Friday, June 01, 2007
It is true that freedom of expression is paramount to democracy, as quoted from John Stuart Mill, if a view is not “fully, frequently, and fearlessly discussed,” it will then turn into “a dead dogma, not a living truth.” However, I believe that the freedom of expression should be one that allows people to have the freedom of saying what they like, at the same time, not at the expense of the mutual respect among people. There is a likelihood of anyone getting upset if his or her faith or even culture is being mocked at, as the basic respect was not even shown towards them.
Especially when we are living in a country like Singapore, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, all the more we should show respect to people of different culture and religion and learn to appreciate their beliefs. Furthermore, it is shown through the actions of the government that it does not wish that the interest of people being sacrificed in place of the freedom to express. At home, we have had two Singaporeans being charged, fined and jailed, for a day and a month respectively under the Sedition Act because they have posted racist remarks on their blogs. This acts as a deterrent for Singaporeans to be aware of the mutual respect they should have for each other while enjoying the freedom to express.
All in all, we, should be responsible for what we are going to say or do as this might hurt someone’s feelings unknowingly. The freedom to express is good but we should never abuse the freedom of expression to put someone down or even mock at someone’s faith and culture. Since each and every one of us would always like to be given the due respect, it is only right that we give our respect to them first. Just like the saying goes, “Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.”
Especially when we are living in a country like Singapore, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, all the more we should show respect to people of different culture and religion and learn to appreciate their beliefs. Furthermore, it is shown through the actions of the government that it does not wish that the interest of people being sacrificed in place of the freedom to express. At home, we have had two Singaporeans being charged, fined and jailed, for a day and a month respectively under the Sedition Act because they have posted racist remarks on their blogs. This acts as a deterrent for Singaporeans to be aware of the mutual respect they should have for each other while enjoying the freedom to express.
All in all, we, should be responsible for what we are going to say or do as this might hurt someone’s feelings unknowingly. The freedom to express is good but we should never abuse the freedom of expression to put someone down or even mock at someone’s faith and culture. Since each and every one of us would always like to be given the due respect, it is only right that we give our respect to them first. Just like the saying goes, “Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.”
Labels: Freedom of expression in Singapore?
2:27 AM
Y Tsubasa Chronicle.
