Issued Under Fire: Did Charlie Hebdo Cross the Invisible Line

Issued Under Fire: Did Charlie Hebdo Cross the Invisible Line

Forced to ponder the world's latest and most dangerous dilemma (To Speak or Not to Speak), we'll open this tenth season of Issues Under fire by examining the wisdom of posting and publishing anything and everything, simply because it is legal. Unfortunately, Europe is paying a hefty price for its "no holds bared" approach to free speech.

While freedom of speech is one of, if not the most fundamental pillar of a free and civilized society and should never be muted by conflicting interest or ideas, the concept is not free of moral and ethical responsibilities. If one is aware that one's speech (whatever form) has the potential to stoke passions and incite senseless acts of violence, one would think, one would have a responsibility to carefully assess the value of said speech.

Upon reviewing the Charlie Hebdo publication, I saw some clever, satirical and humorous material. I also saw some vulgar, pornographic incendiary and intentionally provocative material. I also saw, some of the material seemed as though it was meant to pick a fight with somebody. Still, I couldn't find anything worth the lives of those who were so viciously murdered in the terror attacks the magazine's work inspired.

The expense of placing cops and security forces throughout Western Europe to protect everyday people going about their daily lives could cost millions of euros Europe can hardly afford. Why a responsible journalistic outlet would ignore the inherent nature of the subject matter at hand escapes this writer, for surely Charlie Hebdo's creative staff could have made its point without antagonizing militant lunatics.

Considering we live in a volatile world filled with irrational actors, one must consider the cost of one's speech when human lives are at stake. When you write, say or show something that has proven to be insulting to another culture, race, religion or ethnic group and they've expressed their disapproval and outrage in the most barbaric ways they can imagine, you might want to reconsider your approach to the subject matter.

In a perfect, sane and civilized world, individuals and groups can express themselves, saying, doing and writing whatever they want about whatever and whoever they want. But this space we share called earth is anything but perfect, sane or even civilized. The world is getting smaller as the population grow, but at the same time we as people, are growing further apart. Purposely disrespecting the belief systems of others just for laughs might bring more tears than smiles when all is said and done.

Bottom line: Free Speech can be as expensive as it is dangerous, damaging and deadly. Perhaps a little sensitivity should be paid to the less stable-minded amongst us to mitigate the high cost of protecting ourselves from them. Podcast Below!