“Freedom of speech and expression are always guaranteed in every democratic society.” It’s an ideal adage but it often ends up being a hollow slogan, and worse, abused.

The right of freedom of expression has always been the object of tension, struggle and contest, between the state and its citizens and within society itself.

I believe no freedom is absolute, not even freedom of expression. It is wrong to justify the acts of those who pontificate that they have an absolute right to do whatever they please in the name of such freedom. Freedom of expression should not be taken blindly, ignoring religious sensitivity, ethics and social values.

Such freedom does not provide people the right to do things that are detrimental to society as a whole, therefore plunging it into endless chaos and anarchy. Values, ethics and laws are to protect and respect the rights of individuals as well as their religious and social values.

For that reason, freedom of expression should not transgress or violate these values. Therefore, when European countries saw the controversial inflammatory anti-Islamic film, Innocence of Muslims, as an expression of artistic freedom, it was considered blasphemy, a sacrilege to the most revered belief of many Muslims and most believers alike.

It was an abuse of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression does not mean we have the right to curse, abuse or disrespect others or scorn and contempt a certain faith. Such freedom should walk hand in hand with self-control and respect.

It should take heed of the greater public interest. The primary goal of the media after all is to inform, criticize and correct with professional finesse and grace, giving an edge to its commitment to serve the public interest.

Hence, members of the press should be extra careful while documenting, reporting and cartooning their work to avoid disrespecting any faith, culture and race.

It is important to “think before you speak or write”. Every action has consequences. Let our common sense lead the way. If we say or write what we want without any conscience whatsoever, then we are no better than animals. If you walk around naked in the name of freedom of expression, do you think any society at will accept such behavior?

If you want to have sex wherever you want with whoever you want in public, in the name of freedom of expression, will any decent society tolerate your action? I don’t think so, because every society has its own red lines to help to avoid such absolute freedom.

When people have a problem conducting themselves properly, they have to be reined in. For that reason, every society needs rules to avoid chaos and anarchy.

The media has the responsibility to help society maintain better understanding and communication among people of different faiths, cultures and races without disrespecting the faith, race and values of others. It should promote such ideals to make the world a better place to live in, whether in the West or East.

There is no absolute freedom of expression as it always defines its limits. Therefore, to prevent anarchy and chaos, it is necessary to sanction or even prevent expression that spreads, incites, promotes or justifies hatred based on intolerance (including religious intolerance) as guaranteed by existing rules and regulations.

Herlina
Jakarta

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