Secondary censorship refers to a type of censorship that occurs after the initial censorship has already taken place. This word is spelled as /ˈsɛkəndəri ˈsɛnsərʃɪp/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "sec" is pronounced as "sek" with a long "e" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "uhn" with a short "u" sound. The third syllable "da" is pronounced as "də" with a weak schwa sound. The word "censorship" is pronounced as "sensərʃɪp," with the first syllable "sen" pronounced with a short "e" sound.
Secondary censorship refers to the restriction or control imposed on the dissemination of information or artistic expression by entities other than the government or primary censorship authorities. This form of censorship occurs when additional bodies or individuals, such as private organizations, corporations, or community groups, exert influence to limit or regulate the access to certain content.
Unlike the direct control exerted by governmental authorities, secondary censorship typically arises from societal pressure or particular interests. This form of censorship is often driven by moral, social, religious, or cultural values and seeks to impose boundaries on the content that can be made available to the public. It can manifest in various ways, such as through the editing, removal, or exclusion of specific content from public channels, performances, publications, or exhibitions.
Secondary censorship can present challenges to freedom of expression, as it involves non-state actors placing restrictions on the availability of information. While primary censorship directly violates principles of free speech, secondary censorship tends to influence content indirectly through various mechanisms, such as economic pressure, public outcry, or boycotts. Consequently, it can be more difficult to identify and address as it operates alongside governmental censorship or independently within private domains.
The impact of secondary censorship on society varies, with proponents arguing that it helps preserve societal values, protect vulnerable populations, or maintain ethical standards. However, critics contend that it limits creative freedom, diversity of ideas, and stifles open discourse. The complex interplay between primary and secondary censorship underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the boundaries of free speech and the delicate balance between individual expression and collective societal norms.
The word "secondary" originates from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "second in rank" or "subordinate". The term "censorship" comes from the Latin word "censor", which refers to a Roman magistrate who had the authority to remove morally or politically objectionable material from public documents, primarily to maintain order and control public opinion.
The term "secondary censorship" combines these two concepts. It denotes a form of censorship that occurs after an initial screening or censorship process, where an additional level of review or restriction is applied to the content. It implies a subordinate or secondary level of censorship, often performed by a separate authority or entity, to ensure further control or regulation of the material.