Freedom to speak?

 

Recently there was an incident in which a political commentator on a TV show uttered some intensely critical and personal remarks about another journalist with whose opinions he did not agree. The show’s host did nothing to stop this, resulting in his suspension from his job. The commentator himself has lost his job as a result of his remarks. This incident highlighted a wide range of issues. The ones which I will deal with in this particular blog are those which, in a general way, concern freedom of speech, freedom of opinion and respect for others.

The Bahá’í Faith has teachings on all of these issues. One of the most basic of the Bahá’í principles is that each individual has the right and duty to seek out the truth. The right to free expression is a natural accompaniment to this: “at the very root of the Cause lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views.” This principle applies throughout society, including those people working in the news media, who have a particular duty to investigate the truth and make it known.

Bahá’u’lláh specifically addressed journalists on more than one occasion: “In this Day the secrets of the earth are laid bare before the eyes of men. The pages of swiftly-appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the world. They reflect the deeds and the pursuits of divers peoples and kindreds. They both reflect them and make them known. They are a mirror endowed with hearing, sight and speech. This is an amazing and potent phenomenon. However, it behoveth the writers thereof to be purged from the promptings of evil passions and desires and to be attired with the raiment of justice and equity. They should enquire into situations as much as possible and ascertain the facts, then set them down in writing.” The same principle, of course, applies to subsequent news formats, such as radio, television, the internet and social media.

Clearly, the ideal of freedom of expression and the reporting of the truth are both essential to human life and healthy societies. The news media should not be manipulated by small elements within society or used for propaganda purposes. Generations of the oppressed have fought and died in order to voice freely their ideals, their concerns and needs. Yet the freedom of individuals to express themselves needs to be tempered by the principle of moderation. Bahá’u’lláh stressed that when liberty passes beyond the limits of moderation, the result can be disastrous. In all aspects of communication, from the freedom of the press to the language we use in our everyday conversations or social media posts, true freedom of expression requires moderation in our choice of words. Only when we show respect for others and their ideas will freedom of speech become a force for peace and unity in the world.

Among the critical factors in determining the effects of speech for good or evil are the following: content, accuracy, style, tact, wisdom and timeliness. By addressing themselves to these concerns, Bahá’ís are striving to achieve a new etiquette of expression which is worthy of the approaching maturity of the human race. We should always speak the truth - in newspapers, on social media or elsewhere - and not deliberately try to mislead anyone.

Unfortunately, with the proliferation of social media has come the opportunity for people to say unpleasant things online which they would probably never say to a person’s face. We must always be very careful not to be critical of others or to say anything which might upset someone. “One word,” Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “hath the influence of spring and causeth hearts to become fresh and verdant, while another is like unto blight which causeth the blossoms and flowers to wither.” We can disagree with someone’s views, but politely. Denigrating a fellow journalist does not, unfortunately, lead to a useful and uplifting discussion of the facts. Bahá’ís look forward to a society in which freedom of speech underpins a just and equitable world order, and in which respect for others supports social harmony and universal progress. We can all play our part in this.