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Implications of Internet Censorship

Abstract: This paper deals with the ethical and social implications inherent in filtering content online. As exposure to the Internet penetrates deeper into mainstream lives across all demographic groups, there has been increased concern about the ability of children to obtain access to printed and graphic material believed to be detrimental to their development and/or well-being. Not only could this material be argued to be damaging, it could possibly lead children to act violently or maliciously towards others. Proponents of filtering objectionable content argue that through such means society will be able to utilize the power of the Internet to acquire information, while still adhering to certain community values regarding the welfare of children. Numerous critics of this argument claim that by filtering Internet content, society would be crippling individuals’ right to use the power of the Internet for free-speech. They argue that not only will unregulated speech be discouraged, but that the means for filtering are themselves inherently imperfect, often restricting worthwhile content from reputable queries. While not a complete solution to the dilemma, perhaps enforcing an instituted rating system on web pages might be an effective means for working past the unpredictable nature of content filters.

Just one decade ago few could have envisioned a world where scientists, business professionals, media agencies, activist groups, and children all over the globe would have access to equal common material via an online medium. Originally started as a small interconnected network for government agencies, educational institutions, and computer researchers to trade information, the Internet has permeated the daily …

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tragoed Comparing Tragedy in Hamlet and Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex)

Tragedy in Hamlet and Oedipus the King

Tragedy comes in many forms, for example earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes are all types of tragedies. On the other hand, when talking about tragedy in literature, it has a whole different meaning. Tragedy in literature is on a smaller scale than things like earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. In literature tragedy is usually about one person and the horrible things that happen to them during their life in a story or play.

Oedipus is the main character in the play Oedipus the King. Oedipus is thought of as a tragic figure because he was doomed from birth. Tiresias, an old blind prophet, told Oedipus’ parents about Oedipus’ fate. He told them that Oedipus would kill his father and sleep with his mother. So, his parents decided to have him killed, only it did not happen that way. He was passed off by two shepherds and finally to the King and Queen of Corinth, Polybus and Merope to raise him as their own. Oedipus finds his way back to Thebes and on the way kills his father, but Oedipus did not know that one of the men he killed was his real father. This is the beginning of the prophecy coming true. In short Oedipus obtains the throne, Marries his mother and has kids with her. Oedipus’ fate has come together without him even realizing what is going on. Eventually he is told what has happened and asks to be banished by his uncle/brother-in-law Creon. The tragedy in Oedipus’ life began with his birth and the realization by his parents that his whole life was doomed.

However on the other hand, Hamlet did not know that his life would be a tragic one. Hamlets’ fate played out through his whole life. No one knew that hamlet’s life would end up the way that it did. Hamlets’ life first changed when his Uncle Claudius killed Hamlet’s father, the King and Claudius’ brother. Claudius just wanted to get to the Queen Gertrude. So he committed the worst sin and killed the King. Claudius weaseled his way into Hamlet Jr.’ spot on the throne as King.

There are many reasons why both of these characters are classified as tragic figures. First off Oedipus’ fate was determined from birth, and no one knew Hamlet’s fate. Oedipus’s parents sent him off to be killed, and Hamlet’s father was killed by his brother Claudius.

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