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[Lightningfalcon]

I'm currently trying to do an essay for English 3 GT comparing Nineteen Eighty-Four to Fahrenheit 451, and how they demonstrate how an oppressive government must suppress free thinking.  However, in some of my background research, I am having trouble with a few things.  Mainly-
What the hell are Ray Bradbury's political beliefs?  For some reason I can't find anything about that. 
Can someone explain what differentiates democratic socialism from other forms of socialism and democracy?
And finally, can anyone provide examples of how censorship is going on today?  Other then the obvious North Korea/China kind of things.  What I'm looking for is mainly examples where a piece of media has been changed enough to distort it's original meaning, or where a minority group has been able to change something. 

[Vector]

There's the banned books list--you might get some mileage out of that.  You probably shouldn't be using Bradbury's political beliefs in an essay, because ever since New Criticism we've started doing a "no authorial input to interpretation necessary" approach.

[Lightningfalcon]

There's the banned books list--you might get some mileage out of that.  You probably shouldn't be using Bradbury's political beliefs in an essay, because ever since New Criticism we've started doing a "no authorial input to interpretation necessary" approach.

Our English teacher asked us for information about the authors, which is why I'm doing it.
I should be able to get something of the banned book-list.

[LordBucket]

You probably shouldn't be using Bradbury's political beliefs in an essay, because ever since New
Criticism we've started doing a "no authorial input to interpretation necessary" approach.

Related, if I recall correctly, Bradbury angrily went in record to say that Farenheit 451 wasn't supposed to be about censorship at all and people were completely missing the point.

What the hell are Ray Bradbury's political beliefs?

This might have some information for you:

http://www.raybradbury.com

[Sergius]

Yes, people misinterpret Fahrenheit as "about censorship", while Mr. Luddite Writer was trying to make a point that dead trees = good, TV, etc = bad, Get Off My Lawn = awesome.

[Lightningfalcon]

Yes, people misinterpret Fahrenheit as "about censorship", while Mr. Luddite Writer was trying to make a point that paper = good, TV, etc = bad.

The author's afterword did have a rather strongly worded rant about how people were changing several of his works to better suit their taste.  Here's two exerpts-
"Do you begin to get the dammed and incredible picture?"
"By ticketing the assemly of idiots to the far reaches of hell."

Also, is democratic socialism just achieving socialism without a revolution, or is there something more?

[lordcooper]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_socialism

[silverskull39]

It would be hilarious if, before printing your essay to turn in, you blacked out random words/phrases as if censoring them. Turn in a pre and post censor version if you're afraid that would affect your grade. Bonus points if you can make the sentences read like double entendres with the censors on but which are perfectly innocent and clear otherwise.

[Azated]

There's modern versions of censorship everywhere. Pick a subject and google it. I can guarantee you'll find someone who doesn't allow that content to be posted on their website or blog.

If you're looking for something easy, pick a controversial topic like murder or one of the many forms of human indecency. Something will stick out to you.

You can even find a little censorship right here on the Bay12 forums. It might take a bit of digging, but there's quite a few topics that Toady doesn't like to be discussed.