Valletta anti-censorship march targets five laws

Zachary Stewart

Mar 4th 2010, 18:22

“The right to swing my fist ends where the other man's nose begins.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes.

I always felt that this was a good standard for the limits of free expression. Indeed, modern Europeans (including the Maltese) should be able to to say what they want (@ M. Cassar) even if it's racist, but be prepared to be challenged by other free citizens (not the state) and their right to disagree. Yes, Joss Galea, you should have the right to be as homophobic as you want and I will reserve the right to denounce you and the Catholic Church for it; and neither of us will end up in prison. Unless a citizen is physically endangered by another citizen's "free expression," the state should not be involved. This seems like the simplest, most common sense approach for a free and vibrant Democracy.

Martin Cassar

Feb 28th 2010, 16:08

We shouldn’t limit our perception to censorship only focus in sex. Censorship goes beyond sex.
Censorship or the [big dad] must be there to censor and if required to ban what may eventually harm the society. What about the use of violence (verbal or physical) in media? Consumption of alcohol? Theft? Adultery …etc? Shall we produce more films to aggrandize thieves, Drugs and smoking?
M point is:How would you like the media to deal with all this?Should a rational censorship be applicable and safeguard the society, or should the society be censorship-free?
If the answer is [YES] then we are like all other countries including Somalia and the USA. If the answer is [No] then we are wishing a country yet to exist!
In my humble view when the number of failed marriages outnumbers the number of successful ones, or when the number of death related to overdoses and alcohol consumption swell, or when the number of kids born of unknown fathers forms 25-30% of the total birth, our university students [our valuable asset] should not be worried about condom machines in university campus but should be concerned on how to build a healthy society instead.

Christian Sciberras

Feb 28th 2010, 00:46

Joe Xuereb - The ever-educated M[r]s Camilleri doesn't know that her wide-spanning argument hits as much as 10 year-olds which as much as sexism is concerned, they don't give a s*it about it. I must agree with Martin on this issue, censorship needs to be there in definitive and relevant amounts. However, Anette doesn't know this. She seems to think that people act wide and the same. So according to her, you're either a sexist keen on censoring pornography (?) or you're a free open-minded [dirty in my humble opinion] person.

One doesn't need to see cancer to know about it. I don't have to watch anything to know what's going behind some adults' big brains.
Unfortunately, some kids (perhaps at some university) seem keen on embarking to the adult world by first unlocking the secrets of sex, in which case, less (or no) censorship means more "freedom".

One thing most commentators doesn't seem to grasp (such as Joe and Anette) is how far censorship [or lack thereof] goes, and in this protest, they're targeting at 0 censorship.

Will we be getting pornography freebies on local stations as in satellite [uncensored] TV?

Joe Brincat

Feb 27th 2010, 06:37

@ Mr. Martin Cassar
Obviously the liberals do not want to get down to earth and face reality as they prefer living in own fiction.
Well said Mr. Cassar. A good check-mate.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 26th 2010, 17:23

Some comments here are so confused it is not always easy to decide whether the commentator is for or against censorship.
Martin Cassar. In UK many outlets advertise 'Halal Meat'. No problem. I am not sure I know what you mean by 'Shoah.......where Iran is concerned'?
I hope not to see any 'I love Hitler' stickers. But if I do and I can engage, I will. If it appears on a fleeting car back window, I say: 'Poor ignorant sod!'.
Martin, do not confuse censorship and felony. One cannot 'censor' murder (for example). Murder happens. Then it is the courts' remit. The same with Joss Galea's non-thought-through comment about attacking homosexuals. One cannot censor such attacks. The law deals with them as they invariably happen. These are different matters.
To answer your question Martin, there is not such country that practises total democracy and total freedom of expression. The two often overlap and they are dealt with separately. Get your difinitions right and accurate and then come back with your Iran mumbling.
And Martin, unless you do that you won't get far. That I promise.

Martin Cassar

Feb 26th 2010, 15:23

How far Can I go?

‘People have a right to be protected, ideas, symbols and beliefs do not.’ This sentence was said by our prominent freedom of expression’s apologist Mr. Lou Bondi.

This sounds great and beautiful words indeed! but are these words actually unconditionally implemented in reality? Do these words constitute a universal? Is freedom of expressions used as a political tool?

Should such right of protection be unlimited?

Can I establish a business that print and sells stickers reads ‘I LOVE HITLER’ or ‘I AM A FASCIST’? Or a sticker read Can I have any of such stickers on my private car windscreen please?
I am European to the core and could never be counted as a Holocaust’s denial-my question: would MEPA give me a permission to establish a Kebab outlet with business trade mark [Shoah]? Such exercises are prohibited across Europe and are very much welcomed in Iran. Shall I take it then Iran is a step forward was freedom of expressions is concerned?

@ Can anyone please mention just ONE SINGLE COUNTRY where absolute democracy and freedom of expression exists?

Joss Galea

Feb 26th 2010, 08:15

I completely agree with Martin Cassar!!! I think that these people want to be called "open minded" and "modern". The thing is that if I wirte or say something against homosexuals I get attacked, because I can offend people....but then it's ok to write articles which include cursing God and making fun of Malta...my country!!

Gregorio Guccione

Feb 25th 2010, 23:09

I really agree with K.Borg. I also think that malta is one of the very few western countries that doesnt consider different forms of arts as important and deems them as essentially rubbish. This is a really big pity as I really do think that this repression that is currently hauling over our country is closing doors to the creativity of people of our nation. These people could be forced to think that their creativity is rubbish and thus it wouldnt be developed or encouraged.

ASpiteri

Feb 25th 2010, 21:11

What are you fighting for is a travesty of freedom of speech!

Freedom of speech isn’t about protesting the censorship of some sick filthy story from a sexually frustrated person.

When an old man with the stick was prosecuted and handed a 2 year suspended sentence for a poltical article on the internet, most of you shouted “Salbuh, Salbuh” simply because he’s not in line with your political ideology!

i'm only glad that the nation yet again handed you another perfect demonstration of their disdain towards you sorry lot!

Kevin Cassar

Feb 25th 2010, 20:07

@ Martin Cassar

If you cannot understand freedom of expression it's not our problem but yours. Freedom of expression is the same thing that permits people like you to totally annihilate the english language despite your superior intelligence that permits you to tell other people what to read or do. No you cannot kill someone for the simple reason that killing someone would be imposing death on someone else and that would go against his right to live. The examples you chose to prove your point are exactly what proves the opposite. I can and will criticize whoever I want, including religion. I do criticize the holocaust like everyone else because it was a barbaric ethnic cleansing, similar to what we have in the not so holy "holy" bible. Oh you meant the opposite but could not even spell it out correctly, right? In that case no I cannot claim that the holocaust never happened because I don't believe it never did. Similarly I cannot say anti-semitic stuff because I'm not anti semitic nor racist. You should not just smell the coffee, but drink as many as it takes to get your brain cells working again.

Martin Cassar

Feb 25th 2010, 19:10

They are matured enough, offer every thing free and let them choose and decide for themselves? I sometimes fail to comprehend peoples appreciation of democracy and freedom of expression. Absolute democracy and absolute freedom of expression never existed anywhere in the world at any given point of time. All democracies have Laws for self-protection and to protect the society. If anybody think otherwise then dwelling in illusion I am afraid! Having said that, I ask why do we have laws that prohibit circulation of pornography materials? Can I chose to kill someone? Can some peoples chose to be treacherousness to their country? Perhaps our comments too pass through the editor of timesofmalta.com for scrutiny and censorship if necessary. Again what’s wrong with this? To all liberals favoring the unlimited freedom of actions including the mockery of everything including Roman Catholic Church and the Catholic religion. Would you take the challenge to overtly criticize the Holocaust or dare to write few lines that may appears to some peoples as Anti-Semitism? Personally I wouldn’t take such challenge not to end up behind bars! Laws exists every where including jungles. Wake up and smell the coffee!

Marton Saliba

Feb 25th 2010, 18:51

in the words of Alesteir Croweley: What thou will shall be the whole of the law.

N.Calleja

Feb 25th 2010, 16:17

What a great success this protest was...a crowd of about 300 including politicians etc etc etc! This 'crowd' represents roughly a person in a thousand of the Maltese population!! What a great success indeed!!

R.Flores

Feb 25th 2010, 15:31

Sorry lot? You know what you're saying? You are against a human fundamental right which is very much being practised in EU. No way. I will not allow no one to tell me what to read and see. My question - is the church afraid of losing its power because of this freedom? Is it protecting itself so it can be more flexible to control you? Of course it is. I do not see any christ teaching here. Who are the christians? Christ follower? Are you serious? I thought he was silenced to death, and you are going to say that you agree with a law that takes you to prison for practising free speech? We are free, born free and chained in the process. You decide for yourselves but i want my freedom. What's illegal today will be legal tomorrow, what was legal yesterday will be illegal today. That is your moral, slaves !

Joe Xuereb

Feb 25th 2010, 15:01

So-ho! This is my second home but live a few kilometres away. Soho IS vibrant. I walk there often. The 'girls in the window (read doorways) and, often, their Maltese abusers (read pimps)' entiice me indoors. But I'm no fool. I don't respond. I'm more interested in the 101 delicatessens from different countries. Vibrant. The odd red lampshade in the windows' first floors and up are quaint, and somehow comforting after dark in often dreary London. Picturesque. Picture it. This also happens in Malta naturally. Sans(minghajr/bla) the pretty pinky shades. Because the colour red, in Malta, has sinister connotations and is a no-no.
It is said, and it's true, that a phobia is distanced by familiarity with the object that causes the phobia. Works a charm.
@Kathy.Elliot - you're not worshipping Mammon by any chance are you?
@Christian.Sciberras. This 'novella' may not be suitable for school-children but it's moral, not to be sexist/misogynistic/ageist is apt material for anybody, as stated elsewhere by an Annette Camilleri. I quote her: 'I guess most people are against this story because it PERFECTLY portrays Maltese life and most Maltese men - not that I'm very proud of it, but it's true'. Thanks Annetta. Again.

Raymond Cachia

Feb 25th 2010, 14:13

I live abroad and used to love to watch "Tele Tubi" - nothing made me laugh so much and it gave me hope that my country of birth was coming out of the Dark Ages. Then under a pretext or another, it was banned.

The Nadur carnival - a guy dressed like a Jesus gets hauled to Court, yet in every village and town their are passion displays using live actors, which are not only very humorous but for the fact that these are sanctioned by the Church, would be considered an affront to Christ. In one village in particular, the "Christ" being paraded around in mock sadistic scenes of torture, looks like he is right out of the San Francisco hippy scene as he looks 'stoned' on marijuana. What passes for Spirituality in these islands!!

Censorship, unless it involves cruelty and abuse to children and animals, should be banned.

And why are the 'Censors' NOT the most morally corrupt and degenerate lot, after all it there job is to watch all this 'morally depraved' material? This fact alone should prove once and for all the Censorship is just another 'control' being imposed by an increasingly fascist State.

K.Borg

Feb 25th 2010, 14:07

malta can be considered one of the few remaining western countries that does not consider art in all its ways of expression a vital pillar of society.

whilst as usual the conservative society discusses and argues over and over again about a niche society like the maltese one, the creative and artistic minds of a country are leaving and finding shelter in other societies that allows freedom of speech, artistic values and personal expression. I am one of them, and even though I would prefer expressing my artistic talents in my country, and use my talents to improve my own society, my country does not allow this and thinks art is not vital. hard luck.

Angela Lauri

Feb 25th 2010, 14:04

Where is the word the call progress in Malta, progress my backside, the only progress the Maltese know is how to drain more money out of us foreign resients and tourist. i actually feel sorry for the would be emmigrants to a host country and find things are completly different then their country of birth, its what we call a culture shock and Malta need to liven up and fall in line with the rest of us inteligent civilized europeans., sorry its a bit harsh but there you go, as for us we are off back to mainland europe as we are not used to your sub standard then ours, because if it wasen't for your lovely sun and sea, Malta has nothing else to offer. Have a nice life.

t farrugia

Feb 25th 2010, 13:43

why should someone else dictate what i can or cannot watch? i have actually read the article which was at the centre of controversy and yes it was vulgar. so what? words that most people use!!!!! if you find that material offensive then dont read it!!!!!!! but dont impose your beliefs on others!!!

Stefan Vella

Feb 25th 2010, 13:23

Here we go again.

@M.Darmanin - your standard for "morality" is very probably not exactly the same as mine. just because it is "your morality" doesn't make it the correct one.

@C. Sciberras - better Soho than you or someone else telling me what I can do, read etc. Soho is civilised up to a point, your censorship is degrading to an educated man.

@all the power/control hungry rest - I promise to agree with censorship only if and when I am the only censor. Digest that!

M.Darmanin

Feb 25th 2010, 12:56

oh come on... I agree with the censorship in Malta and it should continue monitoring the Maltese artitic scene with the current mentality. To be artistic in mind and in your productions there is no need to go beyond the morality of humanity or to show provative and vulgar scenes. Modesty and Honesty are the grounds to be successful in your work.

Joseph Cauchi

Feb 25th 2010, 12:45

Many are calling these protesters as the “eccentrics” of society!

Do you agree?

JC.

Ian Fenech

Feb 25th 2010, 12:04

No Mr Spiteri, you are the sorry lot for still beliving censprship is a necessatiy in 2010. The reality is that with the excuse of religious dogma we accept everythign here. Why doesn't anybody say anything about the church and its feeble attempts to control the masses. We even had an archbishop state that divorce and abortion are directly linked, but nobody censors them.....
We have the cheek to comment on the muslims, yet we do not look at ourselves, when it is obvious we also live in a Taliban regime.................

Godwin Saliba

Feb 25th 2010, 12:04

Censorship is the belief by the persons in power (whether lay, religious or political) that they can and should control what people listen, view, read and say. It is also the beleif by the persons in power that they know what is better for their 'subjects'. Censorship also implies that the general population is idiotic enough not to know what is good for itself; or too evil to decide what is right or wrong.
If I don't read certain books; view certain films; or say what I think because I decide and it should not be imposed on me.

A. Grech

Feb 25th 2010, 11:57

No to censorship! yes to rating of published material. I'm with you guys!
Nobody has the right to choose on my behalf what I may read or watch, i'm old enough to do that myself.

Kathy Elliot

Feb 25th 2010, 11:22

Heh, I think the person who wrote that piece of dingbat droppings is preening now; raising a storm in a teacup was possibly part of his aim. As for me, I'm shrugging it off; in the long run, I'm quite open minded enough for either side to win, in my opinion, and this won't make a significant change to my life-style. I'd be more worried to see any news on tarrifs and bills.

Ramon Casha

Feb 25th 2010, 11:00

@Christian Sciberras: Care to point out why the author should not be allowed to write it, or why I should not be allowed to read it? Incidentally, this was distributed at university, not a secondary school. You can stick to nursery rhymes if you want, but I want nobody telling me that they have more rights or ability to determine what is suitable for me than I do.

Albert Borg

Feb 25th 2010, 10:36

Mr ASpiteri


i'm sorry, but the sorry lot would be those who accept anything they are spoonfed and are willing to sit down in an apathetic state whilst doing nothing about, not because they don't care, but even worse, they have no clue about what is going on!

open up your minds for once, we're not saying feed the children satanic messages or expose them to the harsh reality to rob them of their innocence. what we are saying is let me choose for my self what is distateful and what is not. beauty is in the eye of the beholder and sometimes the sweet is never as sweet without the sour.

let us not remain cavemen.

ASpiteri

Feb 25th 2010, 10:06

what a bunch of sorry lot!

Christian Sciberras

Feb 25th 2010, 10:03

While at it, they should also point out how "Li tkisser ssewwi" is educational material more then suitable for secondary school students. NOT.

Nowadays people have no idea of what censorship really meant.
I mean, look at you, discussing the fate of a disgusting story.
This is going too far. The aim is breaking lose of order.
Do you know what you get out of that? Visit soho, the slums...that's what you get....freedom of course!