A&S Voices Weigh in on Freedom of Speech and Charlie Hebdo Attacks
In the wake of recent acts of violence, conversations and questions revolving around freedom of speech and the boundaries of satire have swept the country, including the University of Cincinnatis campus.
Earlier this month, 12 people were murdered in the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France, including cartoonists, editors and journalists who were intent on employing their freedom, despite the controversial nature of their illustrations.
Below A&S professors and students in the fields of journalism and political science weigh in on the important topics the act of terrorism has sparked.
- Journalism
When asked why the attacks have resonated with so many across the country, specifically campuses and newsrooms, head of UC journalism department Jeffrey Blevins notes the presence of empathy. I think it has generated a strong sense of solidarity because many are wondering: what if this was our newsroom? What if this happened here? Blevins also points out the revered position freedom of speech is given in newsrooms and universities. It is within [these] two institutions where people tend to appreciate free expression the most, and they recognize that the rights of others to freely themselves is the same as their own.
Associate professor of journalism Elissa Yancey acknowledges the responsibilities journalists and other media have in the aftermath of the attacks. It's important for journalists to shine lights into all the corners of the truth about how dangerous it is when we silence people's voices.
- International Affairs
- Student Newspaper
The varied responses from a diverse range of departments, organizations and studentsincluding an opinion piece in News Recordhave shown that there is much to explore regarding human rights and the ethical dilemmas journalism faces.
I hope that one outcome of this tragedy is to raise awareness of the lack of press and speech freedoms around the world, including in the U.S., Yancey says.
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