I
was very astounded, disturbed, flabbergasted, dumbfounded and irritated beyond
all human survival, when I saw the hateful video directed to the president meant
to represent waa Banjul. It is in that note I write with dismay to condemn and
register my total dissatisfaction as per the said disrespectful speech with the
intention of dividing The Gambia that we dream will be the last place of hope and
peace on earth.
The
aforesaid immorality video by Ida Riley was a hateful fabrication of
intolerable huge lies, extreme dislike, deep-rooted academic and intellectual
suicide, calculated and intended to portray the president of the Republic of
The Gambia in bad light, and to maliciously destroy the dignity and impeccable honor,
which the president is known for.
The
last time I checked you have the “right of freedom of speech and expression”
and “right of academic freedom”, which are expressly guaranteed by section 25
(1) (A) and section 25(1) (B) respectively, of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution.
But I submit to you that you are totally abusing the said right which is
unethical and undemocratic.
It
is hearth touching and breaking to see a lady of your caliber raining insults to
the president of our great nation. Being it in Islam or Christianity it is
totally uncalled for to insult a president. One of the largest consequences of
hate speech is the effect that it can have on a victim’s mental health. Many of
those who are victims of hate speech may self- harm, or become suicidal, their
confidence and self-esteem may be affected, as well as many more consequences.
While many people believe that how someone interprets their words is not their
problem, this is not true. It is your responsibility to ensure that your words
aren’t hateful and odious.
Saying
that someone should get over it that not allowing you to use hurtful words is
oppressive and in violation of your free speech as per the 1997 constitution that’s
commonly known as “passing the buck”. Refusing to take responsibility only
causes more problems. Learn from your mistakes, accept that it is your
responsibility not to hurt others. No one wants to be the person responsible
for endangering someone’s mental health, or for lowering their confidence and self-esteem.
In
the law of some countries, hate speech is described as speech, gesture or
conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it incites violence or
prejudicial action against a protected group, or individual on the basis of
their membership of the group.
Hate
speech will not solve a problem neither led to peace. It is only through
dialogue; reasoning and critical thinking can help remedy the situation. All mortals from now shall live like one
people, united and peacefully working forwards a common prosperity. You should
regard the whole world as your country a country where the best govern, with
common laws and no racial distinctions. I do not separate people as many narrow
minded others do, I'm not interested in the origin or race of citizens. I only
distinguish them on the basis of their virtue.
Social media and the Internet have
opened up for many new arenas for exchanging opinions. Freedom of speech is an
absolute value in any democracy, both for the public and for the media. At the
same time, opinions and debates challenge us as hate speech are spread widely
and frequently on new platforms for publishing.
Hate
speech may cause fear and can be the reason why people withdraw from the public
debate. The result being that important voices that should be heard in the
public debate are silenced. We all benefit if we foster an environment where
everybody is able to express their opinions without experiencing hate speech.
In this matter we all have a responsibility.
Finally
Ida, By taking responsibility and ensuring that the words you use aren’t
hateful or intended to incite hatred, you can be part of the movement to stop
hate speech. Your contribution is important, you are important, and you can
stop hate speech. Instead of being the person who sends someone home upset,
hurt and angry, or who pushes someone to the point where they feel the world
hates them, you can be the person who ensures that they haven’t been forced to
endure hateful words, actions or expressions.
God
save The Gambia!!
BY: Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Political Activist
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