May the 3rd is recognized as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), on this day I thought about my own position in terms of how and if bloggers are associated with WPFD or not? In my view I think that bloggers should be, simply because a Blog is associated with a chunk of human expression, thought, ideas, and should be able to freely express, through the digital publishing platform. However, as we are aware even with freedom of expression rights, there will always be those who desire to limit and control. This thought especially came to my mind the other day, as I had to write a note on my blog to ensure readers that my views and opinions are not associated with any particular Government or political party, although then I wondered what if they were, would I face condemnation or be embraced? Nevertheless my thought / note was an important inclusion because the very fact is that, when we are writing from a particular angle, analysis, a particular Government, current events and so on, there will always be inclination / assumption for particular political motives. A simple note, is a reminder for neutrality, pending upon what one hopes are for readers.
As I thought further I wondered if I should include freedom of rights and expressions laws / articles from countries of interest, I think it might be a good idea, especially as a form of protection, but as I tend to think from the perspective of a Global / International lens, I therefore found that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 19, a good universal protection of the right to ones expression:
As WPFD reaffirms commitment to freedom of expressions, we should also remember the subtle differences between sharing knowledge, information in the realms of the: spirt of inquiry. There may be public scrutiny, but there should never be forced control of the human spirit / heart / mind. #ShaziaBlog #Quote #WPFD
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As I write to include this reminder, I also wanted to take the time to reflect upon the idea inquiry, the desire to question through the lens of academia, or the continued readership of scholarly based material, that connects with present day events, or the press / journalism. The difference that I see from the press, is that a blog can be utilized for the spirt of inquiry, to understand and share what one thinks. An inclination / invitation, rather than to sway, orient, a public position or view. As WPFD reaffirms commitment to freedom of expressions, we should also remember the subtle differences between sharing knowledge, information in the realms of the: spirt of inquiry. There may be public scrutiny, but there should never be forced control of the human spirit / heart / mind. As knowledge seeks to advance society, for the sake of public good, public betterment in all fields, levels and skills.
Related Links:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 19
- Wikipedia – American Association of Professors
- Wikipedia – Academic Freedom
- UNESCO | Journalism Without Fear or Favour
Please note that I am aware that these thoughts have been shared later than the official World Press Freedom Day, however; I felt like I still wanted to share and write upon the topic! Thank you for your continued readership!
My thoughts to share with Love & Kindness! 🙂
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 