Free Speech Comes With Responsibility

Honestly, free speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences of one's negative actions that could harm society.

When I was growing up, precisely in my teenage stage, I loved glaring at murals. It's just so fascinating to behold a plain wall turn into something very colorful. Looking at those artworks, you could tell what they represent; some tell us about a culture or even a history or a hero, etc. Sometimes, it's about aesthetics, just something beautiful in an environment to admire. But I must admit that not all murals make someone smile.

About 7 years ago, I saw a wall painted in a way that most people found offensive and indecent to society. While some people passed and laughed over it, some people took it further, feeling insulted because it was something that mocked their belief. It was simply an artwork, no words, but the experience that hot afternoon made me realize that art is powerful.

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It has both the ability to inspire and educate people, and it can also break a unity; it's just like spoken word because every artwork is saying something.

So for this prompt, we are asked if offensive murals and public paintings should be banned. Well, I don't think it's a yes or no answer, but let me share my thoughts.

Personally, I believe in free speech. I believe people should freely express themselves at any point, including artists who sometimes challenge our society through their art expressions. However, if we should start removing all offensive art, maybe most of it won't see the next day, but then it is important to know that having freedom of expression doesn't mean you are also free from responsibility.

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When an artwork is in a public space, then artists should be able to determine what goes on the wall. If it's a private gallery, then it's totally different; you can paint anything of your choice, but a mural display in public can be seen by both children and adults. It can be seen by different religious groups who could have negative perspectives of whatever you are displaying. This is why artists must consider the impact their work may have on the community at large.

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Again, there is a clear difference between expressing one's opinion and causing trouble. Some art is violent in nature, some expresses hatred, and some targets a group with hatred. They might not physically hurt, but emotionally, people might be hurt by some artwork.

In my country here, division has already taken place due to politics, tribalism, etc. Now imagine an artist painting a mural that mocks a particular tribe or politician; it may cause chaos. In this case, it is expected that the authority take action because it's about public matters.

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Having said that, I think the government shouldn't step in for every painting that appears controversial; it should be limited so that genuine artistic creativity will be unleashed without limitations or any interferences.

Overall, it's about balancing the intention of an art and its impact on a society. I will always encourage free speech, but above all, we must respect others so that freedom can exist with peace.

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