These days we hear a lot about the freedom of expression. Few controversies in recent times have made it the burning topic and put it under the spotlight. There are heated debates in news shows on telly and social media. There seems to be a clear divide between those who argue that freedom of expression is their constitutional right and must be respected. They feel none is holy enough to be spared and everyone is fair game when it comes to humour.
While the other side argues no freedom is absolute and there are limits to free speech and expression. They say that in name of freedom of expression, you don't have right to cuss legends and abuse national honour. Like in case of infamous Tanmay Bhatt's snapchat AIB video mocking greats Lataji and Sachin paaji . General Public and celebs roasted the video describing it as crass, tasteless and disrespectful.
But then some political parties and fringe groups (sensing an opportunity to make political capital) jumped in the fray. They seemed so incensed that they threatened to beat up the comedian for mocking legends for cheap publicity and money. Others threatened to file criminal lawsuits to teach the fool a lesson.
While we all love and respect our national heroes and express our displeasure when our national icons are targeted or disrespected. But there should not be an overreaction. It does more harm than good to any society. Advocating violence and threats is simply not done and such practices should be completely discouraged.
Media and masses need to learn to ignore such cheap videos and not indulge in sensationalism by airing clips/footage of it repeatedly daily, giving it the oxygen (free publicity) that it badly needs to grow and let it die a quiet death if we don't like it.
While the other side argues no freedom is absolute and there are limits to free speech and expression. They say that in name of freedom of expression, you don't have right to cuss legends and abuse national honour. Like in case of infamous Tanmay Bhatt's snapchat AIB video mocking greats Lataji and Sachin paaji . General Public and celebs roasted the video describing it as crass, tasteless and disrespectful.
But then some political parties and fringe groups (sensing an opportunity to make political capital) jumped in the fray. They seemed so incensed that they threatened to beat up the comedian for mocking legends for cheap publicity and money. Others threatened to file criminal lawsuits to teach the fool a lesson.
While we all love and respect our national heroes and express our displeasure when our national icons are targeted or disrespected. But there should not be an overreaction. It does more harm than good to any society. Advocating violence and threats is simply not done and such practices should be completely discouraged.
Media and masses need to learn to ignore such cheap videos and not indulge in sensationalism by airing clips/footage of it repeatedly daily, giving it the oxygen (free publicity) that it badly needs to grow and let it die a quiet death if we don't like it.
