Birth Of A Nation Critique

“We do not fear censorship, for we have no wish to offend the improprieties or obscenities, but we do demand, as a right, the liberty to show the dark side of wrong, that we may illuminate the bright side of virtue- the same liberty that is conceded to the art of the written word- that art to which we owe the Bible and the works of Shakespeare.”
This piece of art has been procured from one of the most controversial movies of the Era; The Birth of a Nation. Amidst criticisms, the movie succeeds to portray a message across to its viewers. By virtue, the movie strived to alter the mind-set of the audience by depicting scenes contrary to the known. Though, the movie depicted a series of racial scenes, much hyped, it was screened throughout America.
The concept of censorship is well

issued a circular dated August 27, 2015 stating that if words or signs or representations by someone cause hatred, enmity, contempt or disloyalty against the government and can also be an incitement to violence or are intended to cause public disorder, then charges of sedition under Section 124A IPC can be invoked against that person. This move by the Maharashtra Govt. has been criticized by many for violating Art. 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. Justice Markandey Katju in his recent article “An odd pitch to curb free speech” describes the Maharashtra Govt.’s circular to be unconstitutional.
There are many things done by the Union and Maharashtra governments that do not strike a chord with many people and which causes them to express their contempt, enmity and disaffection openly. Some have even called for a revolution in view of the massive levels of poverty, unemployment, malnourishment, price rise, a lack of health care, farmers’ suicides, and discrimination against the minorities, women and Dalits to name some of the issues that are still prevalent in India. But is this a valid reason to send such people to jail? I believe it isn’t and they