Living in a time when our fundamental rights and freedom of expression are protected by the law, it is hard to imagine that we can choose to be censored in any way. Yes, censorship would be unacceptable in normal times but, America, during the Second World War was not in an ordinary time. War is an extraordinary circumstance, in which national security takes precedence over individual freedoms and rights. Because normal life is suspended during a war, it is justifiable to put in place special measures like censorship. Therefore, censorship during the Second World War in the form of the limitations placed on information dissemination and freedom of speech as well as press censorship is defensible.
The Second World War was in an age that had not yet discovered the internet and the possibilities of electronic communication. Communication was mainly through snail mail, radio and cable transmissions. Censorship served two purposes. One was to ensure that sensitive military information did not reach enemy hands. Censors also used the same sources to look for information that would help American troops. Censorship was thus an effective way of guarding national security.
DelVechhio notes that, throughout history, the American government has imposed restrictions on the press every war time (250). Press censorship during the Second World War prevented the publication of sensitive information on battles and troop movements. Also, because the press, in the form of magazines, radio and newspapers were opinion makers, it was important that their opinions helped to keep up the morale of a nation and encourage the support of war efforts. Viewed in the context of the times and the extraordinary circumstance of a World War, censorship, both of individuals and the press is justifiable.
Works Cited
DelVechhio, Brian William. “Press Access to American Military Operations andthe First Amendment: The Constitutionality of Imposing Restrictions.” Tulsa Law Journal (1995): 226-250. Web 28 October 2014
Emerson, Thomas I. “Freedom of Expression in Wartime.” University of Pennsylvania Law Review (1968): 973-1011. Web 28 October 2014
Fiset, Louis. “U.S Censorship of Enemy Alien Mail in World War II.” Prologue Magazine (2001): n, pag. Web 28 October 2014
