I often have discussions with students and colleagues about the critical importance of “free speech” in a strong democracy. For example, I believe the ability of the media to challenge, debate, and disagree with government leaders is absolutely essential. In contrast, look at the inability of anyone to question leadership in a dictatorship or communist government.
However, as you would guess knowing my fanatical focus on always seeking a “balanced perspective,” the key question is whether the right to free speech carries any responsibilities?
Some argue that if you place any constraints on free speech, can you say it’s really “free?” Others would argue that that is an extreme position which does not allow for some “reasonable” exceptions. But who defines the exceptions? For example, should it be okay to yell “fire” in a crowded building? Many would argue no, that would be wrong and illegal.
Okay, check the box if it is illegal. The question I then ask myself is: Are there other areas that should be an exception to “free speech?” Here is where my focus on values-based leadership impacts how I address the issue of the responsibility that comes with “free speech.”
I may have the right to say whatever I want, but is that the right thing to do as a values-based leader? I remember the situation in France a number of years ago when people were printing derogatory cartoons of Muhammad. Yes, some may argue that they have the right to do it, but is that the right thing to do when you are insulting the personal beliefs of others? In this case, it was clearly an insult to the strong personal religious beliefs of Muslims. Because of our right to free speech, should we rationalize that this is OK, or should we be sensitive to the beliefs of others?
Another incident that many of you may be aware of occurred last Friday evening at the start of the Olympics opening ceremonies in Paris.
As background, you are probably aware that Leonardo Da Vinci’s renowned painting of “The Last Supper” depicts the famous biblical scene of Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles sharing a meal before his crucifixion on Good Friday. The scene in Paris at the Olympics opening ceremony included “a group of drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked singer made up as the Greek god of wine, Dionysus” that appeared to closely resemble “The Last Supper:”
While many Christians were shocked and disgusted by the comparison to the sacred depiction of the “Last Supper,” those involved dismissed the comments stating they were not trying to offend anyone and any comparison is by coincidence. Take a look at the two pictures again, and you decide if it was a coincidence.
As I mentioned earlier, even if you have the right to “free speech,” the key question for a values-based person becomes “Is it the right thing to do?”
In my quest to understand the rational behind this (as you know, I always try to understand all sides), I looked up the response from the artistic director of the event: “In France, people are free to love how they please, are free to love whoever they want, are free to believe or not believe,” Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, told reporters on Saturday when asked about critics.
Okay, I get it, but I ask again, is doing something that will insult the strong beliefs of millions of people around the world the “right thing to do?”
I remember a conversation with Julie Kraemer some years ago about a Papal Encyclical that was focused on the idea that freedom cannot be separated from responsibility. It’s a tough concept for those who believe in “My truth.” Curious that the Paris Organizers were either oblivious or thought this would make the Olympics cool again.