Was The Case Against Charlie Hebdo Really About Press Freedom Or Abuse Of That Freedom
Journalism in particular is a serious business, not a hunting sport or entertainment. It requires discipline, a commitment toward objectivity and to refrain from hurting feelings of an individual or a community of people. A pen is meant to create harmony and understanding for a civilized and peaceful society. If not handled responsibly pen is as much a killer as a gun.
By Promod Puri
The massacre of 12 French journalists by extremists at the left-leaning satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which many minorities in France describe as outright RACIST, was a real tragedy as no one should have to pay with their lives for their right to express.
But was it really a case of freedom of expression in this case or ongoing atrocities against a particular religion, in this case Islam, in the name of freedom of expression
I believe it was not a case of freedom of press but just an abuse of that freedom.
French sensational tabloid Charlie Hebdo published cheap, filthy and indecent caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad weeping, naked and in sexual poses.
It featured a mock debate about whether Jesus exists.
In its unrefined style the CB suggests that the Pope is stepping aside to be with his girlfriend.
It pride itself to be a cruder. And nobody was off limit. The loud-mouthed journal prey often included politicians and public figures as slackers indulging in wine and women.
It provoked a terrorist group head with New Year greeting card in black and white with the caption, ” To your health”. And in its most recent edition CB published a haunting image of an armed terrorist with the wording “Still no attacks in France; Wait! We have until the end of January to offer our wishes.”
The tabloid is just a piece of vicious wit. It tried to amuse. But very few subscribed to that insensible hilarity. With low reported circulation of 30,000 the tabloid try to sell itself thru yellow journalism. And covered itself under freedom of the press.
French laws about press freedom may be more liberal. But no democratic country can allow absolute freedom. There are both ethical and legal curbs for responsible exercise of democratic freedoms. That includes press freedom as well.
Wielding a pen to hurt and to humiliate, to ridicule and to disgrace, to downgrade and to decivilize a person or a populace, do mask the freedom of expression and freedom of press.
Journalism in particular is a serious business, not a hunting sport or entertainment. It requires discipline, a commitment toward objectivity and to refrain from hurting feelings of an individual or a community of people. A pen is meant to create harmony and understanding for a civilized and peaceful society. If not handled responsibly pen is as much a killer as a gun.
Pen is mightier than sword. True. As long as it is used prudently.
