Blasphemy or Art: What Art Should Be Censored and Who Wants to Censor It?

ABSTRACT

Current events have marked the increasing tension between freedom of artistic expression and religious tolerance and sensitivity. While there have been several controversies in the West concerning art critical of Christianity, a more complex dynamic has arisen as some Western artists have created art critical of Islam. Research was undertaken to examine what aspects of artwork lead to the most aversive reactions and desire to ban art and individual differences in response to controversial art. Of particular interest was the response to artwork critical of Christianity in comparison to artwork critical of Islam. Studies 1 and 2 suggest that the artwork that mixes the sacred and profane (whether critical of Christianity or Islam) is particularly likely to elicit a negative emotional response and is more likely to be the target for censorship. Also consistent across Studies 1 and 2 individuals who based their moral foundation on purity and have Christian religious beliefs were more likely to endorse banning said artwork. In Study 3 an even more complex picture emerged in which non-Christians were more likely to endorse banning art critical of Islam in comparison to art critical of Christianity.

Keywords:

• censorship
• moral foundations
• religiosity