There is an unfortunate trend of debating freedom of expression Vs how much freedom of expression must be allowed.
When someone is attacked or killed for saying or writing something, it does not silence that person. It kills nation's voice. And on top of that if people start praising or celebrate the killing, there can not be bigger deed of damage to nation.
Hate will only kill nation's voice.
Most strange part is we celebrate Gandhi, his teachings and the path he has shown. But all this remains a show if we do not follow non-violence, tolerance, truth and kindness. Infact they have not killed a person, they have killed Gandhi.
So how should we deal with situation. A nation is great only if it allows freedom of speech and expression. On the other hand we want that nothing wrong, abusive or mischievous must be said or written which harms the atmosphere of nation. How do we establish balance between freedom and discipline.
There are simple rules to follow:
- Freedom of expression is basic essence of a free nation. We must not try to curb that in any way.
- There should be zero tolerance for violence of any kind be it physical or verbal, direct or virtual.
- There should be well defined law stating what goes beyond freedom of speech and expression. Those crossing the line can then be taken to court.
- Freedom of expression and speech must not be used as a political tool or as a weapon to hurt sentiments of people. It is right given to citizens and must be used with a sense of responsibility and self discipline.
- Best solution is - let people speak. If it is wrong or hurtful, that person will himself or herself lose dignity and respect. Those who feel that something wrong is said or written can challenge the person on facts in media or social forums. People can the easily decide who is right who is wrong.
Let people fight with facts and arguments. Those who use violence of any kind are proven cowards. And India is not a nation of cowards. We even tell our enemies not use use coward terrorism. Come fight with us face to face. So do not be coward. Face the criticism and raise your argument with valid points. And if you do not have valid points then you must relearn humanity.
When someone is attacked or killed for saying or writing something, it does not silence that person. It kills nation's voice. And on top of that if people start praising or celebrate the killing, there can not be bigger deed of damage to nation.
Hate will only kill nation's voice.
Most strange part is we celebrate Gandhi, his teachings and the path he has shown. But all this remains a show if we do not follow non-violence, tolerance, truth and kindness. Infact they have not killed a person, they have killed Gandhi.
So how should we deal with situation. A nation is great only if it allows freedom of speech and expression. On the other hand we want that nothing wrong, abusive or mischievous must be said or written which harms the atmosphere of nation. How do we establish balance between freedom and discipline.
There are simple rules to follow:
- Freedom of expression is basic essence of a free nation. We must not try to curb that in any way.
- There should be zero tolerance for violence of any kind be it physical or verbal, direct or virtual.
- There should be well defined law stating what goes beyond freedom of speech and expression. Those crossing the line can then be taken to court.
- Freedom of expression and speech must not be used as a political tool or as a weapon to hurt sentiments of people. It is right given to citizens and must be used with a sense of responsibility and self discipline.
- Best solution is - let people speak. If it is wrong or hurtful, that person will himself or herself lose dignity and respect. Those who feel that something wrong is said or written can challenge the person on facts in media or social forums. People can the easily decide who is right who is wrong.
Let people fight with facts and arguments. Those who use violence of any kind are proven cowards. And India is not a nation of cowards. We even tell our enemies not use use coward terrorism. Come fight with us face to face. So do not be coward. Face the criticism and raise your argument with valid points. And if you do not have valid points then you must relearn humanity.
