Jewish leaders have recently drawn up legislation which introduces the criminalisation of speech such as anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial and making a crime of ‘group libel’ in Europe. Although the main act making the news has been the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack, there were many issues brought to light which did not make the front page. What leaders are attempting to do is disguised by the initial promise of criminalising activities we all disagree with, and perhaps find to be the problem inhibiting our progression. What lies underneath, however, is yet another attempt at restricting the boundaries of freedom of speech and the ways in which we communicate as a society.
Most of us can agree that everything should be done in moderation. This is no less true when it comes to freedom of speech, whether through art, journalism or public discourse. What we expect from this new law is less tolerance towards those who use violence.
However, it’s becoming obvious that leaders have their mind set on restrictions that still revolve around the arts and the ways in which they are ‘provoking’ terrorism. In a recent article in The Guardian, although there is large emphasis on tolerance, it is only mentioned in relation to freedom of speech rather than to murder and violence. I would even go as far as pointing out that it is very much heading down the path of a lack of sympathy towards the victims of the recent Paris attack. “There is no need to be tolerant to the intolerant. This is especially important as far as freedom of expression is concerned…” Why not as far as violent extremism is concerned? Or rather, why don’t these new laws focus on educating the newer generations rather than continuing to suppress an already limited communication system between ethnic groups?
These laws have come to light due to recent statistics that say anti-Semitism rose by 128% from April to December of 2014. We have reached one of the highest waves of hate crimes against Jews since the Holocaust. It is bewildering that instead of encouraging people to talk about such issues rather than resorting to violence, leaders are suggesting we oppress said ethnic minorities by further limiting what they can express. Although it is in the interest of Europe’s self-preservation, it is only counterproductive since it allows for further ignorance and misunderstanding of the society we live in. Disallowing hateful groups from speaking publicly about their beliefs will not eradicate their hatred. If anything it will only make them feel more marginalised, or under attack, thus fanning the fire.
The problem is that we, especially at university, think we are an accepting and multicultural community. Whilst this is true in some respects, the reality is that the majority of us were not aware of the rise in hate crimes, not only against Jews, but ethnic groups across the world. If we wish to hold on to the freedom of expression we are now entitled to, then we should log out of Facebook and help each other overcome the ignorance we are trying to disguise as modernism.