I read a few news items about protests by some students against alleged racism-related incidents on campuses of reputed American universities like Yale University and the University of Missouri. No matter how much we criticize racism, casteism, or any discriminatory traditions the truth is that they still exist in some form or other. Another ugly truth is that many people still believe in some of these discriminatory practices, so we need to argue with them, discuss with them, debate with them, and try to change their opinions through dialogue and discussions. This is the only way, we already have enough laws and regulations to check these things and even after all this if this doesn't stop, then we need to continue dialogue and discussions along with other efforts. People living in societies or countries where freedom of expression exists understand that every one of us no matter how stupid or outrageous we are, we all have the same right to express our opinion. The only exception is that no one should be allowed to preach violence, but apart from that in most of these societies anyone is free to express their opinion. The United States is one such country, I don't think there is as much freedom of expression practiced anywhere in the world as it is in the USA, at least based on the population size. So, I was really surprised when this group of students at Yale demanded to ban some Halloween costume parties and demanded the resignation of some administrators for defending the right of some students to express themselves. One can disagree with someone's opinions or views, and one can even feel offended by someone's costume or statement, but in a free and democratic society how can one object to that person's right to say or wear those things? As those students who say or wear something with offensive messages are free to express their opinions, other students are also free to raise their objections and protest if they are feeling hurt. Both are using their freedom of expression right so how one group can object to the rights of another group? Another question is, is it right to use the argument of hurt feelings to justify banning something? Is this the right approach to solve this issue? Can this help us to curb discrimination without taking away the fundamental right of freedom of expression? What if some other group tomorrow gets hurt by these protests and demands a ban on students who are currently demanding the ban, are these students going to support them? There are many issues and questions like these, the battle against racism or any type of discrimination has been going on for decades, it is a long ongoing battle but losing patience and playing the victim's card is not going to serve any purpose.
We can definitely raise our voices against any form of offensive messages, but asking to ban them just because they are offensive or hurt someone's emotions is wrong. It can open another Pandora's box where any group can come up with their demand to ban something because it hurts their sentiments. Suppose tomorrow Hindus ask to ban the sale and consumption of beef because it hurts their deep religious sentiments and also claim that cow slaughter is very offensive to them, are these students going to support any such demand for a beef ban? This is just one simple example to demonstrate that mere claims of hurt sentiments can not be a valid reason to curtain someone's fundamental right like freedom of expression. Racism is a result of ignorance, wrong teachings, and lack of social awareness. Bigots behave in a racist way. Most discriminatory practices are deeply rooted in some cultural or historical traditions that are passed from one generation to another. These traditions are outdated and even illegal, but somehow that mindset still exists among some people. Some people still believe in the superiority or inferiority of races and castes. This feeling of inherent superiority based on their birth can manifest in their behavior in so many ways. But in any free society, these people also have the right to express their opinions. We need to challenge this behavior and question them, we need to expose their ignorance and bigotry, to allow our anger to take over our logical sense is not good. Intolerance doesn't solve any problems rather it can create a few more problems that can be more serious than the original one. Freedom of speech/expression is a very important right we all have and we should not try to take it away from anyone, not even from our fierce opponents. Freedom of speech should come with the freedom to offend. The only option we have is to increase our tolerance and question things, but please don't try to silence people just because it hurts your sentiments. I hope students who want to fight against discrimination don't become a reason for some type of discrimination where some people are targeted or punished just for expressing their opinion (whatever that opinion is doesn't matter as long as it is not inciting violence). I wish all the strength, patience, and courage to these students who are fighting against discrimination because they will need these things. Playing a victim's card is of no use, it can only generate some media attention and temporary sympathy but won't help the cause in the long run. This disease of racism or casteism or any other discrimination is very old and serious, generations are affected by this problem, and fighting against these things is not that easy. Sentiments will be hurt, and offensive language or images will be used by opponents to hurt feelings, but this is part of this struggle, and anyone who wants to fight for any cause should learn to deal with these things, as these tactics are used to derail such movements and label them intolerant and anarchist. I hope these students focus on their real cause and struggle rather than getting involved in trivial things such as the demand to ban something which is a direct assault on freedom of expression.
We can definitely raise our voices against any form of offensive messages, but asking to ban them just because they are offensive or hurt someone's emotions is wrong. It can open another Pandora's box where any group can come up with their demand to ban something because it hurts their sentiments. Suppose tomorrow Hindus ask to ban the sale and consumption of beef because it hurts their deep religious sentiments and also claim that cow slaughter is very offensive to them, are these students going to support any such demand for a beef ban? This is just one simple example to demonstrate that mere claims of hurt sentiments can not be a valid reason to curtain someone's fundamental right like freedom of expression. Racism is a result of ignorance, wrong teachings, and lack of social awareness. Bigots behave in a racist way. Most discriminatory practices are deeply rooted in some cultural or historical traditions that are passed from one generation to another. These traditions are outdated and even illegal, but somehow that mindset still exists among some people. Some people still believe in the superiority or inferiority of races and castes. This feeling of inherent superiority based on their birth can manifest in their behavior in so many ways. But in any free society, these people also have the right to express their opinions. We need to challenge this behavior and question them, we need to expose their ignorance and bigotry, to allow our anger to take over our logical sense is not good. Intolerance doesn't solve any problems rather it can create a few more problems that can be more serious than the original one. Freedom of speech/expression is a very important right we all have and we should not try to take it away from anyone, not even from our fierce opponents. Freedom of speech should come with the freedom to offend. The only option we have is to increase our tolerance and question things, but please don't try to silence people just because it hurts your sentiments. I hope students who want to fight against discrimination don't become a reason for some type of discrimination where some people are targeted or punished just for expressing their opinion (whatever that opinion is doesn't matter as long as it is not inciting violence). I wish all the strength, patience, and courage to these students who are fighting against discrimination because they will need these things. Playing a victim's card is of no use, it can only generate some media attention and temporary sympathy but won't help the cause in the long run. This disease of racism or casteism or any other discrimination is very old and serious, generations are affected by this problem, and fighting against these things is not that easy. Sentiments will be hurt, and offensive language or images will be used by opponents to hurt feelings, but this is part of this struggle, and anyone who wants to fight for any cause should learn to deal with these things, as these tactics are used to derail such movements and label them intolerant and anarchist. I hope these students focus on their real cause and struggle rather than getting involved in trivial things such as the demand to ban something which is a direct assault on freedom of expression.
Thanks for reading and please share your views on this topic.
[Copyright: Vinay Thakur. Please contact the author for re-posting or publishing]
Links:1. At University of Missouri, Black Students See a Campus Riven by Race
2. Massive Yale student rally makes call for inclusiveness on New Haven campus
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