Freedom of expression is one of the most desired rights in
the 21st century, but also one of the most corrupted. The interesting situation
of freedom of expression is that if restricted it does not only affect us
individually but also as a whole society by hurting DEMOCRACY directly. Going
against freedom of expression gives us less options at the time of electing, it
alters the channels of true information, but also helps leaders to perpetrate
themselves in power.
In Latin America the current populist’s governments have all
been following authoritarian paths by restricting in one way or another freedom
of expression. In Bolivia, Evo Morales government has not been the exception,
and in this way citizens and media have been prevented from exercising this
right. Citizens, politicians from the opposition and also the media have been accused
of racist by the government at the time of criticizing their actions. In the situation
of leaders of the opposition and important icons from the media this have been
sued by the government on the base of the LAW AGAINST RACISM.
Morales government has also been able to conform a network
of parastatal media, this means a considerable amount of state channels. This
channels are able to regulate the information agenda, and are constantly repeating
the positive actions and reducing the information of conflictive issues, at the
same time they attack constantly the members of the opposition and reduce their
presence in this media channels.
In this way freedom of expression is restricted and the
citizens, the opposition and the media have a constant pressure from the
government around this right. On the other side criticism and information are
two basic elements of democracy. In this sense without freedom of expression
elections can’t be effective because of biased information, media cant inform
to citizens, and it also effects on the creation of opposition leaders. Its safe to say the low quality of freedom of expression in Boliva is an essential factor for Morales to be the head of state since 2006.
If you liked this topic i suggest you to read this book: (it is in Spanish though!):
Hi Adriana, I agree with you on the topic, nonetheless you shouldn't forget the power of internet, it's extremely difficult to control it completely by the government and always more and more people are able to access it.
ReplyDeleteDon't you think this will change the political discussions in the very next future?
About the structure, you could have added some pictures!
Thank you Melinda for the contribution on the blog!!! Unfortunately in Bolivia freedom of expression online is not a real parameter to measure because around half of the population doenst have internet access, anyway the government proposed a law to regulate social media.
DeleteIt's interesting to get an insight from someone who has actually experienced these things. What is your perspective on the political future in Bolivia? (Pavle/Rosie)
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about racial issues in Bolivia, how would you briefly explain the fact that "Citizens, politicians from the opposition and also the media have been accused of racism by the government at the time of criticizing their actions"?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that the Law against racism you were talking about is a legitimate law that is being misused or that it should be changed completely?
Thank you, short but interesting article!