The Influence of Freedom of Expression on the Development of a Country
CGS 1023F: Introduction to Global Development
Research Paper Proposal and Critical Annotated Bibliography
Topic: The Influence of Freedom of Expression on the Development of a Country
As a member of North American society, I have the privilege of being able to express my opinions, beliefs, and religious ideologies to those around me without any repercussions. I am able to think in whatever manner I choose and express my opinions without having any fear of reprisal or persecution. The value of this fundamental human right is often underestimated. However, the right to freedom of expression is arguably the most important fundamental human right because it lays the foundation for the other freedoms outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In order to fully understand the issue at hand, we must first understand exactly what the freedom of expression entails. As outlined by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created by the United Nations, “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” As the Index on Censorship contends, freedom of expression “underpins most other rights and allows them to flourish.” It also plays a vital role in perpetuating the healthy development of society. Many countries struggling to reach the status of “developed” are doing so as a result of the suppression of the beliefs of their people. Governments are censoring the opinions of the masses in order to facilitate the policies and actions that they deem to be “beneficial” for society as a whole. It is understandable, however, that there must be limitations to freedom of speech to allow society to progress in a positive manner and to prevent hateful speech, among other things.
My research paper will draw on a range of scholarly sources to argue that the development of a
Research Paper Proposal and Critical Annotated Bibliography
Topic: The Influence of Freedom of Expression on the Development of a Country
As a member of North American society, I have the privilege of being able to express my opinions, beliefs, and religious ideologies to those around me without any repercussions. I am able to think in whatever manner I choose and express my opinions without having any fear of reprisal or persecution. The value of this fundamental human right is often underestimated. However, the right to freedom of expression is arguably the most important fundamental human right because it lays the foundation for the other freedoms outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In order to fully understand the issue at hand, we must first understand exactly what the freedom of expression entails. As outlined by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created by the United Nations, “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” As the Index on Censorship contends, freedom of expression “underpins most other rights and allows them to flourish.” It also plays a vital role in perpetuating the healthy development of society. Many countries struggling to reach the status of “developed” are doing so as a result of the suppression of the beliefs of their people. Governments are censoring the opinions of the masses in order to facilitate the policies and actions that they deem to be “beneficial” for society as a whole. It is understandable, however, that there must be limitations to freedom of speech to allow society to progress in a positive manner and to prevent hateful speech, among other things.
My research paper will draw on a range of scholarly sources to argue that the development of a
Bibliography: "Why Is Access to Freedom of Expression Important?" Index on Censorship. Index on Censorship, 20 Mar. 2013. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. "Freedom of Expression: Essential Principles." Democracy Web. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.democracyweb.org/expression/principles.php>.