25 minute read
Feminique
Freedom of
Expression
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by Ochee Bamgboye
Freedom of Expression is the concept of protecting any act of seeking, receiving and imparting of information or ideas. It’s importance cannot be over emphasized. It is regarded as an integral concept in modern liberal democracies and is guaranteed under international law through numerous human rights instruments.
In practice the right to freedom of expression is never absolute. There remains the lifelong task of maintaining a balance between the infringements of a person’s fundamental right and upholding civility and order. Western countries have varying approaches to maintaining this balance between freedom and order, however, it is generally recognized that restrictions should be the exception and free expression the rule. The restrictions tend to focus on seditious, libellous information, hate material or obscenities.
In part, the justification for freedom of expression is a general liberal or libertarian presumption against coercing individuals from living how they want. However, there are a number of more specific justifications for freedom of speech.
Free speech promotes a free flow of ideas essential to political democracy and democratic institutions and limits the ability of the state to subvert other rights and freedoms. Freedom of speech is crucial in any democracy, because open discussions of candidates are essential for voters to make informed decisions during elections. It is through speech that people can influence their government’s choice of policies. Also, public officials are held accountable through criticisms that can pave the way for their replacement. When citizens refrain from voicing their discontent because they fear retribution, the government can no longer be responsive to them, thus it is less accountable for its actions.
Another rationale for freedom of speech is its integral link to social tolerance, a basic value in society. The free speech principle involves exercising extraordinary self-restraint, the purpose of which is to develop and demonstrate a social capacity to control feelings evoked by a host of social encounters. The free speech principle helps to shape the intellectual character of the society.
Freedom of Expression also promotes a marketplace of ideas. This is crucial for social and economic development. According to Phillip Emeagwali, Africa’s greatest scientist, unless Africa significantly increases its intellectual capital, the continent will remain irrelevant in the 21st century and even beyond. He noted that ‘Africa needs innovators, producers of knowledge, and wise men and women who can discover, propose, and then implement progressive ideas’. It is intrinsically valuable as part of the selfactualisation of our people.
Expressions are a way of giving some life to the thoughts and feelings inside us. It is through expressions that human beings achieve a harmony between the physical exterior and the mental core propelling them towards self actualisation. It is a basic function of our genetic make up.
The development of the Internet, cheaper and faster communication devices has opened new possibilities for achieving freedom of speech using methods that do not depend on legal measures. As these communication devices spread across the globe the question to ask is - what does this mean for freedom of expression and what threats does the new environ-
ment bring? More crucially how do we respond to them?
The idea of a marketplace of ideas was welcomed essentially because it argues for the freedom to develop and discuss ideas in the search for truth or understanding. We now need the equivalence of the wisdom of Einstein, to turn too much information — or information overload — into focused substance of intellectual value, not only to process, but also to evaluate the overwhelming amount of information available on the Internet.
The well heralded marketplace of ideas has become like Alaba International Market, in lagos, Nigeria swarming with anything ranging from genuine information to counterfeits being passed off as originals. For each time I browse the internet I can literally hear the cajolement in my head. ‘Which one do you want?’ Original?, Original – original?, Correct original or genuine original?.
The new technology presents an added task of sifting the corn from the husk, the sense from nonsense and the truth from the lies.
Everyone has ideas, thoughts and beliefs and the internet is an open licence to express them to just about anybody so it is crucial to note that not everyone who expresses ideas is a sage. Not all ideas that enter the barnyard of ideas increase our knowledge or understanding. Some will confuse or even deceive its audience. It is also crucial to evaluate the implicit value of an idea. This can be deduced from the nature of its originator and the motives intended. Truth does not necessarily triumph over falsehood in the short term. Some negative ideas may drown out the truth because they enjoy dissemination through superior resources. It is visible throughout history that people can be swayed by emotions rather than reason, and even if truth ultimately prevails, enormous harm can occur during the interim. Long before Article 19 of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights affirmed ‘Freedom of Expression’ as a main stay of human liberty, Niccollo Machiavelli exercised his right to expression by documenting his thoughts and reflections about Italy’s invasion in the 15th century.
Machiavelli was an ambassador, advisor and chief secretary of his city, Florence. His book ‘The Prince’ published posthumously in 1532 was essentially a letter to the head of the ruling family, urging him to promote a champion to unite Italy against its invaders. The methods of treachery, intrigue, subterfuge, and tyranny which Machiavelli advises in his writings gave rise to the word ‘machiavellian’. His philosophy marked him out as the effective founder of modern political science and one of the true makers of the Renaissance. Though ‘The Prince’ was not published in Machiavelli’s lifetime, and its text is still disputed,
it is now one of the mainstays of philosophy, political science, economics and history. Many leaders, regardless of whether they call themselves king, president, prime-minister- have almost certainly read Machiavelli.
Machiavellianism can be summarized as a recommendation that the prince (a leader) above all else must acquire a flexible disposition
On Machiavelli’s account, the leader that is best suited for office is one who is capable of varying her/his conduct from good to evil and back again “as fortune and circumstances dictate”
Machiavelli presents to his readers a vision of political rule purged of extraneous moralizing influences. He also schools his readers in the strategies for gaining and maintaining power. The reflective writings are the source of modern philosophies like ‘the end justifies the means’ and ‘a means to an end’
These basic building blocks of Machiavelli’s thought induced considerable controversy. The most extreme critics find Machiavelli to be a teacher of evil, on the grounds that he counsels leaders to avoid the common values of justice, mercy, temperance, wisdom, and love of their people in preference to the use of cruelty, violence, fear, and deception. A more moderate school of thought, views Machiavelli as simply a “realist” or a “pragmatist” advocating the suspension of commonplace ethics in matters of politics.
The exercise of ‘freedom of expression’ can have far reaching effects as was the case with Machiavellianism.
We must look beyond the right to freedom of expression and begin to contemplate its after effects. Whilst the state can use legal measures to gag offensive material, individuals must learn to evaluate the implicit value of the idea, thought or speech in comparison with the impact it will have on its audience.
The internet and media is swarming with harmful content that has been cloaked in appealing images aimed at prompting audiences to think in a particular way as desired by the originator of the idea. The Harry Potter Series and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch are examples of how modern
November/December
1 week
DAY 1
Give God what’s right - not what’s left.
DAY 3
Man’s way leads to a hopeless end - God’s way leads to an endless hope.
2 week
DAY 8
Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.
DAY 2
DAY 10
When praying, don’t give God instructions - just report for duty.
3 week
DAY 15
When God ordains, He sustains.
DAY 9
WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
DAY 17
If He changed the story of Jabez, surely He can change your own story.
4 week
DAY 22 DAY 16
Exercise daily - walk with the Lord.
Never give the devil a ride - he will always want to drive.
DAY 24
Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
5 week
DAY 28 DAY 23
Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
DAY 29
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
DAY 4 DAY 5
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
DAY 7
In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma - but never let him be the period. Don’t put a question mark where God puts a period.
DAY 6 DAY 12 DAY 13
Don’t wait for six strong men to take you to church. We don’t change God’s message - His message changes us. The church is prayer-conditioned.
DAY 11 DAY 18 DAY 20
Plan ahead - It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
DAY 14
DAY 19 DAY 21
He came to give you life - life abundantly.
DAY 26
He who angers you controls you. Be ye fishers of men - you catch them & He’ll clean them.
DAY 25 DAY 30
give satan an inch & he’ll be a ruler.
DAY 27
He has brought you this far to take you further, the best is yet to come.
DAY 31
became lighter, as I was now able to entrust him in God’s care, to do what He alone could do in Daniel’s life. At the same time, we then began to look for what we could do, as his parents, to help him.
Later, I realised that God must have specially prepared me before the foundation of this world, to handle this challenge.The Bible says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man, but God, who is faithful, will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it...”(1 Corinthians10:13)
God was aware of this situation long before it occured, so it did not take Him by surprise.Therefore, He had prepared for us before hand, the
path we had to follow to see us through. So, all we needed to do was to seek His face in prayers.
As my husband and I began to shower more love on our son, his confidence started growing. He began to break the barriers of his autistic condition by living beyond the limitations of his world. Hence, since we changed our attitude towards him, we saw in him, the desire to open up to us, and the crave to be cuddled, hugged and kissed. He began to make efforts to try out new things, probably because he knows that his success in any task (like weeing in the proper place), no matter how seemingly trivial, will earn him cheers from mummy and daddy, and the whole family. I am not saying that an overnight miracle has taken place in his life, but I can testify that he has greatly improved, compared to where he was some years past.
Did I just suddenly develop overnight a positive mindset to my son’s situation? Definitely not!
I will share with you a number of things I did that helped out:
(1) Research the condition:
I researched into my son’s condition and read every available book I could lay my hands on about autism. I even did a short online course through the internet, to help me understand him, and how to help him better. With all these information, I was able to understand what he was going through; how he was feeling; and what would be good for him. I learnt about the solutions
available to help other children who are in a similar condition, and was able to discover the ones which I felt would be best for my son. I also read stories of people that had similar challenges as young people.
The lesson therefore is that we should not just accept what people tell us, even if they are medical practioners, without first weighing it, to know the other side of it. A few years ago, I took my son for diagnosis abroad. There, we met with a female doctor who was supposed to be one of the best in the field. At the end of the time spent with her, I left more depressed than I had felt before going there because she had nothing positive to say about him. She actually told me that there was nothing we could do about his condition. Her report was that he would never be able to learn to do anything, and would spend the rest of his life dependent on others! She even went on to tell me not to believe any of the so - called miracle interventions out there! Thank God I decided to read wide, which opened my eyes to every possibility available. The Lord disproved every statement she made, although for me, it was a painful slow process.
(2) Get medical help when nec-
essary: This might seem to contradict my previous point in relation to the female doctor story above. However, it does not change the fact that one still needs to get the help of qualified medical personnels. Talk to a seasoned pedeatrician, and he will tell you all the therapists that need to work with the affected child. It could be speech, occupational, physio and so on.
Each one of them has his own specific role to play in helping the child. There might also be the need for some tests or a change in the child’s diet, based on the advice of the doctor. In addition, work only with people that are positive in their outlook and utterances. Seek counsel from doctors who are both realistic and positive in their attitude to life. Avoid people who have nothing positive to say about your child. They will end up discouraging and frustrating you. In other words, be careful who you listen to in this situation.
(3) Network with parents like you: This can be so theraupeutic for you. Networking with other parents of special needs children will do one of these two things for you: It will help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles.Secondly, it will help you realise that even with your child’s condition, you still have something to thank God for. Since the time my husband and I went for a Parents training about a year ago, and met a couple of other parents from different parts of the world,who were in similar situatons, we knew our challenge was little,
I began to actually see my son indeed as a blessing from God. I began to see his challenges too as blessings and not as a curse (as I had felt initially).
compared to what others were going through. There, we met a couple who had a set of twin boys who were both autistic. We also met a woman whose husband had just abandoned her to care alone for her three autistic children. We also met people who had success stories to tell about their children’s recovery. That, to us, was quite encouraging.
(4) Receive God’s Word: This could be in the form of a prophetic word from the Lord, spoken in favour of your child, or a ‘Rhema’ (an inspirational word) you received while reading the Word of God (the Bible). You need to make yourself available in places where you can eaasily hear God’s Word - spoken to your heart. His Word is forever settled in heaven and on earth. It is creative in power; life changing and miracle working.
It produces tremendous results in the life of whoever receives it. However, the secret is that it needs to be heard and mixed with faith in the heart for it to produce results. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes from the Word of God. God’s Word produces faith in your heart, to believe Him for ‘the impossible’. The words I receive concerning my son do keep me going in times of discouragement, as I have learnt not to look at him through the eyes of his challenges, but through the Word of God.
When you focus on what God says about your child, regardless of what you see, your faith rises, giving you the strength to carry on. Overtime, learn to speak the Word of God on your child. Always say he will do what God’s Word says he can do. As he hears it continually, he will gradually learn to believe you, and identify with God’s Word.
Do I see these past six years as a wasteful or an unfruitful season of my life? The answer is a big NO! Looking at myself now, I’ve realised that I am not the same woman I was about seven years ago. I am now more appreciative of God, even for things I used to take for granted concerning my older children. Now, with my special son, every milestone, no matter how long it takes us to get there, calls for celebration in my family. I have realised that I am now more compassionate, especially to other special needs children.
The day a family came to my church with a special-needs child, my heart was immediately drawn to them. Immediately after the service, I went to meet them for a discourse; to encourage them about their child. I could feel what they had gone through and were still going through with that son of theirs because I had a similar experience.
I felt the joy of the Lord leap in my heart as I shared my experiences with them. I now feel the reality of the scripture that says, “...who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor. 1:4)
In essence, everything we go through in life has been divinely packaged by God, to prepare us for our future assignments. How else would I have been able to counsel parents of a special needs child if I had not had the experience myself? Thus whatever challenge you may be facing right now, bear it in mind that it is necessary for the fulfillment of your destiny. There are thousands (if not millions) waiting in your future for your success story. You cannot, and must not give up now. The whole world is awaiting your manifestation. Let that thing that seems like a curse in your life become your cause, your mission and your passion.You can either see that child as the greatest burden of your life, or the source of your greatest life testimony. The choice is yours; choose right.
Unrealistic Expectations continued from page 17 likely to generate the wrong response. Bitter and sarcastic words can make your spouse to recoil into his shell or respond negatively. Watch your words and guard your tongue. Keep your discussion honest and positive. Keep it under control.
3. Wrong Attitude
A critical attitude will also make us avoid “intimate talks”. A wife said “How can I communicate with my husband once he decides it’s not worthy of his attention, he just quits listening or he tells me that’s not important enough to discuss.” A fault- finding or judgmental attitude must be replaced with a positive response and an accepting attitude.
A lot of us admittedly are impatient and somewhat critical and we must do something to address this weakness.
4. Listening with your ears and heart
Listening is an underdeveloped skill in most marriages and research shows that much misunderstanding is attributed to poor listening. According to Ed Wheat, a biblical counselor, “If you only half- listen you will half - hear so give each other your complete attention.” Listen with your heart so that you will not only hear what the other is really saying but also what he is feeling. Don’t interrupt or jump to conclusions about what the other is saying. Hear your partner out before responding. Repeat your partner’s thoughts and feelings back to him so that he is sure you have understood him correctly. When your spouse is sharing thoughts and feelings with you, stop what you are doing, concentrate and maintain eye contact. .
5. Individual Differences *
Having individual differences is normal. Differences of opinion between couples especially over trivial matters often lead to arguments and a breakdown of communication.
An expert in communication has suggested that men and women communicate differently. He said that men are more linear in their thinking moving from a to b to c, while a woman can attack the subject from nine directions. He said women don’t mind saying, “I need” while men on the other hand do not say that but usually express their needs by saying “I want”.
6. Keep your discussions private
Don’t swing at your spouse in public or in the presence of your kids.
7. Unusual Tension
Be sensitive to the danger when an uncomfortable tension is felt concerning a particular topic/issue. It is a problem when you know there is something that cannot be talked about together. It is best to take quick action
to resolve the situation before it gets out of hand.
8. Heat of the moment
When you are angry, don’t take something shared with you in a vulnerable moment and turn it against your mate as a weapon.
Don’t say too much when you are angry, you are likely to live to regret it.
Wrong words can make you wound or lose a loved one. Psalm 141:3 “Set a watch, O lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
This prayer point is a must for us all. According to Ed Wheat and Gloria Perkins, who are marriage counselors, there are 6 ways a discussion goes wrong
- A War To Be Won
As couples we must realize that no one wins in an argument. Our aim should always be to reach mutual understanding while maintaining our good feelings for one another.
- Personal Rejection
Unfortunately people often confuse rejection of their ideas with rejection of themselves. On the contrary, you can benefit in marriage from bringing your varying view points together, discussing them, finding a solution and gaining a deeper appreciation for one another at the same time.
- A Change of Weapon
Learn to discuss only the matter at hand. Not knowing how to express your feelings without putting others down and pretending to be communicating, when you are merely attacking your spouse, is not right. Don’t change the subject and drag in other issues to use as weapon against your partner.
- Sweeping Generalisations
Out of frustration by the inability to make their point, people often use
“fighting words/expressions” like
“You always…”, “You never…”. The temptation for the other person is to stoop to the same tactic and argue, “I do not! You always…” or “You never…”
- Shouting
It is an inappropriate and childish way of responding to disagreements.
One wife once wrote, “I wish my husband could discuss a matter without shouting. He seems to think that talking loud and fast is the only way to communicate”.
- Yes, But
“ Yes, But …” is a communication stopper. Refuse to use these two words in combination again. Instead begin with a favorable response, such as “I see what you mean”, “I hadn’t thought of it that way”. Move right on smoothly into your point, presented as a question, “Do you think that…?” Tactfully offer your question in such a way that it is not regarded as an attack or put- down.
* Subtlte Hints
If there is a genuine desire to learn how to communicate, you will soon begin to enjoy peace and rest in your home.
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pebbles by Kehinde Adollo
Santa claus is coming to town
Every child dreamt of Santa Claus coming in at night to drop a box of presents by his or her bedside on Christmas day, as a child I actually did think Santa Claus was real and anticipated every Christmas that he would personally visit me.
I saw Santa on TV, attended Santa shows but I needed much more, I desired my very own personal Santa, who would visit and hand me beautiful gifts with my name inscribed on them, I longed for my personal SANTA, who knew my name, address and everything about me, a SANTA who could make my hopes and dreams come true.
I later understood, that SANTA was every child’s illusion of a saviour, the One who makes wishes come true. The one who makes you happy and give you gifts (not temporal but permanent).
In search for SANTA, little did I know that my personal SANTA had always been in town. The fact that he was born in a manger, not a fancy place to be born, made him unrecognizable, but his birth brought joy, peace and love to the world, that wise men, shepherd men, searched to find him and declared him the true Christmas hero, the one who makes ALL things come true. He wasn’t a fairy tale SANTA, who was available during Christmas, but a REAL SANTA for all seasons…. [Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter] all I needed was to give him a call.
If you are searching for SANTA this Christmas, don’t look too far, he is right in your town He has got your details, packaged with a gift, with your name engraved and even more, the number of hairs on your head He knows.
Hence, you cannot be mistaken for another. He knows you personally. He may not come in a red and white frock, because his appearance is too dazzling to behold, He may not come with toys, because his appearance is backed with words that will illuminate your soul.
He is a SANTA with a big heart and He is just right where you are. If you are wondering who I am talking about, His name is Jesus Christ, ‘your very own Personal ‘SANTA CLAUS’. If you don’t yet know him why not call on him today. He answers every call. He not only comes on Christmas day. He is available every day.
Enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas and a fulfilled 2008.
christmas humour
1. What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? - It’s Christmas, Eve.
2. Two foolish friends were searching for a suitable Christmas tree for their homes in frozen woods. After hours of harsh cold weather and exhausting but fruitless search, first said to another, “Let’s just hack any tree we get, whether it’s decorated or not!”
3. A guy’s wife was nagging him hard for a four-wheeler but still he bought her a beautiful extravagant diamond ring for Christmas. The husband’s friend was amazed at his decision and asked him in secret, “Why couldn’t you buy a car instead of the diamond ring?” The husband smiled and answered, “Fake cars are not easy to find.” Christmas is when Jesus Christ is the center and focus of your life.
