* Verbal Pollution I

When the issue of “Freedom of Speech” is concern, we all agree that in principle it is an essential item of a democratic society. We should, however, be vigilant that some undesirable ingredient does not market itself using this label. I do not know if you can think of any example, but I have the notion of “Verbal Pollution” in mind. That is the use of indecent language, commonly known as “strong language” in media.

Some may argue that the media is only portraying the reality of the society. In their response one may say; what about the role of media as a trustworthy land mark for establishing higher cultural values across the community?

Verbal pollution is not a sign of “Freedom of Speech” but a demonstration of shortage of vocabulary, weakness in command of the language, lack of respect for the listeners, and when it corrupts the performing arts it is an illustration of an artistic failure.

With much regret we have recently witnessed the BBC2’s urge for showing “Jerry Springer, the Opera”. Was this decision made secure on the base of the “Freedom of Speech”? Did BBC over look the danger of giving the assumption for giving way to the “Freedom to Insult and to Humiliate” the religious central figures? Do we think that the media should respect the views of the faith community on issues of such and at least exclude the central religious figures from being publicly humiliated and ridiculed?

“O people of God! I admonish you to observe courtesy, for above all else it is the prince of virtues. Well is it with him who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is attired with the vesture of uprightness. Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed attained a sublime station. It is hoped that this Wronged One and everyone else may be enabled to acquire it, hold fast unto it, observe it, and fix our gaze upon it. This is a binding command which hath streamed forth from the Pen of the Most Great Name.” Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh

Delivered by Parvaneh Farid at CDAGM (Cultural Diversity Advisory Group to the Media) Meeting with BBC South, Meridian TV and the Daily Echo

28th April 2006

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