My Diary: Freedom of Expression

The phrases "Freedom of Speech" and "Freedom of Expression" define themselves—they clearly convey what they mean and what they represent.

However, I would like to share my own thoughts on these concepts.

From my perspective, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression are fundamental human rights. They represent the liberty to express one’s opinions in any form and through any media without fear of force or censorship.

The word "Freedom" begins with "Free," but that does not imply that it comes without cost. Freedom is often earned through hard work, sacrifice, or a determined struggle for rights. It is both a constitutional and cultural value that demands vigilance to preserve.

The value of freedom is difficult to gain and even harder to protect, yet it can be lost with alarming ease. Maintaining it requires social awareness and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with it. Freedom of Speech and Expression should not be treated as mere words written in legal texts or books to be read and forgotten. We must recognize its value and uphold it through practice.

In some parts of the world, Freedom of Speech has little to no value. Meanwhile, in other countries, Freedom of Speech and Expression are regarded even more highly than religious values.

If you plant a tree but deny it the freedom to grow by cutting its branches or roots, it will never become a full-grown tree—it will become a bonsai.

We, however, are not trees but human beings. We live our lives from birth to death, and the same principle applies to us. As human beings, we all deserve the right to Freedom of Speech and Expression. We are free to think as we wish and have the right to express our thoughts and opinions openly.

There is a word called "Unlimited," but I believe that nothing on this Earth is truly unlimited. Everything has its boundaries, and Freedom is no exception. Freedom does not mean that we can infringe upon or destroy the rights or property of others. As a society, we are the ones who define our boundaries, allowing us to live freely while respecting the freedom of others. True freedom encompasses both respect and responsibility—toward oneself and others.

We should learn to respect other people's Freedom of Speech and Expression and embrace tolerance toward differing opinions. By respecting diversity, we can aspire to live harmonious lives on Earth, fostering peace and mutual understanding.

Arifur Rahman
10.04.2017, Drøbak