For our english speaking users: Roland
Seim, Josef Spiegel (Editors): 'Der kommentierte Bildband zu "Ab 18" - zensiert,
diskutiert, unterschlagen - Zensur in der deutschen Kulturgeschichte' ["Ab
18" -Vol. 2]
'The annotated coffee-table book for "from
18 years up" - censored, discussed, suppressed - Censorship in German cultural
history'
["Ab 18" - Band 2] This illustrated documentary
examines the reasons for censorship and the structure that such intrusions
on the free speech can take. The annotated book shows mainly examples from
the media which are forbidden in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Edited by the art-historian (M.A.) and
sociologist (Ph.D.) Roland Seim and the sociologist (Ph.D.) Josef Spiegel
the book presents over 400 pictures and facsimiles of doubtful, discussed
or banned products of the media in Germany. The reason for prohibition are
varied: Pornography, harmfulness to minors, glorification of violence, offence
under the Official Secrets Act and illegal political opinions are some of
the main reasons to ban media in Germany.
This documentary points out a lot of significant
examples from diverse genres as literature, film, music, art, comic, satire
and new media. The aim to restrict the publication and distribution of material
on the internet especially demonstrates the desire of government to control
its contends. The state tries to gain influence against unwanted expressions.
A lot of different forms of censorship (mainly in Germany) will be explored.
This work contains additional disgressions into matters of political censorship
and the fascination of banned material. Questions of how to undermine such
interest into prohibited areas are raised and the author establishes the immense
difficulties of governing bodies in judging between what can be tolerated
and what is to be banned. He also demonstrates how the boundaries of the permissible
are in a constant state of change and aims to demonstrate the different (and
often subtle) forms of govern-mental, religious and social censorship.
The right of free expression, however,
can clash with human dignity. The examples of (child) pornography and fascistic
propaganda should indicate the problematic demand for the total abolition
of censorship. The book contains an annotated bibliography and a list of important
internet addresses for further research. The comparison demonstrates, that
the loss of a sense of humour on matters of taste, decency and hallowed icons
is a variable phenomenon of "Zeitgeist" and the changing of values.
Roland Seim, Josef Spiegel: 'Der kommentierte
Bildband zu "Ab 18" - zensiert, diskutiert, unterschlagen - Zensur in der
deutschen Kulturgeschichte' ["Ab 18" -Vol. 2], Münster/Germany 1999; 301 pp.,
more than 400 illustrations and facsimiles, german language, SC, ISBN 3-933060-02-8,
DM 49,80 (= $ 27.00 incl. postage). Available at: Telos Verlag Dr. Roland
Seim M.A., Im Sundern 7-9, D-48157 Münster/Germany, Tel./Fax 0049251/32 61
60; eMail: Roland.Seim@t-online.de I give you a 30% library discount or send
you a free copy for a book review Click
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