Assumption Quote by Pauline Kael
“There seems to be an assumption that if you're offended by movie brutality, you are somehow playing into the hands of the people who want censorship. But this would deny those of us who don't believe in censorship the use of the only counter-balance: the freedom of the press to say that there's anything conceivably damaging in these films - the freedom to analyze their implications. How can people go on talking about the dazzling brilliance of movies and not notice that the directors are sucking up to the thugs in the audience?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Trouble with Movies", The New Yorker, 1978
The quote argues that claiming offense to violent films serves censorship, while true critique should use press freedom to analyze harmful content.
In simple terms: Offense is used to censor; critique should be analytical.
Key Takeaway
Use free press to critically examine media.
Themes
censorship
media criticism
freedom of press
film analysis
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
opinion
media criticism
philosophical
When to use this quote
- film reviews
- academic seminars
- media watchdog groups
Key Concepts
political theory
media ethics
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance artistic freedom with social responsibility?
- What role should critics play in public discourse?
A Different Perspective
Critique can be dismissed as elitist or biased.
