America Censored – 1830s to 2020s
Censorship in America is not a new concept, however, it’s a concept that has always proven to be of poor judgment throughout history with horrible consequences.
Censorship by kings was so aggressive over the centuries, people were sentenced to death for speaking in opposition to rulers. The forced spread of religions often lead to punishment or death if one spoke against it or for a different faith. Am I trying to say America’s censorship of today is this severe? No. I’m merely pointing out the history of censorship both in our country and around the world.
Let’s step back into the 1830s.
In 1830, President Andrew Jackson was presiding over a time when large anti-slavery efforts were growing. There was no internet back then, and people depended on printed circulation delivered mostly by the postal service. Activists were spreading their message and gaining support even in the south where slavery was most prevalent. The debate over slavery was so intensely argued that it was avoided at all costs by politicians. Any party running for presidency needed to avoid this topic or they would surely alienate half the country and most likely lose the election.
In an effort to quiet the storm, President Andrew Jackson directed the postal service to stop the delivery of antislavery writings or publications to the southern states. This sounds very familiar. Is history telling us when the government does not want the public forming opinions about something, it can simply take down the messaging or stop its delivery?
“Gag” Rule
They can do more actually. They can ignore the voice of the people when it does not suit them. As the postal service or internet of the 1830s was being censored by the government, the “gag” rule was being implemented. Petitions to end slavery flooded congress and southern legislators grew more protective. The “gag” rule tabled all petitions and prohibited discussion of any antislavery efforts on the floor. This included the postponement of all antislavery petitions’ consideration, printing, or referrals. This “gag” rule stayed in effect until 1844 and was a key component to the changing of parties in the White House.
The ”gag” rule did not quiet the antislavery movement, it energized it. It also caused the Jacksonian followers to decline. Many were ok with slavery, but not ok with refusing the voice of the people in government. The right to petition was an American right and many felt no government should abuse its position to censor opposing views. It helped lead to the end of the Jacksonian era and the political party’s influence.
Govern Free Thinking
America has always shunned China’s practice of censorship within their country. Chinese citizens are only exposed to messaging approved by their government when possible. I’m not sure if we’re headed in this direction. I am sure that published stories are taken down when their content is not in line with certain messaging. Call it fake news, misinformation, disinformation, or whatever term suits you. When government or political parties decide what they want published or taken down as misinformation, it’s taking the freedom of the people to form their own opinions. It’s preventing free speech and attempting to govern free thinking.
I’m not going to say which side of politics is right or wrong, as that is not my intent. I’m simply pointing out how history repeats itself and oftentimes, the consequences do as well.
https://ung.edu/university-press/_uploads/files/us-history/US-History-I-Chapter-12.pdf
https://americanhistory.si.edu/democracy-exhibition/beyond-ballot/petitioning/gag-rule
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-8985-establishing-the-office-censorship