Thursday, October 4, 2012

Social Commentary: Why Can't We Speak?



"In the modern world that we live in, we are no longer voiceless but empowered citizens. People know its limitations and morality. People know when to become expressive and when to be quiet. So whatever happened to our freedom of expression?"


Social media plays a vital role as a means of communication. It has become part of our lives, and we are now becoming more interactive and aware of whatever is happening around us, not only to our family and friends but also to our favorite celebrities and favorite brands, and to be mindful of the latest global and local news and current events.


Social Media is now a trend and the newest tool for people empowerment. Many significant events in current world history are influenced by the active participation of netizens or online citizens, who share their voices silently but powerfully over the web. 

The downfall of dictators in some Arab countries is brought by a massive demonstration by netizens who triggered the sharing of information about how their freedom has been oppressed for so many years since their government directly controlled the internet. They can't speak against their leaders. They can't express their wishes and desires for change. They have lived their lives in hopelessness and misery.

With the advent of social media, some countries are still restricting the social media access of their citizens. However, it has been declared by the United Nations that internet access, in general, is a fundamental human right. Their leaders still need to be more resistant to change. Aren't they?

We are now globally connected through this impressive technological breakthrough mankind has produced. However, why shouldn't we utilize this tool for the common good and intense globalization? Is there something to hide? Is there something to be afraid of? 

In a country where cybercrime law is taking effect, I can't imagine how people are being robbed of their freedom of expression. In a country where democracy rules, I can't believe the media and the citizens are dictated to what to say and what must be censored.

The power of the country lies in its citizens. Therefore there is a need to respect and hear the people's voices. Our people are hungry for change and the truth. Our people need a heart of a leader who takes the time to listen. We're tired of speeches, tired of false promises, and tired of insincerity in public leadership.

Let our people rule and let them be free to express their thoughts on the current events that our nation or the world is facing. After all, people deserve better services than their country has to offer. The people choose their leaders, and the leaders must listen to their people.

In the modern world that we live in, we no longer have to be voiceless but empowered and informed citizens. People know its limitations and morality. People know when to become expressive and when to be reserved. So whatever happened to freedom of expression?

Online censorship and media harassment happen in many countries, it may happen to other nations, and now our time has arrived and may become worst in the years to come. This shouldn't happen. Let the people speak their minds freely in a just manner. Let the media be the public's eye and ears in delivering the truth. 

Could we have responsible freedom of expression? Can't I express my disappointment about our own government and leaders? Will our own government try to shut down the press and the dedicated press people?  Will my own government suppress my public opinion? In today's time, why is it hard to speak? 

© 2012 Del Cusay