What is freedom of speech? PlEASE READ IT...

drkhalsa · #1 (**permalink**) 22-Dec-2004, 23:05 PM

What is freedom of speech?

We all form multicultural England. In this day and age, we want to speak freely about our views and show people what we think, and fight for what we believe in. But is there a limit to what freedom of speech really is?

Over the past few days, Behzti has caught the attention of all, and the majority of the Sikh community feel that this play should not be broadcast because of basing the play in the gurdwara. The Sikh community feel disgusted as the play is using Sikh religious objects and as a whole is promoting a stereotype of Sikhs.

The issues covered in behzti happen everywhere. It can be a gurdwara, church, temple, mosque, party, family, friends… but what right does the writer have to point it only at Sikhs? These issues are covered by the law. The law is not biased towards any religion.

Is it fare to point the finger at a community and humiliate them in public by using their sacred place of worship? Is it fare to abuse their place of worship or to even use their place of worship without getting their consent? If we live in a multicultural country shouldn’t we understand one another’s view and respect the issues that are most sensitive to us? Do we have the right to humiliate religious text and buildings?

For all of the people out there who are devoted to their religion, do you thinks its fare that religious sculptures and scripts should be used in fictional biased plays?

The BNP are another part to our community. Why aren’t they allowed to express their freedom? Why does their entire wording have to change when they make public broadcasts? Why do they get arrested when they speak their freedom of speech?

What is racism? Isn’t it just an _expression of someone’s thoughts? When someone behaves racistly towards you, aren’t you hurt deep down inside. Don’t you feel that someone has just singled me out?

If freedom of speech is about abusing one another’s beliefs and giving hatred towards each other than really how far as a nation have we come to understanding each other?

What is artistic freedom? Freedom to abuse one another and cause national hatred then go into hiding, as you can’t face the world no more? Freedom of speech should be fare for all.

We as Sikhs want our religion and our culture to be respected. We don’t want our religious buildings and scriptures to be used for plays that are biased and we're sure neither does any other faith. We are not against freedom of speech, but we are against freedom of speech that singles us out for no reason. No one has the right to say that the issues in behzti only happen within the sikh community. The play is biased towards Sikhism and should be banned.

Voice your concerns about the play:

1) Abuses Gurbani, playing in the background

2) Has props such as palki sahib, chaur sahib etc

3) Promotes stereotyping of Sikhs

4) Backlash in Birmingham

5) Importance of Gurdwara in Sikhism

6) A blatant attempt to be offensive rather than freedom of speech

7) London as a multicultural city does not stand for this

8) Racism exists in Arts Institutes & they justifying themselves saying its freedom of speech

9) Open condemnation of play by many Religious figure heads and institutes

10) DCMS/Arts Council must intervene, ultimately they directly or indirectly have control over theatres.

I just heard on BBC London News that the Royal Court Theatre is thinking about showing the play.

Khalsa Ji we still have time to stop this from happening, we must voice concerns to the right authorities:

1) Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell

Department for Culture Media & Sport

2-4 Cockspur Street

London SW1Y 5DH

Tel: 020 7211 6200

enquiries@culture.gov.uk

2) Arts Council England, London

2 Pear Tree Court

London EC1R 0DS

Phone: 0845 300 6200

Fax: 020 7608 4100

Textphone: 020 7973 6564

enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk

3) Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS.

Fax: +44 0207 565 5001

Box Office: +44 0207 565 5000

Administration: +44 0207 565 5050

info@royalcourttheatre.com

4) Ken Livingstone
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-news/1291-what-is-freedom-of-speech-read.html

Mayor of London

Greater London Authority

City Hall

The Queen's Walk

London SE1 2AA

Telephone: 020 7983 4100

Minicom: 020 7983 4458

Fax: 020 7983 4057

5) Contact your local MP:

House of Commons Information Office,

House of Commons

Westminster

London, SW1A 0AA

Tel: 020 7219 4272

Fax: 020 7219 5839
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=1291

hcinfo@parliament.uk

www.faxyourmp.com

5) Metropolitan Police Authority

10 Dean Farrar Street

London

SW1H 0NY

Tel: 020 7202 0202

Fax: 020 7202 0200

Minicom: 020 7202 0173

enquiries@mpa.gov.uk