One theme of "A Decade" revolves around forbidden influences/censorship. In the story, Zhu Wenli is caught singing an Uigar fold song and the narrator tried to secretly learn to sing the song by herself. Zhu became nervous since during the cultural revolution anything related to non-revolutionary music was forbidden. Not only pertaining to music, but also mementos like pictures, furniture, paintings, jewelry, and even colorful clothing. All violations were punished rigorously. In the present time, students are presented with many choices in the world of online social media. Due to the increasing popularity of the various social media sites, teens face an interesting but often dangerous world of possible forbidden influences. Teachers, educators, parents have to do their best to nurture their student's curiosity while guarding them against the dangers lurking in the online world. To conclude, censorship may be necessary for the student's safety.
