David Lowenthal

David Lowenthal teaches political science at Assumption College and Boston College and is the author of No Liberty for License: The Forgotten Logic of the First Amendment. In the following viewpoint, Lowenthal argues that the mass media—the film, television, and music industries—are responsible for the decline of American society. Since the sex and violence portrayed by the mass media have become more explicit over the years, it is obvious that the industry is incapable of censoring itself. Therefore, Lowenthal asserts, the government must step in and censor the mass media to prevent the total destruction of society.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. On what four premises does Lowenthal base his argument for why the mass media must be censored?
2. According to Lowenthal, what concerns are conservatives and...