Censorship reaching critical levels

<p>To whom it may concern:</p> <p>RE: A RECENT ARTICLE ON LGBT MEDIA CENSORSHIP IN AFRICA AND SOUTH AFRICA IN PARTICULAR.</p> <p>As a regular NEWS24 user, I spotted an article that highlights the censorship that MultiChoice, a subsidiary of the South African company, Naspers, has condoned (if not actively campaigned for) on several of it’s channel offerings. NEWS24 and Channel24 is also Naspers subsidiaries, yet they would publish their parent’s blatant disregard for LGBT rights.</p> <p>The most recent is the censorship of and episode of The Loud House on Viacom’s Nickelodeon channel. The episode in question features a bi-racial, *******ual couple dropping off their son at a party. I have seen a video clip of the featured episode and it shows, in my opinion, nothing but loving parents dropping off their child. Viacom Africa wanted to „reassure“ MultiChoice’s DSTV subscribers that the episode will not air on their channel.</p> <p>South Africa’s constitution ensures the protection of and ************** against all people, regardless of, in this case, race and ***ual orientation. The world is edging toward a more accepting and tolerant society, with the UN passing their first resolution that explicitly includes the protection of LGBT rights.</p> <p>South Africa is the leader in LGBT rights and protections on the African continent. Equal marriage has been legal since 2006. Our constitution is a work of art and is unequivocally the most progressive and inclusive document of its kind. Our country, our citizens and our businesses have an obligation and a duty to uphold these values and to enlighten those in the dark, in Africa and the rest of the world.</p> <p>It is troubling to see that this particular series is not the first to be handled with this approach. If not for this article, I would not even have known. <br />In December 2015, Discovery Networks International’s TLC Entertainment was „forced“ to pull I am Jazz, a docu-drama about a transgendered teen.<br />In May 2016, NBCUniversal International Networks’ E! Entertainment was also „forced“ to pull the second season of I am Cait, featuring Caitlyn Jenner’s transgender journey.<br />MuliChoice’s DSTV is broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa and the decision affects all subscribers, regardless of their location and the laws, „values“ and attitudes applicable in their country.</p> <p>The broader society in South Africa still struggles with ideas. norms and „values“ that was left over from colonial and apartheid eras. The majority of people struggle to shake conservative and calvinist views. LGBT women are subjected to „corrective-****“ in rural communities and informal settlements. LGBT boys are victims of verbal and physical abuse at school and university. LGBT youths are abandoned and ostracised by family and friends. These actions do not belong in an enlightened and open society.</p> <p>It is therefor imperative that media groups, NGO’s and government itself, can reassure the youth and adults alike, that being *** is okay. Even the smallest doses of information distributed, can change views and lives. The actions concerning censorship only intrenches the archaic idea that LGBT people are not normal. Not accepted. Not welcome.</p> <p>We, as the LGBT community and allies have a duty to call MultiChoice, Viacom, Discovery Networks and NBCUniversal out on their decision not to align themselves with ideals enshrined in our constitution.</p> <p>NEWS24’s article on the subject:<br />http://www.channel24.co.za/TV/News/viacom-africa-says-it-will-censor-***-dads-in-nickelodeon-tv-series- ********** 1</p> <p>The South African constitution:<br />http://www.constitutionalcourt.org.za/text/rights/know/*******ual.html</p> <p>Warmest regards<br />Hendrik Bodenstein</p>