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2) Freedom of speech has a dark side
I
t is an undisputable fact that freedom of speech is a basic human right,
but as with any form of power given to an individual or organisation, it
can be exploited. Freedom has been one of the biggest and most
prevalent things millions of people have fought and died for, in particular
here in South Africa we are all too aware of this. The Apartheid regime
had stripped the majority of the residents of South Africa of many human
rights, of note, the freedom of speech. Perhaps not apparent outright, the
lack of government support to non-white education was a driving factor in
this particular violation, by incapacitating potential readers and writers by
institutionalising their illegibility and illiteracy.
The freedom of free speech is a cause for concern, despite all of which has
been previously said. I believe that it is paramount for a country to have
“freedom of speech for it’s citizens” for it to be even in consideration for a
democratic state/country, but such freedom can and has previously been
abused. The right in itself comes with some connotations, as well as some
societal wishes/laws which must be abided by. For instance, various social
media platforms contain their own, (separate, yet inclusive of and to the
government) terms of service. These terms of service (T.O.S.) often
outline the strict guidelines to what can, and cannot be said/shared on that
particular platform. This in itself may, to the naked eye, appear to be an
infringement of this affor mentioned right, but is not, as the
company/organisation which designed the T.O.S. for that platform
recognize that some things can be put out on the internet, or said to others,
which may be harmful.
The freedom of speech and the freedom of expression can be abused to
promote hate speech, discrimination, or even a call to arms or instigation
which may result in physical harm or abuse. For instance racism is easily
spread through social media or even physical media such as newspapers or
television programs. This can, and previously has, indoctrinated whole
Amir Dollie, Rough Draft
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groups of people into believing something which is not contemporarily
constitutional.
For this reason as well as all affor mentioned, the freedom of speech does
indeed have a dark side, one which we have all experienced, but maybe
not have been aware of.
Amir Dollie, Rough Draft