Friday 7 June 2013

The Price for Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech, or free speech as you may call it is the political rights for express one's opinion and ideas using any sorts of medium to whoever is willing to receive it. I have no need to explain further about what freedom of speech all about since you can find it yourself in the first amendment. Just Google it. It's all over the place. That's what the internet are for, (not just for surfing the net, social networks, gaming, and porn). In these days, freedom of speech is being used far too widely and vaguely. Why do I say that? Look at the image here. The spectacles over the the word 'freedom of speech' itself is self-explanatory.

Okay, let's just generalize that you might be too blunt to even understand the symbolism here. Yes, I do believe that freedom of speech is probably one of the best thing that the human mind can come up with to counter arguments, express dissatisfaction, overrule restrictions and what-not. But look at the image. Why the spectacles? Because how many of you out there that really understand the concept of 'freedom of speech'? 

The right to freedom of expression is recognized as a human right under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognized in international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 19 of the ICCPR states that "everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice". Article 19 goes on to say that the exercise of these rights carries "special duties and responsibilities" and may "therefore be subject to certain restrictions" when necessary "for respect of the rights or reputation of others" or "for the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or morals" 
- source: Wikipedia

So you see here, the argument is that even with the freedom of speech, there are certain of restrictions that you have to take into consideration. Meaning that you can't simply express your opinion whatsoever guilessly. My understanding of 'freedom of speech' is simple. It relates to the law of nature that everything comes with a price. Yes, consequences, repercussions, and bifurcation of your so-called 'freedom of speech' may bring. You may think it is harmless fun to go out and tell the whole fucking society about how stupid an organisation is or how you think it is your rights to say this and that, all of those querulousness on the table. But think about the ramification of your action. 

Like I said, there are prices to pay. You can't go on and publicly promulgate injustice of a certain party or slander ruling  government just because you don't think it's fair. In this case, I'm talking about the malcontent of our citizen about the recent GE. In a recent case, a woman was taken to court for her treacherous statements and outright insults regarding the result of the GE. As she had believed it is within her rights to express discontent with the outcome of the election, she blindly or should I say foolishly made a grave mistake with the comment she posted on her Facebook. 


This is an example of why I say that there is a price to pay for every action you take. Think about it, in this reality, everything you do have an outcome. Be it good or bad. If  you compliment someone, you receive a smile, or be complimented upon it too. If you insult someone to their faces, you might get slap across the face, or be ignored. Whatever it is, there is always an outcome to everything we do. Every single little action do. So, this is why, you can't be too carefree about your 'rights' of free speech. There's always a chain reaction, or even a backlash to your bold and colorful statements. 

I am not saying that you aren't entitled for the rights of free speech or  that free speech is a sign of terrorism, but you need to be ready to pay the price if things do get out of hand. I, myself is an avid zealot believing in the power of  free speech. If I were not, then I, myself wouldn't have the guts to write blog entries about  things that  shouldn't be, questioning this and that, now would I?

So, refrain yourself from spouting insensitive issues and slanderous remarks. If not, can you afford it? It may be good or bad, nobody can tell. But whenever it involves political differences, it will always end badly. So the next time you want to open you big fat gob and starts 'practicing' your freedom of speech and flak around, think of the reaction it will cause. Will it spark a scandal, will it evoke unnecessary trouble, will it cost you your actual 'freedom' and cart you off into the penal institution or the penitentiary. Is that price worth paying for your five minutes of fame? If so, by all means, knock you knickers off.