Obscenity is whatever happens to shock some elderly and ignorant magistrate.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell suggests that what is labeled obscene is merely what shocks a particular, possibly ignorant, authority figure.
- In plain terms
- Obscenity is defined by the reaction of a biased authority.
- What can you take from it?
- Question who decides what is obscene and why.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who should have the power to define obscenity?
- Is shock always a sign of moral failure?
Another view
Not all shock value is immoral; some may be legitimate critique.
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