Of Kate, Prophet and democracy

A picture says a thousand words. That is becoming more and more true on Internet. Now that masses of people have cameras and can record whatever they like, they do. And they can post it free of charge or at very low cost. Thus they do.

Dr Bob HoekstraYou may love it, like it or hate it. You may not like the esthetics or you may not like the contents, you may even find it in bad taste or even abusive or insulting. With texts that was true, but with pictures and sound it has thousand times more impact.

Blocking content is a very controversial issue, as it limits the freedom of expression. Generally the trend in developed countries has been that freedom of expression is an overriding human right, unless a judge finds that publication violates other rights.

But that is an exception. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, had to go to a French judge to block further publication of pictures of her topless taken in a French private home, where she could expect to have privacy. Her privacy was invaded. If she bathes topless on a public beach anyone can take photos and post those. Pictures of Prince Harry in compromising pictures with his lady friend, were not brought before a judge, as obviously he should have known better.

The publication of the video film on Prophet Mohammed, admittedly in bad taste, is one where the judges in European and most American countries are not likely to see an issue, as one is free to watch it, or not watch it.

And it gives an individual's perspective, that one can agree with or disagree with. That some clerics, politicians and individuals do not find the video convenient, or take offence, is understood. Probably even intended by the maker.

The social media organizations block content if it violates the laws of a country, but do not take it off in other countries. Just like I can freely read the beautiful books of Salman Rushdie in my country, but not in several other countries such as India. Thus they have blocked the video in several countries.

It is the essence of democratic countries that people have a voice and can raise that voice and others can decide to listen or not to listen. What it takes is that people are educated and understand that different views are a fact of life.

 

(Dr. Bob Hoekstra, former CEO of Philips, is a physicist. During his seven-year tenure as CEO of the Philips Innovation Campus, he contributed to the development of the IT industry in Bangalore. Living in The Netherlands, he now helps Dutch companies leverage India to their advantage. And has gone back to school to study philosophy)

(The views expressed by the author are his own and not of CIOL)