Freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and democracy are principles that we steadfastly uphold. The idea of a society that accepts its diversities and can achieve common agreement on our collective existence is crucial. These are the fundamentals that we firmly adhere to, however, these beliefs open up a paradox. The history indicates an inverse relationship between the far-reaching freedom of expression and the consensus-building process vital to a thriving democracy. More diverse perspectives often lead to challenges in achieving a common understanding.
The vitality of democracies is determined by our ability to establish collective agreement, nurture a mutual consciousness, handle intricate problems and reach a middle ground. Democracies start deteriorating when the desire to find a consensus fades away. Although the internet did not initiate this trend, it has certainly amplified its effects. Indeed, every evolution in communications technologies brought along its share of disturbances.
When considering the essence of journalism, I envision it as a source for equipping individuals with necessary tools and details that empower them as informed citizens. Rather than dictating what to think, journalism should offer information for individuals to form their own understanding. The ultimate aim should be to embrace a commitment for objectivity, encapsulated in the motto – We inform, You decide. However, objectivity in an aggressively partisan environment becomes debatable.
Objectivity is not determined by personal beliefs. Instead, it should be perceived as an intense process of critical thinking that facilitates accurate and impartial fact-finding, irrespective of our personal inclinations or political leaning. This ethical approach remains paramount, particularly in the media domain where trust necessitates continual renewing.
It’s worth reflecting upon whether the present-day information structure of established journalism is efficiently serving its mission. On a broader scale, the information framework of a reputable news brand blends factual journalism increasingly with viewpoints. Some news brands persist in endorsing political ideologies. This prototype of coupling objective fact-based journalism with biased expression seems counter-intuitive.
As per the findings of Robert Putnam, people seem less interested in understanding those differing from themselves. Society seems to be missing shared experiences and social capital. The resulting isolation, empathy deficit, and dwindling mutual interest are driven by multiple factors including technological advancement, increased suburbanization, and the introduction of the internet.
In the absence of community interaction and real-world social commitment, exposure to our diverse communities becomes inadequate. An alternative strategy employed in ancient Greece, and later in the French republics, was sortition. Citizen assemblies, organized randomly, grappled with the tough queries of the times. Despite certain flaws, these assemblies reflected society’s heterogeneity and were less influenced by contemporary political biases.
Notable initiatives like the Citizen Assemblies of Ireland and Germany’s Bürgerrat Demokratie are currently using this approach to discuss complex topics ranging from climate change to same-sex marriage. These efforts exemplify how society can collaborate effectively on intricate problems.
The resolution for our contemporaneous challenges won’t be a straightforward affair. They will be multifaceted and require a comprehensive reassessment of our existing models. It will necessitate intellectual leaders from all sectors – media, technology, academia, politics – who can serve as role models with an inclusive view of common welfare.
Leaders adept on reaching a consensus about the definition of the common good itself will be indispensable. Transforming the way society engages cannot be accomplished via a single action. It demands the collaborative effort of many future-forward thinkers and leaders.
Identifying viable routes ahead is critical. It’s imperative that we progress with a sense of optimism and fervor that we have in our hearts. The goal is to co-create a society where every voice matters, and collective wisdom paves the path towards a more just, inclusive, and thriving democracy.
The post Freedom of Expression and Democracy: An Inverse Relation Unravelling appeared first on Real News Now.
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