Freedom Of Speech vs Cultural Sensitivity
Terrorism in Paris and Interview the Movie
As a Founder of an Alternative Church, I believe in freedom of religion AND in freedom of speech, deeply. I’m against terrorism, senseless killing and vandalism.
I believe that the act of terrorism at the French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris which left 12 people dead – the top editor, prominent cartoonists – including Mr. Charbonnier, Jean Cabut, Georges Wolinski, Bernard Verlhac – and police officers is devastating to us all. I stand with the families and friends of the victims. (Eleven others have been wounded in the attack.)
It is insane that creators of artistic and intellectual work – whether we agree with it or not; whether we like it or not – were murdered in cold blood because of their work. There are such weapons as the pen and such venues as courts for the expression of displeasure or offense. To confront art and intellect with a gun and to murder artists is barbaric, tragic, outrageous and totally out of proportion to the perceived offense.
Changing the subject for a moment, even though I founded and run an Alternative Church, it breaks my heart every time I hear that a Church was vandalized (sometimes even burnt down!) or graves at a cemetery were defaced. I may not share the beliefs of a given Church or cemetery, but it hurts me the same because anyone’s place of worship is a place of worship and anyone’s cemetery is sacred ground.
Every religion is deserving of respect regardless of our own beliefs. The intent of every religion is to provide spiritual care and teach ethics. Interfering with or mocking a religion is disrespectful of the beliefs of people who recognize God (by any name), receive spiritual care and learn ethics. It isn’t just disrespecting or mocking a doctrine, but disrespecting and mocking many, real believers.
Freedom of speech is a privilege and as such it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Still, even with freedom of speech there are certain forms of free speech that are not allowed and punishable by law even in our country where we enjoy and value freedom of speech. (Screaming “fire” in a packed movie theatre will get you arrested. Why? Because during the stampede to escape some people will get hurt. The one who created the false alarm is responsible for the outcome of it. That’s why, freedom of speech or not, we don’t scream “fire” in a movie theatre even if the movie happens to suck. What stops us? Common sense, consideration and self-censorship. These considerations stop us from exercising “freedom of speech” in a crowded movie theatre.)
I’m trying to say that as much as I believe in freedom of speech and in creative freedom, I believe in a healthy respect of religion, law and other people as well.
We all know there is such a thing as a cultural sensitivity. We don’t use certain words to describe people of a different race or sexual orientation or make jokes about either. For some people a satire on any subject is only a satire, others may perceive it as a lack of cultural sensitivity. I see no conflict between freedom of speech and cultural sensitivity or freedom of speech and self-censorship.
On a related note, the movie “Interview” is another instance of freedom of speech and creative expression without cultural sensitivity. It is utterly insensitive to the international diplomatic protocol which entitles all politicians – including heads of state, of course – to a certain courtesy and respect. “Interview” is not a great movie and certainly not “deserving” of all the brouhaha preceding its release. Still, since a “comedy” about a killing a head of state made it all the way to the big screen, I’m tempted to ask how would YOU feel about a movie that depicts a plot to assassinate your Mother, your priest, your mayor, or our President?… Freedom of speech and artistic expression aside, is it just me or the premise of “Interview” lacks cultural sensitivity, self-censorship and common sense?
We exercise self-censorship and self-restraint every day. Public spitting, urinating, defecating, belching, or releasing gas are also forms of self-expression. Luckily, we all know that not all forms of self-expression are socially acceptable. Theoretically speaking, freedom of speech covers our calling a waitress – for instance – dumb. We are free to do so. But is public name calling, the right thing to do? We make compromises at the expense of freedom of self-expression and in the name of harmonious coexistence all the time. We are self-censoring our impulses not for the sake of others but to prevent conflict and protect ourselves.
Perhaps a bit of cultural sensitivity in the media and entertainment industry would defuse social tensions AND save lives? Freedom of speech – or freedom of expression – WITHOUT cultural sensitivity may not be right.
