I was a little taken back by reading phrases like "cancel culture," or other similar related terms where a group of people tries to ban or boycott a person, organization, product, brand, or anything else due to an issue that this group of people disapproves or finds offensive. Nothing is surprising in people getting offended, hurt, or angry because of something said by someone, this has happened before, and this is happening more often and on a larger scale due to social media. What is surprising is that a country like the USA is trying to stifle freedom of expression because someone is offended or disapproves of something said by someone, that too on college campuses where such exchanges should happen frequently and in a civilized manner. Any society where the freedom of expression is stifled blocks its way toward progress. Yes, freedom of expression comes with a price, it includes the risk of getting offended or hurt, and it includes the duty to protect others' right to express themselves so that our own rights are protected. Imagine a society where only nice things that everyone agrees or feels happy about are said and heard, does anyone think such a society exists anywhere? No. It doesn't. Not even in mythological books.
We can't agree on everything all the time. Also, if we all agree on everything all the time we won't need the fundamental right of freedom of expression, we need this right only when something offensive or derogatory is said, when someone disagrees and needs legal protection to express that disagreement without being intimidated by the government or any other public entity. The USA has done a great job so far in protecting this right and this is also one of the reasons for its progress. This is why it is concerning when a country like the US behaves in a way as if it is scared of unpopular opinions or facts that do not validate some popular perceptions. This behavior of stifling freedom of expression is happening from both sides of the political spectrum, maybe one is doing more than the other, but supporters of both the major parties in the US are behaving as if the other has no right to express their opinions. This phenomenon is concerning for someone like me who has been impressed by the freedom of expression offered in the US. In fact, this is the major aspect that made me fall in love with this country. There are many other aspects that one can admire about the US but freedom of expression is the top one in my list. Also, don't interpret my statement to mean that there is nothing to criticize about the US. As there are many aspects to admire, there is ample opportunity for growth and many aspects that could be and should be criticized, and this is why the right to freedom of expression needs to be protected at every level, especially in colleges and universities.
So, if you are an American and want to preserve and capitalize on the progress made by this country, then don't let your own biases and prejudice come in the way of limiting the right of freedom of expression of your opponents. As we have the right to say things we want, our opponents also have the same right, nothing more, and nothing less. Yes, it will be great if people don't say offensive stuff, but they do. Yes, it will be great, if people don't behave like jerks, morons, or bigots, but they do. Yes, it will be great if our opponents behave and don't say nasty things about us, but they do. And as long as all these things are within the allowed legal boundaries they should be protected no matter who is doing or why are they doing it. Remember, any civilized society is not scared of opinions and facts no matter how unpleasant or offensive they are, and a strong country is not offended by criticism directed towards it, rather, it uses these things to become a better and stronger country. I am sure irrespective of their political affiliations all Americans want their country to be a better and stronger country.
Thank you for reading and please share your views on this topic.
© Vinay Thakur, All rights reserved, Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com
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