Censorship could be leading us to a sterile society.

                Ok, so censorship is obviously bad from what our preconceived knowledge tells us, plus from our readings this week.  An ironic thing I found is the book we had read, Feed, is a likely candidate for being controversial (due to offensive language, drug discussion, and sexual themes) and thus being censored in the classroom, when one of the largest themes surrounding the book is the detrimental effects of censorship- but a disgruntled parent or a fearful school board member would look past the big picture of the book and only focus on the minute details that support their personal ideology or social standing. 

                Do you think Feed gives us insight of how our society is slowly transitioning into a state of censored citizens, contented with trivial activities as a way to occupy ourselves from larger issues surrounding us?  How much did technology and marketing divert the characters of the novel that they never looked outward to see the deterioration of their state?  Through the instilment of fear and diversion the head haunchos, those that ran all the ads and regulated the “feeds,” were the ones profiting off everyone else.  They accomplished their goal – which was to censor and push their products so that the average joe was a mindless occupant that cared for nothing but the latest fad, device or “hip” party upcoming.  They played the part for their destructive ideology so well.  What was the use of education?  Their feed could give them any facts they wanted to know right then and there.  So what was the use of the teacher, right?  A teacher would’ve been a counterintuitive model to the working of their society.  No, the good morale and knowledge of language and history that a teacher can provide would not jive with the ignorance these people relish in.  For instance, the Watts Riot in the 60’s widely known for police brutality and racism is shed light upon in the novel, because if someone can replicate a top and call it the “Watts Riot Top” and market it to a bunch of white suburban teenagers for a quick buck, they’ll do it.  Ignorance is bliss, though, right?  Not really. 

                One of the most astounding aspects of the novel I found was, which correlates to a large percentage of our society today, is how the consumer views everything on a product basis, even people.  Many people I believe could care less about the events unfolding in Libya right now, except for when they starting bombing the oil lines over there that we see an increase in our gas prices – yeah then we’ll start caring!  “Hey guys, cut the crap over there so speculators don’t have a reason to raise our gas prices!”  Only when issues hit near home will people generally start caring. When the Narrator is viewing Violet on her deathbed, he mentions “it was like being in the room with her if she was wood . . . [and] I had thought it would feel like a tragedy, but it didn’t feel like anything at all.” Don’t you think this is in large how a lot of our society is today?  Apathetic, like Wink, from one of the earlier articles we read, would describe it.  It’s becoming widespread that people view others as they would their consumer goods, a disposable and replaceable device.  So what if Violet died?  He would have a new girlfriend shortly to easily take her spot.  So what if his “up-car” got destroyed?  He would have Daddy buy him a new one.  That’s the overall mood taken on.  In addition to this apathetic point of view on humanity, people are also too much inclined to be a passive participant in a lot of areas.  It’s safer and easier to follow the status quo for fear of capitulating our social standing or possible monetary losses.  Think about it.  Wouldn’t it be playing it safe if we listen to the Principal to not attempt to teach a particular book for fear of parents’ outcry?  In doing so comes the possibility of us jeopardizing our job (like Marlowe being forced to resign).  Would it have been worth it to put all our investments in our education if we take the risk of losing the career choice we pursued initially, all because we had an active voice standing up for the students right to learn?  If not, a censored teacher plus a censored lesson plan for his/her students equals an overall huge deficit in their education.