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opinion:
pro/ con
Should libraries
filter access to the Internet?
PRO: Public libraries
should limit Internet access to protect our children.
It is not just
a mere responsibility, but the civic duty of public libraries
to put filters in their computers to limit Internet access.
The little hands of children should not be able to click and
view whatever Web site their curiosity leads them to.
Sure, the Internet
is an open market of ideas to freely roam through, but not
when it comes to the misguided and, inquisitive nature of
children.
Many of America's
youth spend time in the library, and most of them are waiting
patiently after school while their mom or dad drives from
work to pick them up. These kids will inevitably visit indecent
sites if left unsupervised.
When the keywords
"adult entertainment" are entered in the Google
search engine, a listing of 951,000 sites pop up.
That makes at least
951,000 definitive reasons for public libraries to institute
filters in computers.
Of course most
will say, "So what if they visit a Web site other than
the library Web page or disney.com? Would it really be that
bad?"
If no adult is
present to watch over these children, about 100 percent of
their parents -- and me, representing older brothers -- would
appreciate stern filters on the public libraries' computers
with Internet access.
In light of the
recent high school shootings in Santee and Columbine, I would
not trust my younger brother or sister to visit anything other
than a super-wholesome, family-oriented Web site.
In addition, filters
would be beneficial for all ages because this would eliminate
access to Web sites that are irrelevant and do not belong
inside a library. Allowing individuals to view adult Web sites
extends beyond a public library's call of duty.
A public library
is a place to borrow books and gather information for research.
The use of the Internet within those libraries should be limited
to the two same purposes.
There is a time
and a place for people to be exposed to the grandeur that
the Internet has to offer, but when these people are children
is certainly not the time, and a public library is certainly
not the place.
Ben Dimapindan
is a print journalism major at Cal State Long Beach.
CON: Children
are resourceful and can find ways around any type of filter.
In a surprising
move, the American Library Association last week filed a lawsuit
in Philadelphia to overturn the Children's Internet Protection
Act that orders the use of blocking technology on computers
in public libraries.
Bravo to the librarians
who have acknowledged the unconstitutional censorship and
recognized the real problem: a lack of Internet education
and supervision.
Protection acts
like the CIPA are popping up around the country as more people
gain access to the Internet, and as more people realize how
much smut is out there.
The CIPA, which
will go into effect on April 20, requires libraries to block
Internet materials deemed "harmful to children"
through screens or technology that does not allow obscene
materials to download.
Republican heavyweights
like Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), whom introduced the CIPA
legislation, are forgetting that screening is not foolproof.
Even with screening
technology, children can still gain access to objectionable
materials by choosing words that won't be filtered, like sweat
or hot. As a result, parents get a false sense of security.
The CIPA goes a
step further in its attack by offering discounts to libraries
that follow the screening orders. Way to go, McCain. You just
took away another privilege from the already poor areas that
are likely to take advantage of the deal.
While protecting
children should be at the top of the nation's agenda, screening
is not the solution to prevent Internet indecencies.
If books were given
the same filter devices, the shelves would be practically
empty. Lawmakers are compromising education through Internet
screening.
Instead of being
reactive by enforcing a solution that isn't going to work,
let's be proactive. Teaching children how to use the Internet
responsibly will be more effective than any screening technology
available.
Stephine Michrina
is a print journalism major at Cal State Long Beach.
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