Monday, July 2, 2007
BLOGGING TASK.
In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, I think that Szilagyi’s view that more focus should be placed on social responsibility should be adopted. It may be refuted that freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, as it ensures that everyone is given equal freedom of speech, freedom in expressing one’s opinion, and hence the interests and rights of everyone is being protected. However, does it mean that every individual’s right is being protected when such freedom of expression stretches over its limit and comes to a point where it becomes ubiquitous for everyone to speak their mind, although it may hurt the interests of other minority groups in the society? The answer is blatantly obvious.
When interests of people in a society are being compromised, trouble may brew. For instance, the publishing of the cartoons ridiculing Muhammad in Danish and Norwegian newspapers has incited rage in the Muslim world and had disastrous effects on the peace and order in the country. There were mass demonstrations, diplomatic rows and economic boycotts of products by the two countries. There will then be economic, social and political unrest all around the world. Diplomatic ties might also be harmed, Moreover, in this new age of technology, where information can be transmitted to all parts of the globe with the click of a mouse, once messages are out in the public, they develop a life of their own and become subject to multiple interpretations, Such a situation can be aggravated in out multi-racial society. We should never let history repeat itself, the 1964 racial riots that occurred due to the lack of insensitivity of some people has caused the whole country to be distrustful of one another. If the people in a country are unable to co-exist peacefully, how then can everyone contribute to the society’s growth, and ensure its country thrive? This is why our government practises such high degree of self-censorship in our media. The unpleasant incident over a blogger’s insensitive criticism of a minority racial group in our country, that has foment racial discord over a period of time is evident—in this multi-racial society, it is crucial for us to be sensitive to other people’s differences; there should be social responsibility exercised, our system should never be one that has complete freedom of expression. I am not saying we do not have the basic right to say what we want, but at least we must do that with a sense of responsibility.
XOXO NAME
