Freedom of Speech vs Social Responsibility

Up till today, the controversial debate on whether to ensure freedom of expression of all citizens (within the limits marked by law) or to protect the collective interests of society, still remains without a conclusion.

I agree to a small extent with Singer’s views on the freedom of expression as it is true that we, the people have the right to free speech and protection against reprisal. As quoted by Singer, “Freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, and it must include the freedom to say what everyone else believes to be false, and even what many people find offensive. Without freedom, human progress will always run up against a basic roadblock.” Hence, if there is a significant restriction of the constitutionally enshrined rights to freedom of speech, expression and assembly, it will eventually lead to creating an atmosphere that is inimical to the practice of such human rights.

Moreover, as we are all living in this modern and tech-savvy world, we should always stay receptive to new ideas/opinions even if some might be offensive. This is so as to have a deeper insight into others’ way of thinking and we can thus improve ourselves from there. Only by being open to others’ criticisms and comments, then can we develop and advance further into the world, as we do not restrict ourselves to a certain boundary of expression.

However, freedom of expression might get out of hand if it is not controlled by anyone. People would thus see it as a platform for them to express their views openly, regardless of whether they have mocked or ridiculed any sacred figures. A rise of mass demonstrations as well as riots will occur and the situation will no doubt be exacerbated if the public’s interest is being challenged to a large extent.

Singapore, in particular, is a multi- racial society which consists of many different ethnic groups living together on a small island; therefore we cannot afford to have all these riots and fights occurring. So, although freedom of expression is often regarded as the most fundamental human right, it may also be the most contested. Therefore, a balance often has to be struck between free speech and competing interests.

On the other hand, I support Szilagyi’s opinion that social responsibility should be practiced and adopted, especially for Singapore. In the past, the right to freedom of expression was focused on the right to free speech within a state. It did not take into account the repercussions across national borders of the exercise of that freedom. However, today, globalization has precipitated greater diversity in the makeup of state populations through ease of mobility and the transmission of all information at greater speeds. There is thus an emerging need to take stock of the global responsibilities that come with the right to freedom of speech. Responsibilities that take into account the different cultures, histories and religions around the world.
So we should always practice Social Responsibility in any situations to prevent any misunderstanding from arising and also to avoid any unnecessary riots from occurring in a peaceful country, like Singapore.

Furthermore, just like what is mentioned by Szilagyi,” There is no doubt that freedom of speech is an essential foundation of any democracy, but when newspapers insist on this right, they have to understand that they do not- alone- create the context and lifespan of their messages”, I agree that the media should be responsible for their actions, at the same time, be mindful of other’s feelings. The application of freedom of media must take into account local circumstances and interests particular to the city-state for example: Singapore’s multi-ethnic communities; the need to promote racial harmony and create a national identity.

In light of safeguarding these values, Szilagyi’s opinion of Social Responsibility would be most suited for Singapore in order for us to stay together peacefully and harmoniously.

Labels: ~by ClaRrisa

1. He used the technique of illustrations and examples. From his illustrations, it is clear that the author condemned capital punishment as a form of callous act. From the statement, “He and we were a party of men walking together, seeing, hearing, feeling, understanding the same world” suggests that the prisoners are of the same kind as any of us, yet, they are treated so cruelly. Hence, the author hoped that through his description of capital punishment, the readers will be swayed to empathize and agree that it is a merciless act.


2. Arguments for capital punishments are that people ought to pay for their sins, thus they had to be dealt severely with by the law. This is so as to unremittingly remind people to be mindful and responsible for their actions in order to not to break any laws.

However, some who are against capital punishments may have a hunch that this is too harsh a way to deal with the prisoners as no one should have any right in ending the life of others. Instead, the wrongdoers should be given a chance and not simply be hanged.

3. I believe that capital punishments should exist. This will ensure law and order in the society rather than having murder cases every now and then while the miscreants go scot-free. Hence, capital punishments will also serve as a deterrence to hinder people from committing crimes.

Death penalty can be justified when one takes the life of another intentionally and if he or she is a threat to the community (e.g terrorism).

I find this quite meaningful
Read this when you are free...

Thinking Outside The Box. . .
You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night,
when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:
1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life
3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that
there could only be one passenger in your car?
Think before you continue reading.
This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus, you should save her first. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back.
However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. He simply answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind, and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams."


1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor.

"In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her

name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.

Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door.

To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..

It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

[To be Cont..] =p

I’m not normally a peevish person; in fact, my friends would say I’m always happy-go-lucky. However, I just get frustrated with no particular reason especially when my birthday is forgotten. 15th January is my birthday and unquestionably, it lies on the very second week of every year which is the period when my friends seem to be still struggling to adapt to the ‘new’ year. (Probably, that is why they do not remember.)

In fact, I don’t actually care about matters concerning birthdays, but I’ll certainly be more than overjoyed to be able to enjoy myself by doing things that I am fond of. Not afraid to mention, I have a soft spot for sports activities as I enjoy sports such as badminton, swimming, table tennis as well as bowling. Somehow or other, exercising makes me feel virtuous and buoy me up a little when I’m feeling down. This leads me to recall the day before the release of the O’level results when my head pounds with a low-level headache and my stomach swirls with impending gloom, thus I met up with a few friends and went for bowling at Marina, followed by a game of table tennis to loosen up myself.

Unfortunately, I had a severe fall last year which results me having a dislocated left knee. Hence, in my cast, I was deprived the pleasure of enjoying my sports until this year when I had fully recovered.

Other than sports, I have a keen on reading fantasy books like The Belgariad and The Mallorean written by David Eddings. No matter how tired I am after an entire day at school, I will try to squeeze time to finish up the remaining chapters of these books.

Unlike most of my friends, I loathe having myself seated in front of the computer playing PC games because it really strains my eyes! I prefer solving puzzles like Sudoku that test my mental acuity.

Well… That’s all folks!!! =p