Thursday, September 20, 2012
Germany Weighs Banning Video
Lets take a different look at free speech. If you have not heard about the anti-American protests over a crude anti-Muslim video; crawl out from under your rock and read (maybe even click some links to learn more) how Germany is considering banning the video to avoid conflict. Is it the same as saying you cannot yell "fire!" in a movie theater or is it the first step down a slippery slope?
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I had to read a few different articles to piece up this news story because the link provided only included a few lines. If I'm not mistaken, Pakistani citizens believe the U.S. Government created an Anti-Islam video and aired it on Pakistani National Television. If this is comes out to be true, it would cause an outrage. America is supposed to be the land of freedom, but if the government is against a religion, this would change many people's and other country's views on America. We would no longer be what made us so unique to start with. I think it is a good idea that Germany is considering banning this video. It would decrease the amount of publicity it gets and avoid extra conflict. However, it would be hiding the problems of this world from the people. It is a very delicate and conflicting decision and matter.
ReplyDelete-Rahul Shah Pd. 9
Tc period3
ReplyDeleteI do believe in free speach but what the german are doing is not right say if i didnt like soccer i wouldnt go around makein videos bashing the sport and as far as russia i think they shouldnt be able to ban things that are online i mean most people already probably saw it and once its online it will stay forever so they should just let it pass
I think that this is somewhat of a good idea to ban the video I order to prevent fighting an dviolence but, there are many other videos out there which portray the same idea. Banning the video is a for of censorship and I think that censorship isn't good but, this is a good kind of censorship which is trying to keep peace within the country.
ReplyDeleteAM Prd.9
J.F. period 9
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, I have to say that what’s going on in Germany is very controversial. Banning and leaving the video alone can lead to both positive and negative results. Leaving the video alone would most likely spark violence between the anti and pro-Islamic factions. While banning this video would probably prevent unnecessary violence. But at the same time banning the video also violates Germany’s right to free expression. Taking away the right to express oneself will also cause protest. The German government has a tricky task at hand; this topic seems especially difficult to deal with. However whatever the German government decides, it’s safe to say that at least one group of people won’t be happy. If I were the German government I would not end up banning the video. In my mind the limitation of free expression will probably have a worse effect than pro-Islamic uproar. I think more people will be more upset over the violation of freedom of expression (since only 3.7% of the population is Islamic). Overall, I found this article very interesting.
SK prd. 9 While I worry about our rights and respect the great need for freedom of speech, I think that this video may be an exception. There is already huge public violence between anti and pro Islamic people starting. I think that Germany might be right in banning public showings because to me, a movie is different. Movies can exaggerate things and be fake. I think that since this one is called a “crude provocation” that it can only lead to greater violence. I think it’s important to be sensitive to both freedom of speech and freedom of religion. You can’t break one law and then another just to be even. On the other hand, no one is forcing you to see the movie, but I still stand by my feeling that it should be banned mainly because the negative overshadows the positive.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I realize that the government is taking a lot of consideration on behalf of that video. The video did show anti-Muslim, and this is why Muslims are not happy about. But have anti-American protests, mean greater things. For example, the burnings of American food chains, restaurants, and many other American brand things. This has to stop, and if it doesn't it might lead to even greater chaos.
ReplyDelete~ Maria U
JW-
ReplyDeleteI would be curious as to how effective the ban would be in the first place. Restriction of some resource or object tends to attract the most attention and garner the most heat. Furthermore, complete control of the Internet has always been a slippery, difficult task with techies who always have a way around their problems.
I don't think that Germany banning this video would cause a lot of controversy because this video has already caused many violent protests in Egypt, Libya, etc. Although I personally feel that they are just using this video as an excuse to protest against America. But in the end, their wouldn't be too much controversy if they banned this video because it is not completely out of line.
ReplyDeleteE.S. Period 9
I don't think any video or any thing on internet should hurt any one and if it did then the person should delete the video or apologize. In Germany's case the video was banned as 4 million Muslims in Germany felt that the video was racist and at no cost should anyone make a video that can hurt so many people's feelings. People in Germany went crazy about this video which is not wrong but being violent was not right either. But I guess that is what they wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteIP pd 9
Caitlin McTiernan Period 9
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don’t agree with the video, I don’t feel that it should be banned. Freedom of speech is a very important right that should have no restrictions (whatever the situation). Although I’m sure the video is wrong, having the Ku Klux Klan around in a diverse America is also wrong. This just shows that the government (in America and many other countries) can’t restrict the opinions and culture of their people. I personally don’t think that any government has the authority to prevent the people from voicing their opinion, whether or not that opinion is “right” or “wrong”. So, although this anti-Islam video is cruel, I don’t think that the German government should be able to decide whether or not it’s hid from the public.
SP p9
ReplyDeleteBy the way you can't access the full article.
I think that it's a bit sad that people want to make anti-Islam videos in the first place. Based on the actions of some Islamic followers, doesn't meant that they need to target the entire group. I mean you see psychos in Americas but you don't see people making videos about hating Americans.
I believe that the right of freedom of speech and expression possessed by the citizens of a country should not be usurped or impeded unless of dire circumstances. If someone were to criticize their government online, the government should not use their power to block it from view. However, when a form of media such as this crude anti-Muslim video causes much disturbance in social order and it leads to a lot of violence, it is in the best interest for a country's people for it to be banned.
ReplyDeleteI think this article brings up a interesting issue. Should we as people believing in freedoms and democratic values, consider taking down videos like these for security? For me the answer is no. Its easy to support free speech and rights when theres no danger in people speaking their mind, however, what does it show about us, if we back down when things get hard. What is our word worth when we back down if the situation is dangerous? ITs true, we do scare to easy these days, and i think changing that is an important step to restoring the American dream, not only here but around the world
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that came to mind when I read the article was that, there have been so many other videos against Muslims in the past, so why are they banning just this one? This video would cause a great amount of disruption amongst the people, and with Germany's and Russia's large Muslim population, there is bound to be chaos. Therefore, I think they should ban the video
ReplyDeletePeriod 9--Monica P.
in some cases when something is too controversial, such as the video, i don't think it is too bad to censor the video because you want to maintain a certain level of peace and order in the society,
ReplyDeleteeven if it means censoring a few things. - Michelle LIm
I think that it would be very foolish of Germany to ban the anti-Muslim film. It's freedom of speech. People have the right to say whatever they want not matter what happens as a result. I understand why Germany might want to consider banning the video, but they shouldn't. No matter how offensive something may be it should not be banned.Being a Holocaust denier is illegal in many European nations. It's really screwed up to deny the Holocaust, but they should still be allowed to do it. You can't have freedom of speech, but only the things you agree with.
ReplyDeletei think that this controversy between the government and the people concerning the inalienable rights and basics of humanity such like freedom of speech can become a key aspect of future arguments and sparks of violence. The government, being in charge of its people and the well-being of their citizen, in my opinion has the right to ban publicly and central media for the better of the country, but the problem that comes with this approach is that the people do have, and will always have their share of rights and justice, ultimately leading to a serious problem.
ReplyDeleteNormally, I am a big fan of freedom of speech and protest for your rights. But in this case of the anti-muslim video in Germany, I think it is both for the best of the government and the people of the country to have this video banned from being publicly viewed. Since the population of Germany consists of many Muslims, having a video going viral in movie theaters and online insulting and going against their beliefs and religion would only result in great amounts of violence and aggressiveness. For this reason, I agree with the German government in banning the video, even though it goes against the right to freedom of speech. -Maytal Babajanian
ReplyDeletei don't see Germany's action as an act of tyranny but rather as a desperate attempt to keep peace. I feel sorry that Germany has to make such a tough decision. I feel that German government's decision to banning the video may be a poor choice, although I understand that leaving the video alone will upset several people. I see not taking action not as an act of support for the video. Instead, it is rather an act of compromise, trying to appease to both Muslims and free speech supporters.
ReplyDelete-raphael kim
I feel that this video should not be banned because everyone is entitled to the freedom of speech and the government should not be controlling what people can and can’t see due to the possibility of negative reactions. Once the government starts to control what people can see they then crosses the line and starts to become government censorship which is what all democracy’s are against. The government should just be prepared to deal with possible negative responses to this video rather than just banning it completely. The government should be proactive and prepare themselves for what going to happen without controlling what the people can and can not see.
ReplyDeleteSamantha H.
If Germany believes banning the video may cause disruption within the country and harm citizens they are right for wanting to ban the video. however by taking this video down it violates the freedom of speech which may also cause some protest. I believe they should leave the video up and find another way of stopping its influence like making another video to try to settle everything down. that way they don't try to end another problem by introducing another and giving people another reason to complain.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I realize the severity of what 9-11 did to our world. It has led to many protests and has even led to videos that express hatred against Islam. I do acknowledge that what Al Quaeda did was wrong and do not invalidate or ignore the severity and heartache and damage that it has caused- because it did leave a significant amount of damage to our society, but people need to realize that not all Muslims are bad, and that there is no need to go to the extreme of making a video expressing the amount of hatred felt toward this religion. However, I do not belive that the video should be banned- depsite all of the negativity- because people should have the right to freedom of speech and this video could possibly prevent anything as awful as 9-11 or any acts of terroism, and may even allow people to see the level of fear of Islam and cause a change in actions from believers of radical behaviors.
ReplyDeleteAnsh Hirani, World 10, Prd 9
ReplyDeleteI think that the German government has all rights to say whether or not this video should be banned in a country. Although the citizens have the right of freedom of expression, the government's call to ban this video should overrule this one right, just for this one case. The reason for banning this video is to protect the safety of the citizens within the country. Even if it goes against the rights of the citizens, it can potntially save lives if there are going to be violentic protests due to the public showings of this video. It's similar to our condition with the word 'fire'. Although we have freedom of speech, we aren't allowed to yell it out as we please.
Chirag Soni World History 10- In a summary this article is saying how other countries are starting to put restrictions on videos because of the mishap that happend in california involving the killing of a ambassador. Germany is creating a policy that might allow the ban of free speech through internet. I think that this is unlawful and should not be allowed. Instead of banning videos to stop this from happening I think the government can think of a better policy that will not obstruct a person from there freedom and will help stop unrest from occurring. The ban on seeing the material in public will cause unrest and in my opinion should not be done.
ReplyDeleteI think that every country should have freedom to see and say anything they want even if it offens others or the government. The German government thought it would have been best to just not show the video because it would cause commotion but the people have the right to know everything happening in their country.
ReplyDeleteI think this article is very similar to the band articile. I think that it's ok that Germany is denying its people the right to express what they feel. Whenever something is expressed or said, it will not please everyone, but the anti-Islam shows could be less racial. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but to a point where it's not emtionally harming someone else.
ReplyDelete-Kevin Chnad
This article has the same has the same issue(s) as the band article before. However, I feel that Germany should ban this video. Thought people right to express their feelings, that right definitely has a limit. In this case, this expression of feeling is hurting society as whole, causing a lot of unrest, and offending followers of Islam. Society as a whole should benefit from what people have to say when it comes to nation wide issues like religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc. If one opinion causes this much damage, it needs to be mediated.Sure, someone can express thier opinion, but in a much more peaceful and less offensive way.
ReplyDelete- Maisha Savani
I think control of the internet is important to an extent. I think people should be able to post what they want, even if its against the government or against anything. its your own opinion. FREEDOM OF SPEECH. and i know some countries dont go by the freedom of speech. but still, by blocking this video, it attracted moire attention to the public and the peole then it would have if they never bothered blocking it at all. BAd move germans, bad bad bad move.
ReplyDeletePER.3
ZAkitehook(Coty)
This is really stupid to be completly out there. I don't understand why they have to flip out over a dumb youtube video. There are so many videos about hating black people, jews, catholics, atheists, chinese, you name it. They don't flip out and cause this whole dumb thing. Maybe it's for attention.
ReplyDeleteI completely disagree with this ! i think that its really not ok that germany even considers doing that. as most poeple know germany is won of the strongest democracy's in the worl right now an are on of the only countrys in europe that is not in debt. so for them to censor the internet is completely against what they say they are. china is the biggest communist governtment around today and they censor there internet so there citizen cannot find information that makes the chinese government look bad. this allows the chinese government to make their citzens believe that thier in this great country and that they are so amazing. for example google is no longer aloud in china. the reason is beacause when china asked google for the right software to censor there search engine google said absolutely not and left the country. german is basically doing the same thing by taking away the right of thier people and censoring thier internet .
ReplyDelete-per 3 D.P
i dont think that its right to ban a video like that and keep information from the people of germany but it might be a good idea in order to avoid a bad situation - Vadim Castro
ReplyDeleteI think Germany /anyone should have the right to speak their mind no matter of what it shall be. Just because not everyone may feel the same doesnt mean that they dont have a point and you never know where the conversation can lead to.
ReplyDeleteIts kinda sad that people arent allowed to speak their minds without getting hurt or straightup turned down to.
Sofia Ponce
Period 3