February 16, 2006

A person was waving his hands in the air. All of a sudden he hit the nose of a nearby standing man. The man asked infuriatingly why he was hit in the nose. The other man replied that he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted. Hearing the reply, the man said, "Your freedom ends where the tip of my nose begins." This simple answer reflects a far greater meaning in our social context when we talk about rights, duties, freedom and responsibility.

Recently, a Danish newspaper published blasphemous cartoons that sparked a controversy throughout the Muslim world. Perhaps the cartoonist did not imagine the consequences of his action. The publication of the cartoon led to a worldwide condemnation by the Muslim communities.

On the pretext of showing solidarity with the Danish cartoonist, other newspapers of Europe, particularly the Norwegian, Spanish, German, French and Italian, also published the cartoons which added fuel to fire. Although the Danish prime minister apologised, he also that publication of the cartoon was not the responsibility of his government. The European governments have not taken any action against the papers, but some of the editors of the newspapers that published the cartoons have either been fired or sent on leave by the owners of the publications.

While analyzing the present episode of this controversy, we should keep in mind, above all factors, that the media always mirrors the political system of a country. At the same time we should also remember that modern democracies of the world are based on the concept of libertarianism. Historically speaking, the notion of libertarianism emerged in the ‘enlightenment era’ in the West in the 17th century. The chief exponent of this notion was John Milton who floated the concept of ‘free marketplace’ of ideas in his pamphlet Aeropagitica. The idea was based on the assumption that human beings are rational beings, hence are capable of sorting out truths, which he termed as a self-righting process.

As the notion of libertarianism was a reaction to authoritarian policies of the Press at that time, therefore, it received tremendous boost throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. It was only in the mid 20th century that doubts about most of the assumptions attached to it started emerging.

One of the main criticisms of this view was that the media normally abuses its freedom and this relentless use of freedom often provokes anarchic behaviour. A great question was posed that people might be capable of sorting truth from falsehood in the marketplace of ideas, but may not work at it. Hence the emphasis shifted from free Press to a responsible one. This was the foundation of an updated version of libertarian thinking which came to be known as 'social responsibility' concept.

The social responsibility theory (SRT) asserts that media should uphold a responsibility towards the society. It means that SRT believes in freedom so long it is harnessed to responsibility. It also assumes that independence is desirable only as long as it is reconcilable with an obligation to society. Basically social responsibility is a belief in media accountability to the society.

Now viewing against this perspective the publication of the blasphemous cartoons, it becomes obvious that it is a blatant abuse of the liberty of the Press freedom. In the free market of ideas the Danish cartoonist has chosen a mean idea for gaining cheap popularity or serving certain vested interests. There is a difference between satire and ridiculing; as the art of drawing caricatures is a very delicate job. Most of the time a cartoonist tends to forget that he is ridiculing in the name of providing humour.

The publication and reproduction of the blasphemous cartoons has shown how devastating the consequences can be, if the pen is not used with editorial responsibility. As the world is passing through constant turmoil, there is a dire need of filling the gulf to bring about an understanding between its people. Media can provide harmony amongst diverse cultures if its power is utilised with wisdom and responsibility. Its reckless use will only reinforce the infamous concept of the clash of civilizations.

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