essay contains her pithy and engaging criticism of the feminists who cried foul of her apparently outrageous defense of the right to expression without excluding pornography per se. It reveals our predilections and prejudices in the matter of interpreting legislation insofar as it pertains to the touchy topic of pornography. Jacoby argues how subjective value propositions and personal preferences lie at the root of an antagonistic approach to categorizing what needs safeguarding or otherwise in the matter of free expression. It sets a precedent to draw the lines between what a group of people in society like or dislike. This in turn leads to a flawed framework of judgmental appreciation to determine what is permissible or otherwise, purely depending upon its finding favor with the biased group. Such a process, Jacoby argues, detracts from what in truth art or creativity stand for, and even creates barriers to their own existence or continuity.

I tend to agree with Jacoby’s observation that the right to free speech and expression must not be fettered on the plea that certain forms of expression such as in pornography appear to be vulgar or offensive to certain groups of people. The essayist thinks that opposition to the First Amendment takes its sustenance from the subscribers’ failure or incompetence to handle hard issues with courage and maturity. She does have a strong argument for keeping moral policing at bay. Perhaps the solution to preventing the pernicious effects of disseminating such offensive materials to impressionable minds lies elsewhere, and not in the quick-fix remedy of proscribing.

Conclusion

Susan Jacoby does not condone or deny that pornography per se can be vulgar, insulting and offensive. At the same time she cannot subscribe to the view that certain forms of free expression such as pornography can be more pernicious or oppressive than others–racial, ethnic, or anti-Semitic writings or expressions, for instance. Although her averments appear to be anti-society at first sight, a deeper reading of her essay will show that if the right to free expression of pornography is shackled under the law, then the American society must be prepared to shut out many other such ideas and their expression as well. Susan rightly concluded that when we are faced with a hard situation in the context of the First Amendment, the temptation to “censor” is quite irresistible, but a better course lies in putting our “faith in the possibilities of democratic persuasion.” (Jacoby, 2005). The bottom-line of her argument is that the fundamental structure and intent of the First Amendment must not get diluted simply by virtue of the objections or personal preferences of some sections of society. This is not to preclude the possibility of eliminating lacunas that may exist in the legislation itself.

Works Cited

Jacoby, Susan. “First Amendment Junkie.” Critical Thinking. Barnet, Sylvan and Hugo Bedaw. Boston: Bedford St. Martin, 2005. 41-43.

On Racist Speech: A Critical Analysis

Introduction

Charles R. Lawrence III, a professor of law at Stanford University, wrote the article “On Racist Speech” against the growing incidence of racial violence, especially in University campuses in the U.S. A college campus has the status of a “home” for the students residing therein, and as such any racist aggression or violence in general and racist speech in particular have the potential to disturb the law, order, and harmony in the social environment, apart from causing injury to the victims of such racial behavior. This paper attempts to analyze the reasons and arguments mooted by Lawrence to demand that racist speech must be regulated, more so in a college campus environment. It also examines how such regulation will impinge upon, or impact, the rights assured under the First Amendment.

Summary

Lawrence begins his article with a focus on the unmistakable message that racial speech “sends a destructive message to minorities that they are inferior and are in turn second class citizens.” (Lawrence). He further feels that the problem of racist speech “has been framed as one in which the liberty of free speech is in conflict with the elimination of racism.” He continues:  “I believe this has placed the bigot on the moral high ground and fanned the rising flames of racism. Above all, I am troubled that we have not listened to the real victims, that we have shown so little understanding of their injury, and that we have abandoned those whose race, gender, or sexual preference continues to make them second-class citizens.” (Lawrence).

The essayist laments that libertarians in civil society who stoutly oppose the plea for clamping down on racist speech have turned away their ears from the cries of the real victims as they do not really understand or appreciate the nature and extent of harm suffered by the victims. Exposing the reality of how championing the cause of free speech for its own sake comes in conflict with efforts to eradicate racism, Lawrence makes an impassioned case for eliciting support from the powers-that-be. A major support that the essayist relies on to drive home his point is the now famously known Brown v. Board of Education case that finally drew curtains on the segregation of students in schools on racial lines. He held this up to show that the government took its awareness of the problem of racism to its next logical step of legal intervention with a view to getting rid of “the system of signs and symbols that signal the inferiority of blacks.” (Lawrence).

Later in his essay, Lawrence takes a strident view that the goal of ending racial oppression and racist speech would remain an empty dream unless and until the regulation of free speech becomes a reality. He argues that under the cover of free speech, racist elements tend to take a moral high ground and go on to add fuel to the fire of this burning issue, thus fanning the “rising flames of racism.” (Lawrence). He thus feels that those who blindly oppose the plea for bridling of free speech in order to halt racial oppression only help in rendering racial animosities grow stronger by the day.

Writing Techniques

Charles Lawrence has a gifted style of narration that is lucid and flowing. He writes cogently with compelling logic and felicity in expression of his ideal. He is at times hard-hitting and honest in his exposition of the realities of life as he sees it, and makes forceful pleas to eradicate the evil of racist speech.

Critical Analysis

The strong plea for regulation of free speech made by Lawrence aims at eliminating racist oppression and racist speech even at the cost of legal restrictions to the rights endowed under the First Amendment. The writer thinks that if society has not been successful in this direction for so long, then it would be futile to imagine that free speech should continue even as the fight against racism goes on. He does not buy the argument that free speech empowers all people, including the victims of racism, to express their views and problems freely. To support his view, he cites the Supreme Court, which ruled that the First Amendment could not be construed as protecting words, which “by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace.” (Lawrence). I am inclined to agree with the views of the author inasmuch as unbridled freedom of speech might rather help in entrenching racist attitudes deeper than in eradicating the evil.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, Lawrence roundly castigated those that opposed regulation of free speech on the facile plea that the good of the society demanded it even if it did cause injury or damage to the victims. He showed how it was inhuman to allow such racist victim groups to continue to “live and work in an environment where at any moment they may be subjected to denigrating verbal harassment and assault.” (Lawrence). He boldly solicited support for the suffering groups of students who had their voices “chilled in a climate of racial harassment.” (Lawrence). Among the many approaches to solving the problem that Lawrence suggested are the need for regulation of free speech especially in college campuses, creating better awareness among those in authority, and empowering the victims of racist speech or aggression.

Works Cited

Lawrence, Charles, R. “The Debates Over Placing Limits on Racist Speech Must Not Ignore the Damage It Does to Its Victims”. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 1989. 1-4.

House of Spirits

The movie “The House of Spirits” was directed by the Danish Film maker Bille August, based on the novel of Isabel Allende. The movie features Jeremy Irons as Etebian, Teri Polo as Rosa Del Valle, Meryl Streep as Clara, Rosa’s sister, Winona Rider as Estebian’s daughter, Antonio Banderas as Estebian’s son-in-law and a hotheaded revolutionary, Joaquin Martinez as Estebian’s illegitimate son who comes back for revenge and Glenn Crose as Ferula, Estebian’s sister.

A brief summary:

The story of the movie is essentially a melodrama that encompasses three generations and contains the elements of revenge, violence, love and telekinesis. The Movie’s plot is set up at Chile and begins in the year 1926. A young man called Estebian falls in love with the daughter of bourgeoisie parents, Rosa De Valle. Being poor himself her parents tell him to become rich before marrying their daughter. Estebian’s hard efforts in the gold mines of Argentina gave him the opportunity to fulfill their demand. However Rosa is killed via poison, as predicted by her sister Clara who has some telekinesis power of the occult. Estebian then moves to Trés Marias and spends around 20 years of his life in transforming the house into a flourishing mansion by exploiting the poor laborers. When he returns to city he meets Clara, who, despite taking a vow of silence speaks for the first time telling Estebian “You have come to propose marriage to me”. They came back to Trés Marias and bore a daughter Blanca who married a short-tempered revolutionary, Pedro. Meanwhile Estebian banishes his sister from the house, beats up his wife and rapes a peasant woman while Argentina is on the verge of revolution. The product of this rape was an angry young man who initially convinces his father to send him to a military school and hence returns with a mind full of hatred and revenge to the Trés Marias. (“House of Spirits”, 1994)

Different dimensions

People with an appetite for such an eventful family saga, would definitely find the movie worth watching twice. The novel too is great to read through. The characters did not have any outstanding role to play but the combined effect did have the potential to move the audience. (“Isabel Allende”, 2008) While Antonio Banderas, as the jeune premier had a trivial role that gave him enough scope of proving himself intense. But nothing influential or attention seeking was traced in any of the roles except that of Estebian and Clara. The roles of the two Hispanics – Miss Alonso and Mr. Martinez were rather entertaining although their roles were undemanding. Despite giving a restrained performance, Meryl Streep’s dialogues and presence held some remote appeal. Glenn Close was dressed up quite boldly compared to her role and gave a shine of unconventional background. Clara’s presentations have rightly suited to bear the power of telekinesis. The movie, though was stretched out did have a substantial story line to hold back the audience. If one considers the Danish film maker’s previous pieces of marvels like Pelle the Conqueror and the appreciated The Best Intentions, from a script by Ingmar Bergman, then “House of Spirits” is a show that holds some difference and would lay large impact on the emotional and temperamental mindset as well as provide much to the calculating mind. Some critics also think that a Dane has no business making a movie about South America, but I personally feel it reflects the versatility and impartiality of a filmmaker.

Aside from these, the rape scene that exposed nudity drew criticisms from the worried parents as this famly oriented movie could not be watched comfortably with a family including children. It also revealed some violence that a young mind would not be able to take. Hence the target audience or rather the viable audience of the movie would be limited. Despite all, the set of audience would defnitely cherish watching the film that would offer a splendid dish for the human soul. Some psychological food of solace might be imparted to the audience as the illegitimate son of Estebian, who has raped his mother, comes back for vengeance after being trained in a distant military school by his father at his request. Inspite of his evilry some justification can still be found in his actions.

The exteriors, which were shot in Portugal might not have looked like Chile, but were certainly gorgeous, being photographed by Jorgen Persson, the Swedish cinematographer. Anna Asp, Bergman’s former production designer along with the photographer has made the settings a spectacular thing to watch. Thus apart from the star cast and direction, the setting and photography is also noteworthy.

Conclusion

Jeremy Irons truly brings out the facets of the character of Estebian via his passionate performance adjusting himself completely and suitably to the changing demands of the role throughout the movie. Clara is gifted with telekinetic ability and she reflects her dedication to the power though does not use it too often. The vow of silence taken by her for a long term may somewhat give muteness of the female character a lot of focus not just because of the oddness of the role but also the deeper expressions revealed from beneath that mask of silence. The overall impact of the movie would be long lasting and moving to the human mind and has a large variety to offer on a single plate.

References

1. “House of Spirits”, August, Bille, Maria Conchita Alonso, Antonio Banderas, Sarita Choudhury, Glenn Close, Miriam Colon, 1994, retrieved on February 19 2008 from:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqlNuX0FVRo
2. “Isabel Allende”, Mostly Fiction, 2008, retrieved on February 19 2008 from: http://www.mostlyfiction.com/latin/allende.htm

Violence papers respond to an array of issues. Everywhere you look, violence plagues the foundation of freedom. Terrorism, religious wars, racism, senseless murders, gangs and workplace disturbances compromise world culture. What does one do to acknowledge violence? Write violence papers to demonstrate your understanding of violence. The world is not as peaceful as you may think. Violence is a recurring theme. Prisons are filled to the maximum capacity with violent criminals. Diversity forces some workers to transform the workplace into a hostile environment. Gangs infect cities with chronic danger. While reduced in present time, racism still exists in modern culture. The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks proves that outside enemies will do everything in their power to undermine a country. How should a student or writer confront violence papers?

Violence parallels the element of fear. Criminology, communication, media, television and film courses incorporate violence into the theme of its studies. Writing service companies employ writers that possess a great deal of experience with violence papers. Usually a majority of violence papers are argumentative and critical in nature. Students are given a platform to voice their concerns. Violence papers counteract violence, as they build on reasoning. Violence papers are carefully thought out. Students should analyze components that were responsible for the violence.

Considering violence from all angles allow violence papers to expand into a resolution process. Interviewing subjects, assessing the media and dissecting the psychology of the mind boosts an entity’s focus on expanding violence into a formal discussion. Preparing an outline to structure the introduction, body and conclusion of the violence papers ensure that facts don’t displace one another. Annotated bibliographies can’t be stressed on enough. Locating quality sources, summarizing the content and maintaining an objective plan cements the writing process. Some students tend to refer back to quotes and author’s ideas when they can develop an original viewpoint. Violence papers are miraculously a good strategy in implementing a plan to combat the violence problem that is sweeping the world. Writing service companies engage into traditional writing practices that construct quality violence papers.

Violence papers designate violence as the true benefactor of cultural destruction. Instead of discussing religious struggle with mediation, countries fight over territory to demonstrate superiority. Adolf Hitler used violence against the Jewish community. Gangs persuade youngsters to join their click for family and validation purposes. Murderers kill their victims because they enjoy the rush. Workers divide the workplace with outlandish behavior stemming from discrimination, fear of minority takeover and irrational thinking. Violence papers cover any violent situation that revolves around historical events. History delivers the most violent moments known to mankind. The past is about conflict, intense struggle and oppression. During the the violent encounter, some guilty parties weren’t aware of their actions. Violence papers are conclusive in noticing the influence of violence toward changing culture.

Violence is a fixture in modern culture. Violence papers communicate the core of the violence problems. Prisons are rapidly exceeding occupancy while the streets continue to foster violence. Why are people enthralled by the act of violence? The media mishandles news coverage, in result, gives violators the green light to grasp at their 15 minutes of fame. Youth culture experiences repression from avoiding violence. Rappers send out a false image that violence is enriching. Writing violence papers is an efficient way to retaliate on the issue of violence. Violence sparks an endless debate, as if rifts through culture, groups and identities. There is no cure for violence and no solution to remedy the infraction. Violence papers delve deep into the source of violence.

The main theme of violence can determine the reason for its occurrence. Writing service companies possess experience with elaborating on violence using quality content and analysis. Violence papers respond to violence using expert, personal and rational thinking. We all know that violence is negative, but at times, coercion is necessary to enforce change. Students have a chance to materialize on violence, which transcends customary criticism to improve modern development. A world without violence may be too boring for people to endure. Facing the consequences of violence is improbable if one avoids challenging the problematic issue in violence papers. As you write violence papers, the influence of the content can challenge violence now so society can enjoy peace, harmony and justice in the near future.

Media violence papers tackle violence on a grand stage. The youth generation is exposed to the corruption of media outlets. Whether it’s television, publications or films, media violence papers demonstrate the effects of its occurrence. There is reason to believe that media violence fosters the destruction of a culture. American culture blames media violence for polluting the minds of young children. The youth generation is an ample target, as media outlets prey on their innocence. FCC and parental controls are thought to be effective monitoring tools in combating media violence. Writing service companies know what it takes to write media violence papers. Experience helps expand the concept of media violence. Loosening restrictions on media violence only makes the matter worse. Media courses, especially ones that target media violence in youth culture, challenge student to develop a complex argument. Supporting or opposing this critical issue is one decision that confronts the murky waters in the form of media violence. How does a student compose media violence papers?

Media violence papers shed light on the inclusion of violence through media portals. Students must first learn about the background of media violence. Use some brainstorming sessions to actually understand the problems of media violence. Annotated bibliographies are useful in obtaining sources and summarizing the core focus of the content. Outlines are necessary to structure media violence papers. Media violence papers are well thought out projects. A valid argument depends on the data collection process. Why do academic institutions contain courses that police the airwaves? Media violence papers respond to the increase in violence through analyzing the fluctuation in divisive media coverage. Viewers know that violent tendencies are linked to media outlets. Students have the chance to build on media violence issues.

What is it about media violence that worries the general public? Everywhere one turns; they hear, see or experience the wrath of violence. The media uses conflict as a ratings booster. Conflict is more memorable than touching coverage. A person remembers violence over any other moment. Media violence papers voice the main concern, which supports that media outlets practice unethical behavior. The media enforce a conflict approach system for the same reason Hollywood caters to audiences with violent oriented films. Media violence papers are written to condense or expand on media violence.

Communication, film and criminology students are exposed to the underlining factors that spark violence. As seen in Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine documentary, media violence is responsible for insensible violence issues. Why is American culture leading the world in violence? Just like Moore suggests, the media influences the mass. In a way, they recruit individuals to mock what they view in magazines, newspaper and in the news. Media violence papers need to sustain a strong argument from beginning to end.

Media violence papers start off like any other academic paper. The introduction should explain your actual goals in response to media violence. Develop a strong thesis that anchors the core of your argument. Once students delve into the body of media violence papers, they can use their thesis to reconnect any lost focus. Media violence problems are inflammable to audiences. Violence preys on the vulnerability of its victims. Once viewers become influenced, they transfer that energy into modeling the violence plan.

Media violence papers are analytical, argumentative, informative and critical for responding to the media’s manipulating practices. The more one learns about media violence, the more seasoned they will be about the issue. Writing service companies are capable of writing effective media violence papers that can be useful in communication, film, television, media, public administration and criminology majors. Other majors may adopt media violence as the core representative of ongoing violence issues. Students are encouraged to curb influences and devise their own argument using media violence papers as a solution to counteracting the violence issue in society. Media violence papers will improve a student’s ability to realize the truth about media violence; airwaves, publications, Internet and visual media manage global violence.