In the western world we pride ourselves on freedom of speech and having the freedom to speak out with our own independent opinions, but lately it feels as though this freedom of speech we are so proud of is being threatened.
Recently in the news Sally Bercow was taken to court for libel due to a tweet she posted. She was found guilty and media outlets are now concerned about the future of our freedom of speech and online banter.
This is not the first time something negative has come from a online comment that was meant in jest.Paul Chambers made a bombing joke on twitter, which resulted in a police investigation and a court hearing. Twitter rallied behind him as it was clear that there was no malicious intent, but this show how in today's society even in the democratic, freedom of speech, western world has its limitation on our freedom.
Watching Al Jazeera it is clear that we don't have it that bad in comparison to countries still fighting for a fair democratic society. We can still argue that the whole ordeal is wrong in the Sally Bercow and Paul Chambers cases, despite their freedom of speech being violated.
This brings me back to Al Jazeera who broadcast 25 minute programmes that take an in depth look at the plight facing those in countries that are fighting for the democratic freedoms that we claim to have in our western world. The programme is called Witness; and two stories stood out for me:
The Revolution of Being Televised and Russia's Online Wavemakers.
Both these programmes show the struggle to speak out again the government, trying to tell a side of an issue that portrays negatively on those in power. The contrast to us here in the UK is we are always holding our government into account. Yes, there are times when people feel they are not receiving the truth, but they can seek it all they want without fear.
As we hear on the news the events that unfold from another protest march, we all find an outlet to share our thoughts; whether it be Twitter, Facebook, blogs, radio talk shows or just a discussion in your local pub.
We have that freedom and as the government start to rein in on the online freedom of speech, where will we end up in years to come?
So as you post your next tweet or status update, think about those whose online presence is a statement to fight for freedom; the freedom to speak freely against the atrocities that they face in their everyday lives.
Recently in the news Sally Bercow was taken to court for libel due to a tweet she posted. She was found guilty and media outlets are now concerned about the future of our freedom of speech and online banter.
This is not the first time something negative has come from a online comment that was meant in jest.Paul Chambers made a bombing joke on twitter, which resulted in a police investigation and a court hearing. Twitter rallied behind him as it was clear that there was no malicious intent, but this show how in today's society even in the democratic, freedom of speech, western world has its limitation on our freedom.
Watching Al Jazeera it is clear that we don't have it that bad in comparison to countries still fighting for a fair democratic society. We can still argue that the whole ordeal is wrong in the Sally Bercow and Paul Chambers cases, despite their freedom of speech being violated.
This brings me back to Al Jazeera who broadcast 25 minute programmes that take an in depth look at the plight facing those in countries that are fighting for the democratic freedoms that we claim to have in our western world. The programme is called Witness; and two stories stood out for me:
The Revolution of Being Televised and Russia's Online Wavemakers.
Both these programmes show the struggle to speak out again the government, trying to tell a side of an issue that portrays negatively on those in power. The contrast to us here in the UK is we are always holding our government into account. Yes, there are times when people feel they are not receiving the truth, but they can seek it all they want without fear.
As we hear on the news the events that unfold from another protest march, we all find an outlet to share our thoughts; whether it be Twitter, Facebook, blogs, radio talk shows or just a discussion in your local pub.
We have that freedom and as the government start to rein in on the online freedom of speech, where will we end up in years to come?
So as you post your next tweet or status update, think about those whose online presence is a statement to fight for freedom; the freedom to speak freely against the atrocities that they face in their everyday lives.
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