we discussed freedom of speech in class today and its importance in western society. why it's so revered, why it's so protected, why it HAS to be so. and on the flip side, why freedom of speech should come with limits (this is, of course, debatable).
i'm glad to say most of my (american) classmates can see both sides of the coin. but naturally most of the class is pro-freedom of speech. however, me in my little corner, felt something boiling in me to say that it has to come with limits/tact/sensitivity (choose one you feel most appropriate) in the context for the benefit of the greater good. perhaps this is one of those hush hush lessons not taught in classrooms, but in subtle messages in censorship rules, media and the free flow of information on the internet.
as the words came out, my voice quavered and i felt my face flush.
was i embarrassed that my country did not strongly advocate an important tenet of democracy? no.
what bugged me more was the fact that at that point in time, i was unable to detach emotions from my academic self. it is sometimes scary to realise only then how emotional/passionate or even sensitive you are about a certain topic. although i do believe in it and its significance, freedom of speech is not my passion, nor do i want to propogate it. it is merely a facet of democracy that i question.
it was a eureka moment both fueled and spoiled by emotions.
i'm glad to say most of my (american) classmates can see both sides of the coin. but naturally most of the class is pro-freedom of speech. however, me in my little corner, felt something boiling in me to say that it has to come with limits/tact/sensitivity (choose one you feel most appropriate) in the context for the benefit of the greater good. perhaps this is one of those hush hush lessons not taught in classrooms, but in subtle messages in censorship rules, media and the free flow of information on the internet.
as the words came out, my voice quavered and i felt my face flush.
was i embarrassed that my country did not strongly advocate an important tenet of democracy? no.
what bugged me more was the fact that at that point in time, i was unable to detach emotions from my academic self. it is sometimes scary to realise only then how emotional/passionate or even sensitive you are about a certain topic. although i do believe in it and its significance, freedom of speech is not my passion, nor do i want to propogate it. it is merely a facet of democracy that i question.
it was a eureka moment both fueled and spoiled by emotions.
Labels: reflection, uni
Post a Comment