-CENSORED-

Art encompasses life like no other medium can. Its strikingly beautiful nature allows the expression of a farrago of emotions and the representation of personality and opinion.
Art, to me, is the epitome of free expression and abstract thinking; seeing what is not literally present. Every stroke is different, every perspective is unique.
I have always believed that art is a dimension of its own, another mystical world you can get lost in, unconcerned with politics, slander, gossip and bloodshed.
Thus, I was taken aback and visibly indignant to come across a virtual barrier when I tried to access Redbubble, an innocent art and photography website, the other day. Yet there it was – with a bright blue banner and blazing red letters- a sign informing that the website had indeed been blocked.
I was bemused; why does a site concerned with macro-photography of bluebells and poems about the sea need to be blocked?
A little over a year ago, many must remember, a similar debate surfaced. When deviantArt was blocked, outrage was sparked by local art lovers as it is a forum that positively channels artistic flare and creativity and aids people in becoming better at their skill.

I fully respect cultural and traditional values like any other proud Bahraini and I realize that it is hard to retain the staunch beliefs of yesteryear in a time of rapid globalization and cultural influx. I understood and accepted the bans on pork and alcohol and the censorship of movies with not more than a word. Yet censoring art, I cannot understand.

My question is what are we being protected from? And how long can we be shielded from the reality of the big bad world?

As teenagers in our safe ‘Bahrain bubble’, we are ignorant and blissful, unaware how to discern between right and wrong, having always had it laid out to us. But once the bubble pops and we are thrust into the bustling, cruel world, what is to become of us?

I realize that the Bahrain Government keeps in mind good intentions but it can only shelter us under its wing for only so long.

Besides, is portraying a shuttered view of the world the only way to keep us safe?
They say the forbidden fruit tastes sweeter and if that dictum holds good, maybe banning isn’t the way.

But for what it’s worth, I think the Government should give us a chance to stand up on our own feet to make our choices and exercise our own discretion.
After all, at some point in life, we need to start flying solo.