| Popis: |
This month in Berlingske, I write about how we need to be aware of the threat to freedom of speech in Denmark. That is, how this right is widely misinterpreted to mean that anything can be said – anything goes. The result has been, that the public debate has increasingly become a space in which racist, sexist, homophobic, and other hate- language, as well as threats, shaming, and even undermining and defamation of research and researchers has become more and more ordinary. As such minoritized folks, researchers and others can no longer speak freely or share their research in the public sphere without risking harassment and threats to themselves and their families. They are – in practice - denied freedom of speech. Majoritised folks – with implicit and explicit support from politicians and others, are empowered to abuse their freedom of speech to silence those they do not agree with. Not only is this a slippery slope, it diminishes the quality, quality of information and nuance of the public debate. Freedom of speech is not – and has never been – a tool to oppress and silence the people. It is a tool to empower minoritized and other citizens to speak against power and oppression. It is not an absolute right. It is constrained by other rights – like the right to freedom from discrimination. When the folks in power misuse their power and platforms to use it to discriminate, oppress and silence, we have a serious problem. In light of how folk’s rights are slipping away in the States, I suggest we beware – and vigilant about protecting our rights. |
