Hello all this is @furiousboy and this is my post submission of this week's topic.
We frequently hear in South Asia, particularly in India, that we have the right to free expression. Our constitution contains it, and schools teach it. Surely, we ought to be free to express our thoughts honestly and without fear? But is it really so easy in the real world? Are we truly free to express our opinions, or are we frequently too terrified of the repercussions?
Is It Possible to Take Away Our Rights?
Since our right to free expression is protected by law, it cannot simply be taken away. Looking around, though, reveals that a lot of people are hesitant to speak up. It can be subtle at times, such as when a journalist's piece is rejected for publication due to its being considered "too risky." In other cases, it is clear, such as when someone gets arrested or subjected to harassment because of their beliefs.
Thus, even while our rights are still "there," many people don't feel like they can really exercise it. People are made to feel afraid to use their right away rather than being granted it outright. Everyone is discouraged from speaking up when they witness others being punished for merely voicing their opinions.
Do We Fear Things Too Much?
Is it true that we are being stopped, or are we simply too scared to voice our opinions? is another question. It's actually a combination of the two. There are social, religious, and political groups in society that restrict people's ability to express themselves freely.
A lot of people merely prefer to stay quiet because it seems easier. Why jeopardize your safety, job, or family’s peacefulness just to share an opinion? This is a terrible fact of life in South Asia. People often remain silent because of fear of the consequences, not because they are incapable of speaking up.
Does Refusing to Speak Mean We've Given Up Our Rights?
Does it mean we forfeit our right to free speech if we keep quiet out of fear? Yes, in certain aspects. What good is it to have this right if we can't feel comfortable expressing our opinions? Speaking freely ought to entail speaking without fear, not just when it's "safe."
Even while the law theoretically grants us the right, it feels like our freedom diminishes when people learn to avoid particular issues because they're "off-limits." It's like feeling like you have the right, but you're not actually free to utilize it.
In summary
There are boundaries to free expression in South Asia, but they are unseen. Yes, we have this correct, but it's not always simple or secure to use. Many remain silent because they believe they have no other option—not because they want to. Our freedom to free speech won't be fully realized until we may express ourselves without fear of consequences. Though the law may guarantee our right to free speech, our everyday lives can feel very different.
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