Symbol for Freedom of Expression, Democracy, UNESCO
Freedom of expression has become fear of reprisal for your opinion.
It’s difficult to truly express yourself anymore without feeling intimidated about the inevitable reaction. A Twitter pal expressed her opinion about a politician; I DM’ed her and offered kudos remarking that public support of our elected officials was dicey and she was brave to display her sentiment on Twitter. (Note my lack of courage to share my thought to the entire stream.)
There are new comment policies being implemented more and more on blogs (I wouldn’t know about that yet!). Bloggers are asking for respect from subscribers/readers for all opinions without show of hatred, vicious attacks or downright rudeness. Apparently, we’ve come to a crossroads in respect where folks hiding behind the written word are compelled to strongly attack instead of invite constructive debate.
There are always two sides to every equation, story, experience, situation, and circumstance:
- The creditors and debtors
- Pro-lifers and pro-choice folks
- Republicans and Democrats with a few more mixed in
- Smokers and non-smokers
- Pro mosque or burning of the Islamic holy book
With international borders invisible on social media and networking, are there issues around global expression becoming more heated? Where are the lines of demarcation for decorum and who monitors those? Are there groups using this ungoverned platform as a means to build grassroots campaigns and take them viral?
I’d suggest yes; however, I’m not privy to an actual movement (perhaps the Tea Party is the best example today). Political parties are doing awfully well on the Ethernet. The gun slinging and hatred across the aisle feel more heightened than ever before. We’re walking a divisive line here that I believe will never blend.
On what side of the fence do you sit? Each of us has opinions to share; whether we share them publicly, privately or in a forum in which others agree. Bloggers with high levels of subscribers/readers have the opportunity to express their opinions. In any coursework for new bloggers, we’re told to “be controversial.”
That depends solely on a blogger’s comfort level with the first statement I made in this post.What about you? Do you have an opinion or two to share?
Image credit: Helmut Langer
Jayme, this is a topic that I’ve been mulling over for awhile now. Agreement, whether with a tweet, blog post, or news story, is easy to do. When I read responses that occur in non-anonymous settings, you can feel the breeze from all the nodding heads. But disagreement? Better just to say nothing. It’s risky to say something contradictory or even controversial – on the internet, it’s tied to you forever. I think the strongest action I take is click “unfollow” on Twitter, or drop a consistently offensive blog from my reading list.
It is a fascinating study, isn’t it, Jenn? I bite my tongue, pull fingers away from the keyboard and move along. I do dislike the heated discussion around politics. Those who brand themselves as for one issue or another and address ad nauseum I also delete.
I think our profession also has us oriented to client service and not rocking the boat, too. What do you make of that?
As always, thank you.