This essay aims to explore the needs of censorship and the role it plays in society. It will begin with the definition of the term "censorship" and with an introduction to what is and has been censored in different historical periods. Finally, this essay will explore whether there is a need for censorship in society, focusing on unwanted material, its effects on children, and why. The word "censor" is defined as "examine and expel." The word comes from the Latin census and refers to the counting of citizens and the valuation of their assets for tax purposes in ancient Rome. It is also defined as the administration and control of information and ideas that circulate among people within the general public. In modern times, censorship refers to the inspection of books, periodicals, plays, films, television and radio programs, news broadcasts, and other media for the purpose of changing, altering, or suppressing portions deemed objectionable or offensive. Objectionable material may be considered immoral or obscene, heretical or blasphemous, subversive or rebellious, or harmful to national security. Therefore, the rationale behind censorship is that it is necessary for the protection of three fundamental social institutions: the family, the church, and the state. One of the earliest known examples of censorship existed in ancient Greece, despite its notoriety for its openness. mental approach to lifestyle in general (orgies were common and loved by both rich and poor). In Athens, where democracy first developed, Socrates chose to sacrifice his life rather than accept censorship of his teachings in 399 BC. Accused of worshiping new deities of his own and not recognizing them...... half of the document. .....RT, Richard, The Administration of Aesthetics: Censorship, Political Criticism & The Public Sphere, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, 19943. SMITH, Nigel, Literature & Censorship, DS Brewer, Cambridge, 19934. FISH, Stanley , There Is No Such Thing as Free Speech, Oxford University Press, New York, 19945. POWELL, Anton, Athens & Sparta: Constructing Greek Political and Social History since 478 BC, Routledge, London, 19936. GREEN, Peter, A Concise History Of Ancient Greece To The Close Of The Classical Era, Thames & Hudson, London, 19917. HEINS, Marjorie, Not In Front of the Children: Indecency, Censorship, and The Innocence Of Youth, Hill & Wang, New York, 20028. Asia One, http://www.asiaone.com9. Think Centre, http://www.thinkcentre.org10. SG e-zine, http://www.sgezine.com.sg11. SingaporeArt.org, http://www.singaporeart.org