Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. The right to speak your mind freely on important issues and to have personal opinions plays a vital role in the development of any society. This freedom of expression leads to the making of a confident and intelligent nation. Progress does not take place when like minded people sit and agree with each other; it happens when there is a diversity and acceptance to that diversity in the society.
In recent years, we have seen a decline in the open-mindedness and acceptance in our society. If you don’t support the party that I support then you are unpatriotic. If you don’t pray the way I do then you are kafir. The best example of this can be seen in our talk shows.
We, as a nation, need to be strong and mature enough to be able to listen to others, disagree or agree and leave it at that. If we possess that strength and maturity, we can discuss taboo issues like religion and politics too. They may not be that irrational or absurd. And if you can’t agree with their viewpoint, then agree to disagree. Do not burn the bridges over a difference of opinion. It is just not worth it. Think like Thomas Jefferson who says :
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend”.
In other words freedom of expression is agreeing to disagree, which is a skill that requires a lot of tolerance and patience. When I look around I observe that most of the arguments start with a difference of opinion. People keep trying to convince others to agree to what they think is right. People become emotionally disturbed during a disagreement, or an argument. In such cases our personality usually feels hurt and demeaned. This attitude of ‘my way or the high way’ gives birth to conflicts and arguments. Mostly the only reason we find other people annoying is that they are other people, not us. They have other lifestyles, different opinions, weird views and we see no point in it.
The right to freedom of expression provides a way in which people of radically different opinions can live together without violence. I may think you are wrong and you may think the same of me. But it is better for both of us, and for those around us, if we agree to settle our issue with facts, figures and patience instead of issuing fatwas.
The right to express yourself should allow you to :
- Speak your mind
- Express yourself without any reprecussions
- Act upon your own views
- Allow for peaceful debate
‘If freedom of speech is taken away the dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” George Washington
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