When was the last time that you heard someone talk about too much freedom of the press? Yesterday? I hear people complain about the same everyday! My parents, friends, even my doctor has something to say about the topic. It maybe because that I work in the media that I can't seem to avoid the topic. It can also be because I live in a country where there is a constant struggle between what should be, what is and what the people really want. Today, the question of twitter being blocked came up again. I think it is high time that we ask ourselves: Is the media really free?
The censorship that seems elusive to most is not just a threat, it is omnipotent presence in the media. We live in dangerous times, where the voice of one can lead to a riot, where a footage can lead to burnt remains, where a simple protest can lead to death! The power of the media is not to be underestimated but should it really be feared? In a country with the population as large as ours, is it wrong to ask for complete and unchecked censorship?
The power of the media does have its ramifications, but the thought of complete censorship seems not only dangerous, but also completely in violation of the spirit of our nation. Many jokes have circulated, many voices are heard. The government finds it dangerous that voices which disagree with its basic decrees can be so freely voiced. From cartoons, to tweets, to messages, all are being monitored. But, what really comes across is the weak base on which our country is running. If a society cannot accept all the diverging aspirations of its people, then are we really free?
In a society where the media is preparing for citizen journalism, this though process seems conflicting, contradictory and redundant. I wonder how many of us would like our voices suppressed? Yet, if you need to feel that freedom, shouldn't one also accommodate the needs, wants and viewpoints of others?
The media is the fourth estate of any society. If the voice of the media is being suppressed, doesn't it tantamount to suppressing the voice of society? What our time needs is a more accommodating and tolerant outlook, a development of a deeper understanding and a re-visitation of the basic humane ideologies.
The censorship that seems elusive to most is not just a threat, it is omnipotent presence in the media. We live in dangerous times, where the voice of one can lead to a riot, where a footage can lead to burnt remains, where a simple protest can lead to death! The power of the media is not to be underestimated but should it really be feared? In a country with the population as large as ours, is it wrong to ask for complete and unchecked censorship?
The power of the media does have its ramifications, but the thought of complete censorship seems not only dangerous, but also completely in violation of the spirit of our nation. Many jokes have circulated, many voices are heard. The government finds it dangerous that voices which disagree with its basic decrees can be so freely voiced. From cartoons, to tweets, to messages, all are being monitored. But, what really comes across is the weak base on which our country is running. If a society cannot accept all the diverging aspirations of its people, then are we really free?
In a society where the media is preparing for citizen journalism, this though process seems conflicting, contradictory and redundant. I wonder how many of us would like our voices suppressed? Yet, if you need to feel that freedom, shouldn't one also accommodate the needs, wants and viewpoints of others?
The media is the fourth estate of any society. If the voice of the media is being suppressed, doesn't it tantamount to suppressing the voice of society? What our time needs is a more accommodating and tolerant outlook, a development of a deeper understanding and a re-visitation of the basic humane ideologies.
