show me the way

freedom of speech vs social responsibility!!!

Freedom of speech is the liberty to freely express one’s opinion, as well as hear what others have stated. It is also the right to speak without censorship or restraint by the government. Freedom of speech has been granted formal recognition by the laws of most nations, but in some countries, some government censorship is enforced. Singapore is one such country. In my opinion, Szilagyi’s view of more focus being placed on social responsibility should be adopted in the context of Singapore multi-racial society, instead of Singer’s belief that freedom of expression should not be limited and is essential to any democracy.

In Peter Singer article of Free Speech, Muhammad, and the Holocaust, he said that “freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, and it must include the freedom to say what everyone else believes to be false, and even what many people may find offensive”. Yes, I agree that freedom of speech is a basic human right and everyone should be allowed freedom of expression, but only if it does not cause any social disturbance or cause any harm. In the context of Singapore’s society, it is difficult to adopt Singer view on that freedom of expression should not be limited. Singapore is a multi-racial nation, where individual communities maintain their unique cultural identities and different religious groups co-exist in harmony. Thus, any issues on racial and religious matters are sensitive and people may take offence to statements or actions by others who show disrespect intentionally or unintentionally to their religion or racial groups. Racial harmony is of great importance to Singapore. Without cultivating this harmony, it may bring about devastating consequences. An example is the 1964 race riots, which resulted in a high number of casualties and threatened the peace and stability of Singapore. Race, language, religion and culture are very sensitive issues. Just a small spark may damage the stability, peace and racial harmony in Singapore. Therefore, there is a need to limit freedom of expression in Singapore, so that it does not cause social disturbance or harm.

I agree with Zsofia Szilagyi on his stand that “the press needs to serve the ever-evolving public interest, and it needs to do so by focusing on responsibility, and not solely on freedom”. Social responsibility comes first. We have to understand the consequences of our actions and the impact it will bring about before we carry out our actions. Few years back, 12 cartoon images of the Prophet Muhammad printed in a Danish newspaper sparked violent rioting across the Muslim world and controversy over religious imagery. Even though they had no ill intentions, the press shouldn’t have published these cartoons when they know that there is prohibition of images of Prophet Muhammad and furthermore, the cartoons are an insult to the Muslims too.

Singapore police have wide powers to intercept online messages, and Internet service providers are required to block websites containing material that may be a threat to public security, national defense, racial and religious harmony and public morality. Political and religious websites must also be registered with the authorities. Thus, in Singapore, social responsibility as well as control actions are necessary to maintain ethnic harmony among its 4.2 million people.Although freedom of speech and expression in Singapore continues to be curbed by restrictive legislation, the government has made some improvements, for example, by allowing free speech at Hong Lim Park, allowing the people free rights to vote and also freedom of choice of religion.

In conclusion, freedom of speech comes with responsibility. One has to be responsible for what he/she says and not do harm or cause social disturbance in the process- abusing his/her right of freedom of speech. We have to take into account local circumstances and interests particular to Singapore, for example, multi-ethnic communities; priority of communitarian ideals over individual ideals; and the need to promote racial harmony and create a national identity, therefore social responsibility of both the press and the people is vital in Singapore’s society.

posted by shermaine @ 6/21/2007 10:37:00 PM