“I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
I have chosen this famous paraphrase from a biographer named Evelyn Beatrice Hall about her understanding of Voltaire’s thinking on free speech because this is becoming a serious problem in our era, even hundreds of years after the philosopher’s time – so let’s talk about talking, shall we?
In times where feelings are more important than facts, exchanges of ideas are replaced by accusations and hateful comments, real journalism is replaced by ‘clout seeking’ headlines, defending free speech is becoming a dangerous activity.
Understanding that I will be criticised by defending it, I just ask the reader to hold fire for a few minutes and let me show you a different perspective.
Firstly, imagine a world where you could only say “Yes” or “Meh”. Boring, right? Freedom of speech is like adding every flavour to the mix – from the spicy to the sweet, the bitter to the savoury. It’s the secret sauce that keeps democracies zesty and alive.
But why is it so important? Well, for starters, without it, we’d all be nodding robots, agreeing with everything and questioning nothing. Like agreeing pineapple belongs on pizza without a debate. Unthinkable!
Now, let’s add another layer to this delicious democracy cake – Diversity of Thoughts. Just like a rainbow needs all its colours, a healthy democracy needs a spectrum of opinions. Without it, we’d just have fifty shades of beige – and who wants that?
This diversity ensures that no idea goes unchallenged. It’s like having a dinner table discussion where one person loves action movies, another is all about rom-coms, and someone insists documentaries are the real deal. The result? A lively, enriching conversation (and maybe a few popcorn fights).
But here’s the kicker: freedom of speech isn’t a wild free-for-all. It’s more like a tightrope walk over a pool of social responsibility sharks. Say the wrong thing, and snap! You’re in hot water. That’s why it’s crucial to balance this freedom with a sense of respect and understanding.
We’re aiming for a healthy debate, not a food fight, and let’s face it, sometimes, it can get messy. There’s misinformation, hurtful speech, and the occasional conspiracy theory about aliens controlling the weather (come on, we all know it’s the squirrels). But that’s the price of an open, vibrant society. We wade through the nonsense to find the gems of truth and wisdom.
To challenge the situation even more, social media aggravates this issue by ‘giving a megaphone’ to everyone at the party. Suddenly, Uncle Bob’s bizarre theories about flat earth aren’t just confined to Thanksgiving dinner – they’re trending on Instagram! Social media amplifies voices but also tests our tolerance and discernment. It’s a wild ride, folks.
So, why do we put up with this cacophony of voices, this whirlwind of opinions? Because, dear readers, it’s the essence of our freedom. It’s what allows innovation to flourish, societies to evolve, and individuals to grow. Without this vibrant dialogue, we’d be stuck in a monochrome world, and let’s be honest – nobody looks good in grayscale.
According to a frequently cited quotation, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’.
In conclusion, freedom of speech and diversity of thoughts are not just fancy concepts; they’re the lifeblood of democracy. They’re what makes our society a kaleidoscope of ideas, cultures and perspectives. So, let’s cherish this freedom, even when it gets a little loud or chaotic. After all, it’s better to have a symphony with a few off-notes than to live in a world of eerie silence.
And remember, next time you engage in a spirited debate, whether it’s about politics, pineapple on pizza, or the latest reality TV show – you’re not just arguing. You’re participating in the grand messy beautiful experiment of democracy. Keep talking, keep listening, and let’s keep this party going!
Words by Dr Abilio Oliveira, researcher
Find out more about Dr Abilio Oliveira here.
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