Obscening: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term is derived from the Latin word 'obscenus', which means 'foul' or 'dirty'.
• The prefix 'ob-' means 'against', implying something that goes against decency.
• Related words often appear in discussions of ethics and morality, highlighting societal values.

Cultural Commentary

• Contemporary discussions around art and media often include debates about what's considered obscene.
• Many cultures have differing thresholds for what is deemed inappropriate, reflecting their values.
• Obscening is often discussed in the context of censorship and the balancing of free expression.

Social Psychology

• Research shows that perceptions of obscenity can vary greatly among different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
• People often experience discomfort when encountering content they find obscene, triggering a psychological reaction.
• The social context plays a crucial role in how obscening is perceived; what’s acceptable in one setting may not be in another.

Media Representation

• Films, books, and music frequently face scrutiny over their potentially obscene content.
• The rating systems in cinema, like PG-13 or NC-17, are designed to categorize material based on potential obscenity.
• Notable scandals in history often involve public backlash against works labeled as obscene, shaping cultural narratives.

Legal Aspects

• Laws regarding obscenity differ globally, with some countries having strict regulations while others allow more freedom.
• The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered various rulings on what constitutes legal obscenity, often citing community standards.
• The Miller test is a three-prong test used in the U.S. to determine if something is obscene; it considers community standards, artistic value, and whether it lacks serious literary or scientific value.