Reelmama.com

Reel Mama Blog

Reel Mama on Pinterest Reel Mama on FacebookReel Mama on Google+Reel Mama on Twitter YouTube with Reel MamaLauren Ivy Chiong on Linked In Contact Reel Mama - Lauren Ivy Chiong Subscribe to Reel Mama via RSS
  • About
    • Imaginative Works
    • Contact Reel Mama
    • Advertise with Reel Mama
    • Reel Mama Cares
    • Reel Mama Loves
  • Movie Reviews
    • Kids Flicks
    • Family Films
    • Tween and Teen Films
    • Date Night
    • Cinema-Tastic Interviews
  • Creative Parenting
    • Adventures in Motherhood
    • Family Fun
    • Commentary
  • Reflections
    • Society
    • Celebrities
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Our World
  • Giveaways
Home ☢ Commentary ☢ 7 moments of freedom of speech under threat around the world in 2014 and 2015 #JeSuisCharlie

7 moments of freedom of speech under threat around the world in 2014 and 2015 #JeSuisCharlie

January 12, 2015 By: Lauren Ivy Chiong5 Comments

Je Suis Charlie Flag #JeSuisCharlie a reminder of freedom of speech under threat

As a blogger I take it for granted that I will be able to write whatever I want, whenever I want to. I don’t have to worry about getting beheaded, gunned down or arrested for hitting “publish.” I live in America, but it’s alarming to me that everywhere, including in the United States, we have seen remarkable cases of freedom of speech under threat in insidious ways, both overt and more subtle. Here are seven momentous ways we have seen freedom of speech under threat in 2014 & 2015:

The gunning down of 12 media makers in Paris at satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. For us in the United States, it would be as if major cast members of Saturday Night Live or The Daily Show had been targeted and murdered in cold blood for political or religious satire. Charlie Hebdo was provocative and offensive, but writers and creators should be allowed to be edgy and even offensive. That’s what freedom of speech is. What I didn’t realize –and found shocking — is that the French government had apparently been giving the magazine a hard time for years, telling them to “tone it down.” Will writers be forced to “tone it down” because they are fearing for their lives?

The beheading of journalists in the Middle East. The barbarous murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff released on video have shocked the world. Journalists will be more afraid than ever to venture into dangerous territory to bring the world the story — the real story — of what’s happening in the Middle East. The victims voices were silenced in the most savage way imaginable.

The murder and kidnapping of school children by Boko Haram in Nigeria. Dozens of school boys were murdered in 2014, but the kidnapping of the school girls received more media attention. Both actions mean that the education of children is under threat in Nigeria. The schools that were attacked and destroyed were training grounds for the next generation of leaders for that nation and indeed the world. With their annihilation, something very precious has been lost. Can it be restored?

The arrest of activists in Cuba. Last month performing artist Tonia Bruguera was arrested for organizing a rally for free speech in Cuba. She is out of jail, for the moment. While the U.S. is busy warming relations with Cuba, we must remember that right now there is no such thing as free speech and freedom of the press for our island neighbor. Activists who spoke out against the government still remain behind bars, or with whereabouts unknown. Will Cubans ever come to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy in this country?

The hacking of Sony studios, reportedly over the film The Interview. There is controversy that it really was the North Koreans who masterminded the hack of Sony’s computer systems, leaking tens of thousands of private documents and even films themselves. Whether North Korea really is responsible for the attack, the fact remains that Hollywood insiders have already pulled the plug on projects they felt might be offensive to the North Koreans.

Hollywood eyes Chinese market. In a somewhat related case, it’s documented that some filmmakers are striving hard to portray the Chinese and its government in a positive light–even if the government is an oppressive regime. At stake? Important Chinese investment dollars and distribution rights. Will Hollywood become afraid of criticizing China? An interesting corporate example of freedom of expression eroding.

Russia bans advertising on subscription TV channels, as of January 1, meaning that numerous independent TV channels in Russia (yes, they exist) will no longer have a source of income. A clever way to shut them down. The exception? The “universally accessible” channels — yes, the government ones, of course.

Do you think freedom of speech is under threat? Share you thoughts in the comment section.

Related

Comments

  1. Marilyn Ivy says

    January 14, 2015 at 5:39 am

    Everyone should be aware of these atrocities and should speak out. We cannot bury our heads in the sand. Well done, ReelMama.

    Reply
  2. Mazid Irshad says

    January 26, 2015 at 7:12 am

    H,

    It is a very informative post and there are lots of creative method to increase the knowledge and i really appreciate them. Thanks a lot for sharing this tips here.your articles are so easy to understand because it is written in so easy language .

    Have a great day!
    Regards,
    Mazid Irshad

    Reply
  3. Roy says

    February 4, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Everyone has the right to speak and voice their opinion and it cannot be suppressed by force. Glad that you shared this post.
    Roy recently posted..Review: Sony MDR-XB950BT “Extra Bass” HeadphoneMy Profile

    Reply
  4. diamond sharma says

    March 17, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Everyone should be aware of these atrocities and should speak out. We cannot bury our heads in the sand. Well done for sharinf ths post
    diamond sharma recently posted..Freedom V 1.0.7a : Unlimited In-App Purchases Hack [Lollipop Fixed]My Profile

    Reply
  5. Cartoons says

    April 5, 2015 at 12:49 am

    As a fulltime cartoonist, I never understood why other creators would get involved in mocking another religion for little or no pay other than getting “notoriety” based on drawing something that makes fun of a religion’s prophet.
    Cartoons recently posted..Pasty CartoonsMy Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This blog uses premium CommentLuv which allows you to put your keywords with your name if you have had 0 approved comments. Use your real name and then @ your keywords (maximum of 3)

Sign up for Reel Mama’s email newsletter!

Welcome!

I’m so delighted to welcome you to ReelMama.com, your resource for fun and memorable family together time, featuring movie reviews and family films, creative parenting, DIY, recipes, giveaways, and much more. Make yourself at home and have a look around. If you find a post you like, leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you! I welcome emails at Lauren at Laurenivychiong.com.

Reel Categories

I'm proud to be a member of these fine blogging networks!
Reel Mama Button

Grab the Reel Mama button!

<a href="https://www.reelmama.com"><img src="https://www.ReelMama.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Reel-Mama-Button-250px.jpg" /></a>

Linquia Influencer

Deal Spotr Influencer

Lauren Ivy Chiong's influencer profile
dealspotr.com

Copyright © 2023 · Reel Mama | Lauren Ivy Chiong