- Political Targeting
- Specific targeting
- Right to freedom and shortcomings
- Intolerance
- Author’s take
There is a very famous quote if you wish to destroy someone, destroy his identity, faith and beliefs. Religion plays an integral role in one’s life, even if someone is an atheist because lifestyle, clothing, eating habits all have regional and cultural inclinations. India is a very vast nation with a very diverse population, and we as Indians take pride in our culture and beliefs
Political Targeting: – Every action has a reason or intention, I believe most of these Statements and remarks are made for serving the purpose of attacking the present Political Regime but in order to achieve their interests, no heed is paid to their impact on society at large. In the last few years, some people have very cleverly or “artistically” merged Hinduism, Nationalism and BJP support but I would like to clarify on behalf of our society that it is not the same. We, those who do not mix our political opinion with our Religion are subjected to undue criticism citing these very derogatory remarks.
Right to freedom of Expression and its shortcomings:- Indian constitution enables each individual to have Freedom to express his/her thoughts, opinions and ideologies but a selective few fail to grasp the duties and responsibilities that are complementary to these RIGHTS.
“Article 10 protects your right to hold your own opinions and to express them freely without government interference.
“This includes the right to express your views aloud (for example through public protest and demonstrations) or through:
- published articles, books or leaflets
- television or radio broadcasting
- works of art
- the internet and social media
The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary for a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.”
The law also protects your freedom to receive information from other people by, for example, being part of an audience or reading a magazine.
Constitutions interpretation clearly states Right to Expression will only hold ground when it does not violates others Rights and freedom of others.
While many have professional and personal reasons to propagate such ideology but a major proportion is in it because of the assumption of so-called “coolness” and hype associated, they purposefully create controversy to gain attention and be in the middle of a stream of events. I would not shy away from stating names such as Kunal Kamra and Munnawar Farooqi who have created an imbalance in the society just so as to gain popularity.
If somehow is able to comprehend this strategy and get under their skin, they are straightforwardly tagged as intolerant. Indian society has recently been targeted for its tolerance levels.
Yes, our defenses have gone a little too far, if we take stand for our society’s betterment we must act responsibly for its flaws, no one can and should justify what Shubham Mishra did, it’s purely illegal.
Author’s take: – Indian society is constantly changing, we must take jokes lightly and enjoy humor but if the punches start going down the belt we must not rant them on social media platforms rather take legal actions. Religion must not be made a topic of comedy, sensitive issues must be treated with caution and care.
By Shubham Yadav