Opinion: ‘Speak and let others speak’ – The cost of freedom of speech

by Myar Kalsaki-Kamag

freedom of speech

There must be a renewed vigor in elevated levels of maturity that allow us to come to terms with the responsibility we all have in creating a platform and network capable of influencing and enacting positive change.

To be or not to be… this is the ultimate question, a question that spurs our innate curiosity to wander and delve deeper into the comprehension of self. Who am I? Why am I here? What is the purpose of my being? Is my existence assigned to a predetermined path and if so is my fate cupped by the hands of destiny? Am I free? Do I possess the liberty to explore the whims of my inhibitions?

These are but a few of the questions that have raged in the inner conflict of man from time immemorial. Ever since the creation of Adam and Eve, man has been blessed with the burden of choice and society has been left with the responsibility of defining norm. The need for peaceful coexistence necessitated the desire to be governed and the different forms in which one can be governed is reflective of the tenants deeply instilled in our freedom.

The ideology of freedom is instituted in democracy and it is of no surprise that more and more nations around the world are clamoring for democratic rule. The notion of a person infringing on ones basic right to live as one so chooses albeit within the gambit of the laws that guide the society where one resides, is not acceptable nor is it condoned by the majority of the worlds population.  Every individual is entitled to his/her own opinion and every voice must be given the platform to be heard. By so doing, the truth of our differences is ascertained and a clear channel to civil discourse is readily accessible whenever conflicting desires emerge. Contrary to what is widely believed, freedom is not free! Many brave souls lost their lives fighting to gain the freedoms we now enjoy and the price for maintaining such freedom is laden in the sacrifices borne from discipline, conviction, compromise, and civility. We must agree to either agree or respectfully disagree whenever we find ourselves engaged in arguments or discussions. No matter the issue at hand, and no matter how damaging it might be to our personal beliefs, we have a responsibility to society at large to handle all disputes or varying opinions with civility and an open mind.

History readily reminds us that whenever and wherever the opinions and desires of people have been stifled, varying atrocities consequently unfold. Sadly, we are yet to learn from the mistakes of our past and all across the globe people are being molested, harassed, and killed because they dare to be different and stand up for something contrary to the stipulated norm of their commune. If we believe in the elitist theory of superior argument, then we innocuously sew the seed of discord that germinates into conflict and chaos. There can be no justification for violence whether it is verbal or physical, and claiming the higher moral ground does nothing to assuage the consequences of the aftermath in actions absent of civility. A Christian spewing curses and death threats on a person who makes a comment about Jesus and Mary Magdalene- a Moslem who kills someone for blasphemy against prophet Mohammed or lynches someone for burning the holy Koran- homosexuals being beaten to a state of coma for committing what is deemed by many to be an abomination- children tortured to death after being accused of being wizards and witches… Six and a half million Jews were killed in the holocaust because an Arian race disapproved of them. 3million Rwandans were killed because Tutsis and Hutus had hatred in their hearts. The list of atrocities is endless but they all have one thing in common. There has never been a conflict resulting in bloodshed that was not initiated by a clash of ideology and the silencing of words! Yes! Words! Words! Words! the syllables that voice the echo that resounds in our soul.

My stance on freedom of speech is no doubt influenced by the fact that I was raised in a liberal home where devout Moslems and Christians sat down together praying and reading the Koran and Bible. The teachings in these two holy books reveal to us that only Allah/God can judge us and we do not have the right to condemn our fellow man. Since I believe in the Word and I am aware that man cannot fight any battle for God, rather God fights all my battles. Why then should I use the superior argument of a moral high ground to verbally abuse or condemn a fellow human being when the Word clearly states that I should address my fellow man with peace, love, and compassion. It becomes my duty to try and persuade those who I believe have been lead astray by the perversions of the evil in man, to cross over to the side of my superior argument based on the tenants of Truth. Yes, there can only be one Truth and as hard as it is for those of us who live by the truth to come into contact with those who choose their perceived freedom to denounce such truth, if we acknowledge the free will to be obedient to the Word, then we lose the selfish rights to condemn through verbal assault or condone the silencing of opposing opinion.

Some argue that there is a dilemma when caught between the laws of man and the laws of God, but in all honesty there is none. In the heirachy of power the laws of God supercedes that of man, and even though we have been given the gift of our freedoms by God, the Word clearly states that we must also be obedient to the rules of man. Since the laws of man in democratic dispensations grant all the freedom of speech then such freedoms must be respected. The burden of choice still weighs heavily on our shoulders and we are left to ponder on the options that present themselves in our quotidian endeavors. If we are to find a peaceful solution to all our problems, then we must first start by choosing the write words to address one another and select the option that educates and advises rather than the voice that supports condemnation and abuse. Two wrongs do not make a right. In instances made evident through words where we believe a person has erred in his conviction we must not retaliate in callous or uncouth manner and if ones action is deemed unlawful then it becomes our duty to address recourse through civil and lawful means. Never, Never, Never can we stifle a voice or condone the muting of voices regardless of what is spoken or by whom. This is the only way that our individual desires for freedom can converge into our collective desire for peaceful coexistence through channels that ensure the liberty to attain justice and equal rights. I do not condone violence or approve of bigots, homosexuals, rapists, or pedophiles. That doesn’t mean that I should refuse to find a common ground to discuss with someone who supports Boko Haram, or another who insults my religious beliefs, or yet another who speaks indifferently about rape. I read newspapers, magazines, articles and comments in threads on social media and it seems like everyone is either on the far right or the far left. Extremism is now the order of the day and the gulf of our divide highlights our differences more and more each day. How can one be an ally or friend if you block the chances of civil discourse that allow you to properly converse, and if one is not a friend does it not create an avenue for the person to be an enemy! When someone says something I find distasteful I try to find the strength of character shown in this Voltaire quote…“I disapprove of what you say, but I defend to the death your right to say it”.

There must be a renewed vigor in elevated levels of maturity that allow us to come to terms with the responsibility we all have in creating a platform and network capable of influencing and enacting positive change. We cannot continue to point fingers at the man in the mirror while denying the identity of our reflection. Philosophical arguments on being the lesser evil can no longer hold sway. The reckless abuse of power and office that our government officials blatantly exhibit is borne from the same indiscipline that you and I display when disregarding the rights of others and refusing to acknowledge people with opposing opinions and beliefs. Freedom of expression should not be used as a weapon that attempts to destroy any opposition. All across the world this point is being made evident as we witness conflict and turmoil daily due to people choosing to violently disagree with opposing factions. The interpretation of the freedom to express our selves through words and action is often tainted with ignorance and bias. Freedom of expression is a responsibility and this caveat cannot be excluded when discussing our inalienable rights. War is usually the end result of a festering dispute that started with a quarrel. Before resulting to the use of sticks, stones, and guns words are the first weapons to be brandished. The ensuing carnage that erupts is determined by the extent of damage that the ill words spoken have provoked. If we refuse to embrace the discipline and reserve that is needed to foster free speech, then there can be no hope of sustaining our freedoms. Unless we live by the mantra “Speak and let others Speak” the quest to “Live and let Live” will never be achieved. As we attempt to be all that we can be and come to terms with the questions surrounding our liberties and freedom. We must learn to embrace the rights of others in their individual quest to be whom they choose to be and allow them their right to say whatever they feel like saying. I leave you with three quotes from three people who are far better than I at crafting words.

“Without free speech no search for truth is possible… no discovery of truth is useful… Better a thousandfold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech. The abuse dies in a day, but the denial slays the life of the people, and entombs the hope of the race”. Charles Bradlaugh.

“It is the rare fortune of these days that one may think what one likes and say what one thinks”. Tacitus

“To hear one voice clearly, we must have freedom to hear them all”. Kerry Brock.

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

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