While I ponder around thinking about what to write about the subject matter. I immediately realized that its a controversial issue and my opinion will solely be based on facts.
It is expected to know that freedom of speech is a fundamental right that belongs to all humans as a citizen of the world. Unfortunately, the freedom of speech we claim is in itself not truly freedom as the case may be. This is common in almost every part of the world from what we see.
For instance in my country Nigeria, you must be extremely extra super careful in altering words during conversation in public places. This could be in a media channel, dignitaries meeting, public gathering, or any type of gathering that will get to alot of eyes and ears either during or after the meeting. This is due to the fear that has been instilled in us to ever say anything that will come after an authority figure.
Come to think of it. If I have the freedom of feeding, why should I be afraid to eat? If I have the freedom of ownership, why should I be afraid to buy a car or house? And if I have the freedom of speech, why should I be careful to speak? All because I'm afraid of an authoritative government.
I know this may be counterintuitive. But if we go by the real definition of freedom then this might make some more meaning.
Now the human nature is dynamic. It is the reason why we are able handle the same issues separately. It is the reason why some certain speech will break and mar one fellow and the same speech will elevate the other. It is why we fully cannot attribute some type of speech to be harmful or not. It is why some words are disrespectful and others are not. And more importantly, why there is a need to reminisce upon an issue before pondering it out as words from the mouth.
Speech and expression alone has led to different sort of violence among people of the society, among couples, friends and family members. So beyond being afraid of some authoritative measures by the government, domestic violence is another headache that freedom of speech brings to us.
Another good one is the opportunity this freedom has brought to young people to be outspoken among their colleagues for those who are able to freely express themselves from a tender age. It gives them the ability to not be intimidated which is a good source of depression for people today.
There might be the fear of expressing oneself for so many reasons. But whichever way it is I feel the ability to control how you feel towards some kind of speech should be prioritized by individuals. That way we won't come after people so hard for expressing themselves because they are at liberty to do so.
