Freedom of speech VS social responsibility.
Let me first define the words in the statement above. Freedom of speech is defined as the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc. On the other hand, social responsibility is defined as a voluntarily assumed obligation towards the good of a larger social unit as opposed to the self-alone. In my opinion, freedom of speech and social responsibility should never be allowed to stand alone in a small democratic sovereign state like Singapore. Both should be implemented concurrently to ensure that the needs of the people to speak a piece of their mind is fulfilled and that it does not bring harm to the nation or being thought seen as a personal attack against any bodies.
Freedom of speech being the fundaments of democracy should be implemented and carried out by the people. In a state where one is able to express his grievance, people will be able to know the problems in their society and think of ways to solve it. With such an agenda in mind, improvements can then be made by the people for the people, so that when similar problem arise, people will be better prepared to solve it, adverting any catastrophe. Also, freedom of speech can allow better policies to be made by the government. In the example of a prominent talkshow broadcasted in "channel u" recently, celebrities and members of the public were given a chance to discuss issues and policies that were brought out by the government and indivisual bodies. The participants of the talkshow actively and intellectually discussed the need to have the policy, the pros and cons that the policy caused and the aftermath when the policy was implement. This allow people to understand the government and its actions better, allowing more transparency in the government. Also, the comments and suggestions to improving policy made were also heard by officials in the government body as well. The official can then look for means to modify it so as to serve its needs better. In this example, both the government and the people benefitted.
Hence, the freedom of speech is actually a very useful tool to allow us, the human race, to keep at a competitive edge and to progress forward.
However, just like we have to pay for every item that we place in our shopping bags, there is a price to pay for using this important tool of freedom of speech. This price however comes in the currency of being socially reponsible and mindful of our speeches so as to offend no one. People are free to say what is on their minds but they must be clear where the boundaries are. We must all be taught the importance of obeying such limits to our conversations and the disastrous effect that followsuit if we do not. For example, they should not say hurtful words or try to ruin the relations between different groups as they would have crossed the limit. This is especially important in Singapore's context.Sensitive issues along racial and religious line should not be discussed mindlessly as this irresponsible criticism may spark quarrels and disputes which may then lead to riots as seen in the 1940s. This will inturn caused an economic downfall where tourists and investors will avoid Singapore then.
Hence, everyone should exercise social responsibility so that freedom of speech can be expressed at its optimum and no one is hurt in the process. This is especially so for the media and press. They must keep in mind that whatever they say will spread across the nation, being read and heard by mulititudes. People may interpret their words differently(that is beyond their control), but it is their responsibility to ensure that informations and choice of words are checked thoroughly. Also, media and the press should stay in their neutral ground no matter what the circumstances are so that they will be able to convince people with the facts better.
By practising freedom of speech and social responsibility in our society, we can ensure that all the needs of the people are met and that we live harmoniously despite our differences in race and religion. Singapore can then move forward.
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Sunday, July 1, 2007
Gathering at Marina Bay. Saturday 30th june.
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