Over the break there were a couple of news stories that made headlines. While one was certainly scary and had an element of the absurd, the other was definitely horrific and tragic.
Headline 1:
On December 17, 2014, Sony decides to pull the release of it's latest comedy The Interview. The film's premise involves the assassination of North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un. Soon after the film is first announced, North Korea warns the US about releasing the film. Then, closer to its release date, Sony is hacked and warned once again. The film's release is cancelled due to the fear that terrorists might attack.
The concern? Terrorists succeed in scaring people to do what they want. Many people are outraged. Politician, celebrity, and the average citizen speak up and out against Sony's decision, and the movie is released...only it's a digital release (which ironically makes almost as much money as the predicted box office release).
Many say that the film is an irresponsible act of provocation; it depicts the assassination of a real life world leader. Imagine what a film depicting the same fate for our own leader might evoke. So the question must be asked, was it really responsible and appropriate of the artists/entertainers (in the name of comedy, satire, art and freedom of expression) to create such a movie? It is debatable. Regardless of our opinions, the film made headlines under the topic of freedom of speech and how terrorists have tried to hinder this in America. Something to definitely think about. Unfortunately, terrorism doesn't seem to give us a lot of time to think.
Headline 2:
On January 7, 2015, Charlie Hebdo, a political satirical weekly magazine, is attacked by terrorists, It's Muslim extremists this time. Thus, it can be safely assumed that the shooters were offended at the ideas the paper published--many of its issues depict religious and political figures being demeaned as subject to crude humour.
12 people are killed in this horrible event that shocks the world. And while 12 deaths is a tragedy, millions are brought together in solidarity.
In response to these events people from France, America, Canada, and beyond, begin posting "Je Suis Charlie" on their twitter and facebook. The world stands in solidarity with the victims of this brutal attack. One of the victims is a police officer who tried to stop the killers. His name is Ahmed. He is a Muslim man who no doubt did not agree with the publications ideas yet gave his life to defend the people who made fun of his religion. People learn this via the internet and start updating their facebook and twitter with "Je Suis Ahmed."
Once again, the terrorists try to scare the world to give into their demands... they try to hinder our freedom of speech, yet the world stands up and speaks out against this demand, with a loud "no." They march the following week, hold vigils for the dead, and buy more and more of Charlie's magazines. A quote often incorrectly attributed to French satirist Voltaire (it was written by Evelyn Hall who wrote his biography) comes to mind: "I disapprove of what you have to say but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
Both news stories bring to mind the dangers and effectiveness of technology, the power of words, and the importance of freedom...In particular, we are meant to ponder the ever important freedom of speech, and how that which is so important to us, is often taken for granted.
Bradbury's classic which we begin to read this week, is a story of freedom of expression, censorship, the death of books and the rise of technology... Though it is penned by the late author in the 1950's, considering the recent events that straddle 2014 and 2015, how can one say that the novel does not apply or resonate today. Events aside, the fact that you're reading this on a digital screen speaks volumes.