Use carefully the right to
freedom of speech
In the past the
writers who wrote the truth about important people would become the target of
anti-social elements. Today the television
channels are targeted. Freedom of
speech and expression has seldom been under so much threat. Example is the bomb attack on the office of
Tamil TV channel Puthiya Thalaimurai. It indicates the growing intolerance in
our society to new heights. This is a
challenge to the secular and tolerant ethos. This is violence perpetrated to
intimidate liberal sections of society from debating or questioning on
important issues. The full force of
the law should be used to rein in elements out to intimidate media and society.
The thali is a
neck ornament worn by Hindu women as a symbol of marriage and a living husband.
The show debated whether battered or abandoned wives still need to wear it. As a religion, Hinduism has always shown a
philosophical indifference to forcing rituals and symbols on its adherents.
But like in every other religion, Hindu
religion too has intolerant fundamentalists.
The right to
protest or expressing difference of opinion by peaceful means should be
recognized for all whether they are Hindus/Muslims/Sikh/Jain or of any faith or
organization. Violence should be shunned to express dislike or difference of
opinion by all and sundry. Harsh words sometimes also sound like violence - it
is better to avoid them for the good of all.
Protest against
such types of TV shows, article or some things like that should be peacefully
done. Ours is a democratic country and all have right to protest or support.
It is very unfortunate to see
fundamentalists resorting to violence to display the differences between them
and liberals.
Intolerance comes
from ignorance. Whether we can as a society educate people on common sense,
would be a good question. As for religion, it has long ago disappeared. What is
left now, is really political parties in the guise of religion.
Hindu traditions
or practices have become a soft target for media persons, film directors and
activists seeking instant fame. Are topics such as 'veils', multiple legal
wives taboo? Would Censor board have cleared PK had the film portrayed Minority
community practices?
It is true that
sometimes, people in the name of Freedom of Speech tend to talk unwanted
things. Freedom of speech does not mean that it can offend sentiments of
people. If they believe something is not required they are free not to follow
that. Why call for a debate on that? It is just to invite trouble and become
popular with the help of controversies that channels want to get the much
needed TRP's which is really absurd.
If freedom of
speech was the basis of this assault, can any of these publishing house have
guts to talk on Islamic tenets. And then let us see how political parties jump
to protect minority.
At the same time,
no right thinking, peace loving and law abiding citizen will support or concur
with violent reactions against someone writing or speaking about his/ her views
on a variety of matters that affect the society at large. The bomb attack on
the TV channel is deplorable and calls for strict action as per law. That said,
we all must remind ourselves that freedom of expression is not absolute and can
be limited when it conflicts with other rights. The limitations should relate
to the rights or reputation or faith of various social groups, national
security, public order, public health and morals. These limitations should be
an integral part of Freedom of Expression. There is a saying "Whatever you
leave unguarded, guard your tongue; otherwise grave errors of speech and the
consequent misery will ensue."
