Opinion Editorial Outline

Topic: Censorship and freedom of speech
Subject: The censorship that cuba places on media
Text Type: Online news editorial
Audience: Middle class, educated, very informed about the media, liberals
Purpose: To inform and convey my opinion
Title: Censorship in Cuba

Introduction: 

The digital war on freedom of speech is being fought mainly over the small island of Cuba, in the Caribbean. Cuba is one of the top ten countries that is most censored by their government. Did you know that Cuba as its own Internet, and it consists of a small e-mail website for communication. It is also commonly known that media, such as television, radio, even music is manipulated by their government if they are foreign. The government accuses social networks, blogs and some articles to having a destabilizing influence, and being manipulated by American culture to defy authorities. It is almost unbelievable how Raul Castro, Cuba’s president, keeps the population under his tight wing. 

Supporting Topic #1: Censorship Laws

Supporting Topic #2: Media and communication

Supporting Topic #3: Internationality

Conclusion: Final opinion.

Censorship: Cuba

Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is an island country in the Caribbean. It is governed by president Raul Castro, an almost evil "ruler". Cuba is one of the countries that is most censored by their government. 


The government censors anything from outside Cuba; citizens cannot watch or listen to independent, private, or foreign broadcasts, and their television is subject to increasing restrictions. Cubans cannot read books, magazines or newspapers unless they are approved by the government. 
Since the Communist party started, the capital had 135 working cinemas. Today, only 20 are still open. 


Mobile phones were banned up until 2008, with the exception of people who needed them for work. 

Al movies allowed for the citizens to watch were censored by the Instituto Cubano de Arte y Industria Cinematográfico. Even music was censored. Artists like the Beatles were banned as an example of "a decadent capitalist culture". 

The internet in Cuba, is the most tightly controlled internet in the world. 
It has surprisingly low connections, limited bandwidth, ridiculous high costs, and of course, censorship. 

The government categorizes the internet to two types of plans. The population is restricted to a "national" internet, that is restricted to a simple e-mail service. This costs 1. 20 euros per hour. Foreign visitors that allow Cubans to use their computers are harassed, and prosecuted. The second plan is the "international" plan, which has access to the entire internet, no censorship, but it is restricted to politicians and visitors from other countries. 

But slowly, this is starting to relax. In 2007, it became legal for citizens to buy a computer. 

Still, people have found a way to move around these restrictions. A black market is known to have been founded, where citizens can buy accounts of old politicians that have died and their accounts are still active. 

This struggle has to stop. 

Raul Castro; President of Cuba

Castro treats Cuba like an overprotective mother. He claims that their citizens have "freedom", but he doesn't even allow them to leave the country for so long. Recently, this has changed, since at the beginning of October, 2012, Castro gave a speech that talked about how people traveling abroad will face fewer trouble while trying to leave. Finally, some change. 

Celebrities: Are They Really That great?

The media is often publishing articles or stories on the news about celebrities, and what their life is really about. Mostly they publish about rumors, or drama involving these famous people. But these famous people are just the same as us, only that with money. Is that so important? Money doesn't define them. It doesn't make them better than the rest of the human population, it only affects their egos. The channel MTV, often portrays these celebrities as gods. Paparazzi shows, like TMZ shove cameras on people's faces while they are trying to have a good time. Asking what they had for breakfast isn't really important. Maybe some people care, to get some satisfaction from some life that is not theirs. But they aren't gods, or more important than you, for the sole fact that they had the opportunity to act in a play or a movie.

The media's impact on everyday life

Nowadays, the media is often used as a way to manipulate information. Advertising greatly impacts how a person feels about a product or image. A great example of this happening was during World War II. Propaganda during that time was used by both the Allies and Axis, even the United States. 

Propaganda in the U.S. , WWII.

This advertisement shows a man carrying a bomb, portraying that he is powerful. This campaign appeals to the viewer because he would want to feel the same way. This encourages them to join the air force. 

British Army Propaganda, WWII.

This british advertisement for the famous Pioneer Corps illustrates a giant boot, stepping on a Nazi symbol, or swastika. The boot is a symbol of the Pioneers, implying that they will step on the Nazi opposition. "Step on it" provides a catchy frase that will also encourage the  viewers to enlist. 

As you can see, media and advertising can be used as a manipulation tool.