Blogging task
Singer believes that freedom of expression is essential to any democracy and therefore should not be limited. On the other hand, Szilagyi believes that more focus should be placed on social responsibility.
In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, which author’s view do you think should be adopted?
Write a response of at least 300 words and 2 content paragraphs, and include materials from both articles as well as your own knowledge and experience.

In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, I believe that Szilagyi’s view should be adopted where more focus should be placed on social responsibility instead of freedom of speech. A lack of understanding and social responsibility while pursuing the freedom of expression would lead to insensitivity which could result in potential disasters. Take the published caricatures of Prophet Muhammad for example, the press merely tried to make their point regarding self-censorship and press freedom but it led to condemnation by Muslims worldwide. This shows that we should have been aware, that in a world of global information flow there is an insurmountable contradiction between traditional free speech values and public discussion about Islam and how to strike a balance between individual and collective press freedom rights.

However, on the other hand, freedom of speech is also an essential factor for a country to obtain true democracy. A view is not “fully, frequently, and fearlessly discussed,” it will become “a dead dogma, not a living truth”. Freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, and it must include the freedom to say what everyone else believes to be false, and even what many people find offensive. We must be free to deny the existence of God, and to criticize the teachings of Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and Buddha, as reported in texts that millions of people regard as sacred. Without that freedom, human progress will always run up against a basic roadblock.

In conclusion, a small country such as Singapore where many races reside in, we have to be careful of what we say as there could be misunderstandings and misinterpretation which could threaten the peace we have now. Therefore, I believe that we should place more focus on social responsibility instead of freedom of expression.