Ali Gilani
FREEDOM of speech which is taken for granted nowadays heads back to ancient Greece. In fact, Greek word ‘Parrhesia’ means free speech and it first appeared in Greek literature around 500 B.C. Even though this idea is primeval in its nature, the struggle to embed it fully in a human society was not smooth and spontaneous. Many philosophers and free thinkers lost their freedom and lives for raising their voices. A few centuries back even the mere thought of equal rights and fair treatment was met with scorn and disdain. However, with the passage of time and upgradation of human minds free speech has become the backbone of any decent lawful human society and without it the prosperity and affluence are unthinkable.
The political structure of the Western society currently comprises liberal democratic ideology. The citizens vote to choose the suitable candidate who has the authority to make all executive decisions at the highest level for the betterment of his country and is answerable to the people. Same applies to the state institutions. Among other things the chosen candidate has also the responsibility of protecting his citizens rights of free thinking and free speech. Under no circumstances the state has to interfere or influence the political and religious choices of its citizens. This is the basic definition of a liberal democratic society. However, in recent decades this right has been changed into something more. It has somehow embraced some characteristics of hate speech. The bearer of this new hybrid power seems oblivious to the distress and agony their shenanigans are causing to the people. Free speech at its inception was planned to keep the powerful in check, but now it is being used as a cheap mockery and derision towards certain groups.
Interestingly, liberals who champion themselves as a pioneer and keeper of free speech are full of double standards. This right magically vanishes into thin air when someone dares to disagree with the LGBT ideology. There are hundreds of stories of jobs sacking and alienation. So much for freedom of expression. Same is the case with Jewish sentiments. Ironically, these pseudo-liberal societies have gone as far as to declare anyone anti-Semitic who dares to raise his voice against the atrocities and horrific acts of Israel. Logical and rational debate on Holocaust death toll is unimaginable. As a matter of fact disagreeing in any way with Holocaust is a punishable offence in many countries.
Islamophobia however, is widely accepted as a basic ingredient of free speech. Therefore, Muslims protests against the inconceivable ways in which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is being portrayed fails to muster any support from the West. It is worth noting that Muslims have the deepest connection with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and this connection is hundreds of thousands time more stronger and deep rooted than Zionist-Israel connection.
Pointing out the apparent inconsistency in dealing with the Muslim sentiments and other minorities sentiments, it is no rocket science that free speech is a hoax. This right is being abused and manipulated. The recent incident of caricature in France and the support of French President for such a shameful act is condemnable. It’s high time that Western societies revisit their approach to free speech and expression and stop supporting these twisted and shallow minds.
—The writer is an engineer, based in Islamabad.
