Freedom of Speech: Are these only words?

Everyone has a right to express themselves, be it agreeing or disagreeing with others. We can air our views through protest, social media, tv, radio, books and newspapers. In some parts of the world, this freedom is infringed on unnecessarily.

Authoritarian regimes that are keen on clinging to power always control the public narrative by manipulating the media.

Restrictive legal reforms. One good example is the fake news law in Russia. The invasion of Ukraine is called a "military operation" by the Russian government and anyone referring to it as a war could land in jail for 15 years.

Smear campaigns toward journalists and whistleblowers. Powerful and unscrupulous individuals turn to smear campaigns in order to discredit and silence them. Some resort to making up stories, kidnapping and threatening their close friends and family.

Online hate. Being trolled discourages many from sharing their opinions on different subjects online. Hostile individuals limit free speech among the marginalized. During the campaign season, some were trolled and insulted based on the political candidate they supported.

References

1) amnesty.org

2) liberties.eu

3) study.com

Comments

How Migration Affects Family Relationships (It’s Not Just About Distance)

Migration impacts more than just where people live. It changes family roles, emotional bonds, and everyday life. Here's how it really affects relationships. Let’s Talk About Migration and Family Life When people move to another country for work, study, or a better life, they often do it with one goal in mind: to support their loved ones. But while migration brings hope and opportunity, it also brings distance and not just the kind you measure in miles. So, how does migration affect family relationships? That’s a big question, but one that hits home for millions of families around the world. Let’s break it down in a real, honest way. Being Far Away Is Hard One of the biggest things people don’t always talk about is just how emotionally tough migration can be. Sure, there’s excitement and progress, but when a parent, spouse, or child is far away, there’s a real ache that doesn’t go away with a phone call. Even with video chats and WhatsApp messages, you can’t hug through a scre...

Cancel Culture: Modern Justice or Online Bullying?

In today’s digital age, cancel culture seems to stir up more heated debate than most. Some hail it as a way for society to hold public figures and institutions accountable while others see it as a dangerous form of online bullying; an unforgiving, mob-driven take-down with real-life consequences. But what exactly is cancel culture, and is it helping or hurting our world? Let’s explore both sides of the coin. Cancel Culture as Modern Justice One of the strongest arguments for cancel culture is that it gives power to the powerless. For generations, marginalised voices were silenced by systems that protected the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Today, social media has changed that. When someone speaks out about racism, sexism, abuse, or corruption, their voice can echo around the globe within hours. The public can demand change and more importantly, demand accountability. Consider cases where traditional institutions failed to act until social pressure forced them to. In these mo...

Catholic Mass Readings for Thursday, September 1st 2022

TWENTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C FIRST READING "All are yours,’ and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s." 1 Corinthians 3: 18 - 23 Brethren: Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So let no one boast of men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future, all are yours; and you are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s. The Word of the Lord. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 24: 1 - 2, 3 - 4ab, 5 - 6 (R.) 1ab R/. The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness. The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world, and all who dwell in it. It is he who set it on the seas; on the rivers he made it firm. R/. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lo...

Celestine Designs and Media

Search This Blog