In school, we learn how to use written words to communicate our message. We can use this power in many ways. For many, including myself, this means journalism. I am not only a journalist. I am an activist. I value the word’s ability to change people’s minds. Being a journalist gives me the power to speak my truth. Sometimes my truth is viewed as disruption to society, a fire that must be put out. However, I see controversy as evidence of people opening their eyes to conflicting viewpoints. To be censored is for someone to put out your fire. To be censored is to take away the power of the written word. I believe that the censorship of girls’ voices in student journalism must be fought.
According to a study done by Kansas University, 53 percent of girls participating in the study said they had censored themselves in order to avoid a negative reaction compared to only 27 of the boys. Over half of the girls surveyed felt that their truth was not allowed to be broadcast. Another study by Active Voice, an organization working towards empowering female voices in student journalism, said that while approximately 30 percent of boys push boundaries with censorship, only 12 percent of girls are willing to stand up for their truths. I wish more girls would fight censorship on issues in the school community in order to spread ideas and fight injustice.
Up until women in the Western world won their right to vote in the early 20th century, girls were brought up to be unknowing. They were not allowed to go to school. This, in turn, discouraged their attempts to broaden their minds and use knowledge to stand up for what they believed in.
In modern times, girls are still taught to be safe and cautious while boys are taught to be brave and daring. I see this translated into the field of student journalism, as more girls are afraid to take a risk with a controversial topic out of fear of being censored according to the statistic by Kansas University. Girls are more likely to self-censor.
Here’s the thing: we don’t need to be afraid of being censored if we think critically about what we write. If we want the privilege of uncensored speech, it comes with the responsibility to write with integrity and with the purpose of positive change. I want more girls to join the fight to stop censorship on controversial issues. Girls need to speak up about the real issues they are facing, be it issues associated with race, religion, gender identity, sexual identity, or women’s rights. Authority will eventually have to give in because you can’t hold back an ocean with your hand.
Most of the time, the reason for censorship is controversy. How are we supposed to progress or discuss if perspectives can’t be published and distributed? In the end, whom does controversy even threaten? With the power of the written word and the right to speak your mind, any opinions can be challenged. We can foster community discussion forums using student journalism.
Even if you are not interested in journalism, fight censorship in other areas of your life. Bring up the topic that everyone is too afraid to discuss. Censorship, however, is not limited to student journalism. Are there books you are not allowed to read due to questionable content? Are there topics you can’t bring up in class because it would spark argument? Are there words you can not say because society has deemed them “bad”?
