JAN 29 — Freedom of expression has again become a widely-discussed controversy recently.
Many people thought that the Internet age is an era that enables everyone to say what they want to say but many Internet users around the world have been arrested and investigated. It shows that apart from saying whatever they like, Internet users must still be responsible for their remarks and they may have to pay a price for abusing their freedom of expression.
There is no single political power in the world that does not want to control speech. The degree of control is the only difference.
On the other hand, there is always someone who dares to take risks. They are willing to risk their freedom or even lives to express themselves and ask for freedom through various channels.
When there are maverick voices that overthrow tradition in the society, we actually do not have to be too surprised or overact by hastily silence the voices. Unfortunately, when there are opposing voices, many governments do not modestly listen. Instead, they blindly take repressive measures, triggering more dissenting voices and counter actions.
Dissenting voices are indeed harsh and exaggerated sometimes. But regardless whether it is good or bad, good advice or paranoid views, they represent the people’s thoughts. As there is no space to express these thoughts in the society, they can only emerge in a form that is contrary to the tradition.
We have to admit that there is a limit for the freedom of expression. Many of those in power believe that the media should not be allowed to enjoy too much of freedom of expression or it may lead to social disorder. As the media has been regarded as the source of social disorder, then suppressing the media’s freedom of expression will be a “priority”.
The rise of Internet has broken the traditional pattern. The virtual world has become a subversive space. Everyone enjoys the right to speak, express their opinions and even dissatisfaction. The more a society’s freedom of expression is suppressed, the more dissenting voices will be seconded. As a result, the problem will be intensified, causing some extreme views and distorted facts.
Undeniably, abusing the freedom of expression will bring harm to the society but opening it up has a positive side, too. People from a society that can tolerate a greater diversity of voices will be more mature and the possibility of unrest is relatively lower.
Universities should be a cradle of democracy and if various kinds of suppression on freedom of expression and white terror are found in campus elections, the biggest concern would be: Is the country still a democratic state? Is there still a freedom to vote?
“Do you think that you can no longer see if your eyes are covered? Do you think that you can no longer hear if your ears are covered?” The Wound of History was a song written in late 80s by student activists in Taiwan. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? — mysinchew.com
* This article is a translated version of the original
* This article is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
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