Freedom of Speech

Freedom is the basic right of not only every human being but for every living being. Even if the cage is golden, it is a cage. There have been wars, struggles and protests just to gain what is so precious - freedom.

Now when one acquires freedom, many aspects are added to it. One important side of it is the freedom of speech. Speech in itself is so important that it can make and destroy relations with any one. So when we are gifted with the freedom of speech, how to handle it comes the next big question.

I have observed, (again it's my observation - may be true or may not be), that on the name of free speech people take the liberty to say anything, anywhere and to anyone. In the so-called debates on national television, on social media, etc. I have seen people crossing the limits. Now, what is the limit? As per the generation I belong to, we have been trained and taught to always respect others on basis of age, position and also their opinion. This is important. Just like we value our opinions, everybody else does. We may not agree with theirs but that doesn't give us the right to insult or defame them.

Freedom of speech is a blessing but using it as a way to vent out our frustration or grievances without any control of words and forgetting whom we are addressing or how can the consequences be is in fact very irresponsible. I am not against voicing your opinion but everything has a way to be done.

The younger generation mocking the older, questioning their abilities, doubting their achievements, however petty that may be, is incorrect. Being humans, we always have a responsibility of behaviour because that's what separates us and puts us above the other animal kingdom.

Take for instance, a student questioning his/her teacher to gauge the teacher's competency and that too on basis of some recently gathered knowledge from sources that have cropped up by the advancement of technology. A student questioning for developing his/her understanding or for getting knowledge is a different scenario from the above. Another example is where a youngster feels his/her parents/grandparents or anyone belonging to a different era don't know ANYTHING just because they don't know about something as petty as posting on social media or using technology. This inability cannot be challenged to years of wisdom and experience the older generation has harvested from years of work and hardship. So in above examples, when you have the freedom of speech doesn't mean you can say anything and everything to anyone irrespective of age, position, relation or opinions.

Freedom of speech is undoubtedly a boon but has to be used wisely. Otherwise, it won't take much time before it turns into a curse destroying so much around you.

Take care.

Regards

SRN