Censorship- Does it make a mockery of the arts? - Support

Censorship- Does it make a
mockery of the arts
Date
7 TH JUNE 2012
Polling dates
30 TH MAY- 3 RD JUNE 2012

METHODOLOGY

Methodology
The research was conducted using YouGov’s regional online panel of 235,000+
respondents. Respondents from across the region (Arab world) were invited to participate in
the survey.
A total of 1,013 respondents completed the 5-7 minute survey.
Fieldwork was conducted from the 30 th of May to 3 rd of June 2012.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Respondent demographics
As per the quotas, approximately half the sample comprised of GCC residents (55%), with one-quarter
coming from North Africa (23%) and the Levant (22%), respectively. As illustrated below, the vast
majority of the sample (82%) were aged 40 years or below. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents were male
REGION
AGE
23%
22%
55%
GCC
North Africa
Levant
35%
18%
47%
Below 30
30 to 40
Above 40
MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME
GENDER
13%
21%
17%
49%
Below $1,066
$1,066 to $2,665
$2,666 & Above
33%
67%
Male
Female
Prefer not to say / DK
Total Base= 1,013

Regional breakdown
Countries of residence
As shown below, the largest proportion of the sample came from KSA (N=397), Egypt (N=181) and Syria
(N=120)
GCC
Total= 562
71%
13%
7%
3%
3%
2% 1%
N. AFRICA
Total= 231
KSA UAE KUW OMN BAH QAT YEM
78%
11%
4%
3% 3%
1%
EGY MOR ALG TUN
LIB
MRT
LEVANT
Total= 220
55%
18%
12%
10%
5%
SYR
JOR
PAL
LEB
IRQ
Total Base= 1,013

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive summary (1/2)
60% of respondents across the Arab world do not think state censorship makes a
mockery of the arts.
Those in the GCC were the highest in opposing the motion
In the Levant opinion was largely divided
Among those surveyed across the region, the fact that it is ‘against freedom of
expression’ emerged as the main reason why they felt state censorship makes a
mockery of the arts. Many were also concerned it ‘blocks the message(s) the artist is
trying to convey’, that ‘each member of the society should be able to decide on
his/her own what they want to be exposed to rather than having it dictated by the
state’) and that ‘censorship is just another concept invented by those in power to
control the masses’.
On the other hand, those respondents who do not believe censorship makes a mockery
of the arts believe state ‘intervention’ is required as ‘art can be indecent and needs to be
censored before being shown to the general public’ and ‘to protect religious beliefs’. Just
under half of those surveyed across the region also believed censorship helps maintain
‘order’ within the society.
According to respondents across the region, censorship should be most applied on
Internet websites, music videos and the cinema
Very few believed censorship should not be applied at all (10% across of overall
sample).

Executive summary (2/2)
The vast majority of respondents across the region believe ‘nudity’ and ‘offensive
language’ should be censored.
In general, respondents would place most trust on ‘well-respected members of the
society’ to decide what should and should not be censored. This was followed by
‘leading intellectuals of the country’ and ‘religious leaders’. Political leaders are not
trusted to make these kinds of decisions.
In-line with their initial response to the motion (i.e. supporting state censorship on
arts), the largest proportion of respondents believed that classes in modern art
taught in universities in the Arab world should also be censored.
Although opinion was divided, when asked about the likely impact of the rise of the
Internet in the region on censorship, a larger proportion of respondents were more
inclined to believe it would decrease the level of censorship.
In terms of the ‘merit’ of ‘blacking out female flesh in Western magazines’,
respondents were somewhat divided in their opinions on whether this is a ‘ridiculous’
thing to do or something which should be done. However, respondents seemed to be
more ‘tolerant’ about movies with a larger proportion of them saying they feel
frustrated when some scenes are cut from foreign movies due to censorship.
Overall, the majority of respondents believe that despite all efforts censorship will
not be able to block the power of arts because ideas and beliefs survive in our
imagination.

POLL RESULTS

Over half the respondents surveyed do
not believe censorship makes a
mockery of the arts
In your opinion, does state censorship make a mockery of the arts
40%
60%
34%
66%
43%
57%
51%
49%
Total GCC North Africa Levant
Yes
No
Total Base= 1,013
GCC= 562
North Africa= 231
Levant = 220
60% of respondents across the Arab world do not think state censorship makes a mockery of the arts. Perhaps
due to the more conservative culture in these countries, those in the GCC were the highest in opposing the
motion with 2 in every 3 respondents (66%) believing state censorship does not make a mockery of the arts
In the Levant opinion was largely divided (51% saying ‘Yes’ vs. 49% saying ‘No’)

Why does censorship make a mockery
of the arts
Why do you think state censorship makes a mockery of the arts
(Please select the TOP 3 reasons for your opinion)
55% 56%
53%
50%
43% 41% 42%
40% 38% 37% 38%
35%
37% 35%
35%
20% 22%
16% 14% 13% 14%
2% 1%
4%
60%
Those who believe it
makes mockery of the
arts= 402
48%
43% 41%
30%
23% 21%
1%
Total GCC North Africa Levant
It is against freedom of expression
It blocks the message(s) the artist is trying to convey
Each member of the society should be able to decide on his/her own what they want to be exposed to rather than having this ‘dictated’ by the state
Censorship is just another concept ‘invented’ by those in power to ‘control’ the masses
Art is about pushing the boundaries/taking people out of their ‘comfort zone’, which cannot happen in the face of censorship
It is a form of repression
It is a sign of backward thinking
Other
Among those surveyed across the region, the fact that it is ‘against freedom of expression’ (55%) emerged as
the main reason why they felt state censorship makes a mockery of the arts. Many were also concerned it
‘blocks the message(s) the artist is trying to convey’ (43%), that ‘each member of the society should be able to
decide on his/her own what they want to be exposed to rather than having it dictated by the state’) (41%) and
that ‘censorship is just another concept invented by those in power to control the masses’ (40%)
Relatively speaking, respondents from the Levant were most likely to believe ‘censorship is just another
concept invented by those in power to control the masses’ (48%)

Why does censorship NOT make a
mockery of the arts
Why do you think state censorship does NOT make a mockery of the arts
(Please select the TOP 3 reasons for your opinion)
Those who believe it does
NOT make mockery of the
arts= 611
59%
60%
60%
58%
57%
50% 50%
45% 43%
45%
40%
33% 31%
29% 30%
17% 16%
18%
64%
61%
45%
40%
36%
22%
1% 1% 0%
2%
Total GCC North Africa Levant
Art can be ‘indecent’ and needs to be censored before being shown to the general public
Censorship is needed to protect religious beliefs
Censorship helps maintain ‘order’ within society
Arab youth need to be ‘protected’ from such Liberal/Western thinking and attitudes
Respect for ‘local context’ and ‘cultural sensitivities’ must come above ‘freedom of expression’
Censorship is important to protect artists, who could be the target of attacks by those who oppose their ideas
Other
Those respondents who do not believe censorship makes a mockery of the arts believe state ‘intervention’ is
required as ‘art can be indecent and needs to be censored before being shown to the general public’ (59%) and
‘to protect religious beliefs’ (58%). Just under half of those surveyed across the region (45%) also believed
censorship helps maintain ‘order’ within the society (45%)

Which ‘media’ should be censored
By region
In which of the following, if any, do you believe censorship should be applied
(Please select all that apply)
Total Base= 1,013
61%
58%
57%
55%
49% 50%
42%
40%
40%
37%
37%
34%
34%
28%
28%
23%
23% 23%
19% 18%
19%
16%
14%
11% 10%
7%
58%
52% 52%
52%
51%
45%
40%
37%
35%
32%
32%
29%
25%
16%
18%
14% 14%
16%
15%
17%
14%
10% 11%
10%
7% 8%
Total GCC North Africa Levant
Internet websites Music videos Cinema International TV channels
Arabic TV channels Music (words/ lyrics) Lifestyle magazines Books
Paintings/ sculptures Newspapers Cartoons/ caricatures Radio
None
According to respondents across the region, censorship should be most applied on Internet websites (58%),
music videos (55%) and the cinema (49%)
Very few believed censorship should not be applied at all (10% across of overall sample).
the Levant were most likely to express this view (17%)
Those surveyed in

Which ‘media’ should be censored
By opinion group
In which of the following, if any, do you believe censorship should be applied
(Please select all that apply)
Total Base= 1,013
70%
67%
64%
41%
37%
26%
23%
20%
18%
16%
52% 50%
43%
36%
32%
24%
25% 25%
21%
16%
9% 9% 9% 8% 4%
1%
Censorship makes mockery of the arts
Censorship does NOT make mockery of the arts
Internet websites Music videos Cinema International TV channels
Arabic TV channels Music (words/ lyrics) Lifestyle magazines Books
Paintings/ sculptures Newspapers Cartoons/ caricatures Radio
None
As would have been expected, those who believe censorship makes a mockery of the arts are most likely to
believe censorship should not be applied to any of the channels listed (24%). However, it is interesting to note
that many respondents in this group still believed censorship has a role to play – especially on Internet websites
(41%), music videos (37%) and the cinema (26%)

And what should be censored
By region
What topic(s), if any, do you think should be censored
(Please select all that apply)
Total Base= 1,013
81% 81% 79% 79%
71% 71%
71%
71%
55% 54%
56%
53% 52% 54% 52% 54%
35%
32%
25%
28% 28%
22% 22%
23% 19%
22%
17% 17%
12% 14%
10% 10% 12% 11% 10% 8% 10% 10% 8% 10%
3% 2% 3% 3%
Total GCC North Africa Levant
Nudity
Extremist views
Religion
Education
Local/national politics
Offensive language
Graphic imagery (e.g. violence, blood, etc)
Inflammatory speeches/materials
International politics
Regional politics (of the Arab world)
The vast majority of respondents across the region believe ‘nudity’ and ‘offensive language’ should be
censored (81% and 71%, respectively). This opinion is largely consistent across all regions surveyed

And what should be censored
By opinion group
What topic(s), if any, do you think should be censored
(Please select all that apply)
86%
73%
66%
74%
60%
60%
48%
46%
22%
12%
10% 8% 5% 8%
6%
39%
30%
24%
15%
14%
11%
0%
Censorship makes mockery of the arts
Censorship does NOT make mockery of the arts
Nudity Offensive language Extremist views
Graphic imagery (e.g. violence, blood, etc) Religion Inflammatory speeches/materials
Education International politics Local/national politics
Regional politics (of the Arab world) None of these
Total Base= 1,013
As illustrated above, even those respondents who felt censorship makes mockery of the arts still see a need
for censoring nudity and offensive language (73% and 66%, respectively). This feeling was even more
accentuated among those who feel censorship does not make a mockery of the arts

Who should decide what is censored
If censorship is to take place in society, who, in your opinion, is best placed to
decide what should and should not be censored (Please select one only)
30% 30%
23%
21%
19%
19%
14%
13%
9%
7% 8%
7%
31%
26%
17%
12%
8%
6%
Total Base= 1,013
31%
32%
29%
29%
29%
20%
21%
15%
15%
14%
10% 10%
11%
8% 8% 8%
5% 5%
Total GCC North Africa Levant Censorship makes Censorship does
mockery of the arts NOT make mockery
of the arts
Well-respected members of society Leading intellectuals of the country Religious leaders
Political leaders Other Don’t know/Prefer not to say
In general, respondents would place most trust on ‘well-respected members of the society’ to decide what
should and should not be censored (30%). This was followed by ‘leading intellectuals of the country’ (23%) and
‘religious leaders’ (19%). Political leaders are not trusted to make these kinds of decisions (7%).
Across the regions surveyed, relatively speaking those in the GCC (mostly KSA) were most likely to support
‘religious leaders’ as censors of information (21% vs. 17% in NA and 15% in Levant), while those in the Levant
were most likely to favour ‘leading intellectuals’ (31% vs. 19% in KSA).

Modern art classes at universities in
the Arab world should also be censored
Many universities in the Arab world have introduced classes in modern art.
In your opinion, should these classes still be censored
22% 23% 18% 23% 21% 22%
32% 26% 37%
42%
54%
17%
46% 51% 45%
35%
25%
61%
Total GCC North Africa Levant Makes a mockery
of the arts
Don't know/ not sure
No
Yes
Does NOT make a
mockery of the
arts
Total Base= 1,013
In-line with their initial response to the motion (i.e. supporting state censorship on arts), the largest
proportion of respondents (46%) believed that classes in modern art taught in universities in the Arab world
should also be censored. This was highest in the GCC (51%) and lowest in the Levant with the largest proportion
of respondents there being in fact against censoring in modern art classes (42% said ‘No’).
Those who believe censorship makes a mockery of the arts were also against censoring modern art classes in
universities in the Arab world (54% said ‘No’).

The rise of the Internet & censorship –
What impact
In your opinion, how will the rise of the Internet across the region affect censorship, if at all
(Please select one only)
Total Base= 1,013
Total
21%
17%
28%
16%
18%
GCC
21%
16%
28%
13%
22%
North Africa
19%
18%
25%
23%
16%
Levant
21%
17%
32%
19%
11%
It will increase the level of censorship It will not affect the level of censorship It will decrease the level of censorship
It will end censorship all together
Don’t know/Not sure
Although opinion was divided, when asked about the likely impact of the rise of the Internet in the region on
censorship, a larger proportion of respondents were more inclined to believe it would decrease the level of
censorship (28% said it would decrease and 16% said it would end all together – across overall sample).

A society’s perspective on censorship
How strongly do you agree/disagree with each of the following statements regarding
censorship
Total Base= 1,013
‘Blacking out’ female flesh, especially in Western magazines, is
ridiculous and should not be done
26%
17%
10%
9%
32%
5%
I feel frustrated when some scenes are cut from foreign movies due
to censorship
28%
20%
11%
9%
28%
4%
Censorship will not be able to block the power of arts, because ideas
and beliefs survive in our imagination
30% 24% 17% 10% 13% 7%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know/ Prefer not to say
In terms of the ‘merit’ of ‘blacking out female flesh in Western magazines’, respondents were somewhat
divided in their opinions on whether this is a ‘ridiculous’ thing to do (43%) or something which should be done
(41%). However, respondents seemed to be more ‘tolerant’ about movies with a larger proportion of them
(48%) saying they feel frustrated when some scenes are cut from foreign movies due to censorship (vs. 37%
who disagree).
Overall, the majority of respondents (54%) believe that despite all efforts censorship will not be able to block
the power of arts because ideas and beliefs survive in our imagination (vs. 23% who disagree).

THANK YOU!