Publications
Partners
With the recent media speculation about Oscar Pistorius’ forthcoming parole application, one might be forgiven for surmising that certain biased individuals, and sections of the media, are trying to unjustly influence proceedings. Or is it simply a question of ratings and profit? After all, it’s not ‘news’; everyone knew it was due. Nor should it be contentious; a fair parole hearing is his right, just as any other person in his position. It was wholly expected, and entirely predictable. Unfortunately, as predictable as the resultant wave of badly written, money-spinning media articles, and feigned shock from those waiting for the next opportunity to put him on trial all over again and boost their own sense of moral superiority. I guess that’s what passes as ‘freedom of expression’.
Freedom of expression. It’s a two edged sword. A hard earned privilege, made possible by the struggle and sacrifice of the silenced and oppressed, and now laid down as an ‘inviolable’ human right. A right that many who remain gagged and subjugated would (and might yet) give their lives to possess. Yet, in democracies where it is taken for granted, it is a right that is widely abused; for profit, for power, and as a tool to inflict pain, humiliation and suffering upon others, with the victims often amongst the most vulnerable and defenceless in society. Cruelty, bullying and self-aggrandisement; freely exercised under the guise of the right to ‘freedom of expression’.
Somebody commented to me this week; that celebrities invite bad press, that it’s inevitable, the price they pay for courting publicity for their talent. Ostensibly, all’s fair in fame and celebrity. And Oscar, as a global icon, was apparently fair game. After all, he didn’t complain whilst reaping the rewards of fame and global success. It’s an argument all too often presented, to excuse or justify widespread psychological assault, of an exposed and unguarded human being at their most fragile. And frankly, as an argument, it sucks. For being famous does not miraculously transform the human condition. Celebrities bleed when they are cut, they bruise when beaten, they feel fear when threatened, they grieve when they suffer loss and like their fellow human beings, famous or otherwise, they make mistakes. For to err is inherently human.
It’s a well-known phenomenon that comes with fame and status. The media and public loves to glorify celebrities and put them on a pedestal, only to take perverse pleasure in tearing them down, and violating them, when their human frailties are exposed. Instead of empathising with a fellow imperfect, the all too familiar response is to dehumanise and morally exclude. Sadly, the right to ‘freedom of expression’ has become a cynical mechanism to say what one wants without question or conscience, and with contemptuous disregard to the responsibilities that accompany such a grave and cherished right. Nowadays, accountability is a rare commodity, as modern media provides an ideal platform for a desensitised mob to group and attack. People don’t even have to use their own names, they can stalk their victims and hide behind a shield of cowardly anonymity when they strike.
It’s a phenomenon that must have had the more unscrupulous sections of the media, and assorted interested parties, rubbing their hands with glee when a global icon like Oscar fell into their grasp. After all; honesty, scruples, integrity and good old fashioned morality must have seemed unappetising choices when profit, power, and the chance to tear down a global icon, presented themselves on a plate. Even better, such a high profile tragedy has lent itself to endless opportunities for churning out the same biased and defamatory ‘news’. So guaranteed is the audience, authors don’t even have to ensure that their articles are accurate or well researched, let alone well written.
Well, it may come as an unwelcome surprise to some but humans have rights. ALL humans. Even celebrities and global icons as I understand it. Regardless of their success, their position in society or how much they have reaped the benefits of positive publicity. The principles of equality, fairness and justice underpin all human rights frameworks, and inherent within this, is the right to be free from discrimination and to achieve equality under the law. FOR ALL. And alongside those rights, are corresponding duties and responsibilities. It’s hard to believe that the media has a duty to report truthfully and accurately, but it does.
One day, someone will call 'time'. Enough will be enough. One day, something will be done to address the abuse of the right to freedom of expression, and to ensure that those who wish to take advantage of this hard earned right, have full regard for their equivalent duties and responsibilities. In the meantime, we live in hope. Perhaps the next article published about Oscar Pistorius will surprise us all. Perhaps it will be truthful, honest, moral and right. Perhaps it will be respectful of his rights, or even better; advocate them rather than try to influence others to ignore or deny them. Perhaps the next article might even be well written and unbiased. Now, that really would be progress.
“EVERYONE is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth OR OTHER STATUS.” “ALL are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law." - Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Heather Malcherczyk
