Do they still teach civics in schools across the country? Or journalism? Or vocabulary words? I ask since I frequently hear people decrying "censorship" when they complain that they can't see F911 at their local multiplex. I wish Before Sunset would come to town, but I don't presume to have a constitutional right that requires the local movie-house to broadcast it.
Posted by armand at August 18, 2004 02:37 PM | TrackBack | Posted to PoliticsNo, it's clearly not censorship (and, yes, they need better schools so people know that), but what word do you want to use? If none of the local theaters carry the movie, and it never shows up in the local video store (Blockbuster often fails to have intersting movies), where do you get to see it? F911 made a big splash: we'll be able to get the DVD when it comes. How many other movies have you read reviews of, wanted to see, but can't find either the film or video? No, that's not censorship, but it is a market failure, which (in a practical sense) amounts to a form of censorship.
Posted by: Baltar at August 18, 2004 05:37 PM | PERMALINKYes, I'm more inclined to accept the market failure argument than censorship. However, is there not a line where market failure blurs into bias? Of course, there would have to be demonstrable intent. Even so, not necessarily actionable, or requiring such.
Posted by: binky at August 18, 2004 07:24 PM | PERMALINK