In "Criminal Obscenity: A Plea for its Suppression" by John Ford, published in 1926, the author delves into the pressing issue of the proliferation of obscene and depraved literature, plays, and pictures in American society.
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| Criminal Obscenity |
Ford argues that this flood of pornography poses a grave threat to the very fabric of society, endangering the traditional family structure and promoting promiscuity and immorality.
Ford laments the fact that despite the existence of numerous anti-obscenity laws, the problem of obscene material has only worsened since the end of World War I. He points out that the values and morals that Americans hold dear are being eroded by the constant bombardment of explicit and morally corrupt content in various forms of media.
The author highlights the dangerous message being conveyed to American children through these mediums, where sexual immorality is glorified and vice is celebrated. Virtue is portrayed as outdated and unimportant, while depravity is depicted as a source of pleasure to be indulged in without consequences. Matrimony is treated with disdain, and motherhood is belittled, further contributing to the degradation of societal values.
Ford makes a passionate plea for the suppression of criminal obscenity, arguing that it is imperative to protect the moral fiber of society and safeguard the well-being of future generations. He calls for stricter enforcement of existing laws and the implementation of new measures to combat the spread of obscene material.
Overall, "Criminal Obscenity: A Plea for its Suppression" is a thought-provoking and timely work that sheds light on a pressing social issue that continues to plague society. Ford's impassioned plea for action serves as a wake-up call to readers, urging them to take a stand against the corrosive influence of obscenity in all its forms.
Contents
Dancer Signs: A ‘i 5 No Censorship
- Liberty of the Press
- The Bible, Shakespeare, and Other Classics — Authors’ Condemnation
- New York’s Problem
- Summation of Conditions
- New York’s Old Law Emasculated — Salute Massachusetts
- Federal Laws Unenforced
- The Voice of the World
- Looking Forward
Appendices
1. The Law of England
2. The King v. Curl
3. The Queen v. Hicklin
4. The United States v. Harmon
5. The People v. Muller
6. Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Buckley
7. American Laws and Statutes Against Obscenity
