How do you define censorship?

[netmouse]

Someone commented in another journal the idea that censorship is something only governments can do.

I had defined it as something people with power do to people (publications, performances, etc) they have power over.

ETA: by power I meant institutionally-based authority, not merely physical force. "Institution" can include social institutions, such as clubs, churches, or families.

How do you define censorship?

Comments

[skzbrust.livejournal.com]

It seems to me it has to do with the supressing of information backed by the force of law, which is in turn backed by the State. I don't think even the violent supression of information by gangs, armed or otherwise, is what is talked about when referring to "censorship."

[netmouse.livejournal.com]

I would say that it's suppression of information based on institutionally-established authority (and not, I agree, arbitrary applications of force). I think there are institutions other than governments that are capable of censorship, most of which we belong to voluntarily and have the option of leaving. Rather like we have the option of leaving the State, at least in some societies.

[jeffreyab.livejournal.com]

I agree and a university is a good example of an institution that can censor and have some clout because its hard to switch universities.

[cannibal.livejournal.com]

What about the German Student Association book burnings in 1933? Admittedly, they were backed by Goebbels, but I'm sure what they were doing was still against the law in '33, and they certainly qualify as an armed gang.