ART, TOLERANCE, AND THE TRUE MEANING OF FREE EXPRESSION

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There is a popular saying where I’m from that says, “You have freedom of speech, but freedom after speech is not guaranteed”. In the sight of the law, one is permitted to say whatever is in their mind without interference. The law has granted all citizens freedom of expression. This expression can come in the form of music, painting, poems, spoken words, and other forms of art. With the innovation of social media, people can use the medium to express themselves and can be heard even at the other end of the world.

While you have this freedom of expression, your freedom after you express yourself is not guaranteed, as people face intimidation and harassment, and may even be arrested when they say things about powerful individuals, such as politicians and government officials. These individuals frown at being called out publicly.

The likes of Fela Kuti, who was loudly outspoken about corruption and, through his music, was arrested by the government of that time and jailed because of that.

While murals are not such a popular thing in the country, people should be allowed to express themselves in any form they choose to; there is another saying that says, while I am accountable for what I said, I am not accountable for how you interpret or understand what I have said. How others feel about something should not limit me from expressing myself how I deem fit.

The world has become chaotic, and it sometimes feels as if people are out there just looking for things that will upset them to find a place to pour out their anger. Murals, for instance, are for beautifying a place and can also tell a story or communicate something to others through art.

A person's way of expression may be offensive to another; that’s why we all need to learn tolerance with one another. Recently, in the city I live in, there is a painting that was done under a bridge in the city; this place has become a sight for people where they go to take pictures and create content. The painting not only beautified the place, but it has also created an environment for people to do recreational activities.

Everyone has a mind of their own, and you are not expected to apologise for every little thing; a person's lack of tolerance should not stop others from having fun or relaxing, express themselves through art that others may find interesting. If society demands apologies for every discomfort, creativity will have to suffer under conformity. As such, a healthy ground for creativity requires high tolerance for different opinions and expression.

With the above arguments and points, I believe that you will agree with me that there should be no repercussion for creativity that comes from one’s expression of self. People should be allowed to express themselves without any fear of persecution. “Freedom after speech” should, in fact, be guaranteed by law. People should be able to express themselves without looking over their shoulders or being worried about their safety afterwards.

My name is @rishagamo, and this is my response to the Hive Learners weekly featured prompt, week 228, episode 02: “FREE SPEECH”

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