ANTHONY COMSTOCK Meaning and
Definition
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Anthony Comstock (1844-1915) was an American reformer and moral crusader who is widely known for his advocacy against obscenity and the promotion of sexual morality. He played a significant role in shaping the course of American censorship laws and influencing public opinion on matters related to morality and decency.
Comstock was a devout Christian and staunch believer in Victorian values. He believed that the widespread distribution of explicit materials, such as pornography and contraceptive devices, posed a grave threat to the social fabric of the nation. In order to combat what he perceived as moral corruption, Comstock co-founded the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice in 1873. Through this organization, he fought tirelessly to suppress obscene literature, arrest purveyors of vice, and regulate the dissemination of explicit materials.
Comstock's efforts resulted in the passing of the Comstock Act in 1873, a federal law aimed at banning the circulation of obscene materials through the U.S. Postal Service. The law criminalized the distribution of explicit texts, contraceptives, and materials related to abortion, and was instrumental in limiting public discourse on sexual matters for several decades.
While Comstock was praised by some for his efforts to protect public morality, others criticized him for his zealousness and perceived infringement on individuals' freedom of speech. His legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a champion of decency and others as an oppressive figure who impeded artistic expression and the discussion of important social issues.
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Etymology of ANTHONY COMSTOCK
The name "Anthony Comstock" does not have a direct etymology as it is composed of two separate names: "Anthony" and "Comstock".
The name "Anthony" originates from the Latin name "Antonius" which is derived from the Roman clan name "Antonius". It is believed to have been of Etruscan origin and was a common given name among the Romans. Over time, "Antonius" evolved into "Antoine" in French, "Antonio" in Spanish and Italian, and "Anthony" in English.
The name "Comstock" is an English surname with Germanic origins. It is believed to derive from "Combstocke" or "Constocke", indicating a person who lived near a comb (a cluster of trees) or a stockade or enclosure.
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