Censorship in Art Censorship has existed in the United States since colonial times. In the early history of American culture, the emphasis of censorship was placed on political statements and actions, prohibiting literature, music, and even people from being heard in this country. This leads to too closed views on different cultures and societies, which we are still struggling to overcome today. Today, a better-informed America has shifted its opinions to more sexual content when deciding what should be made public. While all of this seems to violate our First Amendment rights, group censorship is totally legal. Hidden in recent censorship are many Cuban exile groups that have caused a handful of Cuban shows to be canceled or moved from South Florida, returning us to a society devoid of the cultural activities it needs to thrive. According to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, "Censorship is an official ban or restriction on any type of expression deemed to threaten political, social, or moral order." This may be imposed by a government authority, a religious group, or by a powerful private association. Only the first of the three makes censorship a violation of our civil rights. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law making an establishment of religion, or making any law thereof. prohibits free exercise; or restricts freedom of speech or of the press...