Reflections on Power, Privilege and Freedom of Speech

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• Joelouis 11 years ago

  Thanks Amuna Paul for your reflection on Power, Privilege and Freedom of Speech, am grateful.

  Thanks Amuna Paul for your reflection on Power, Privilege and Freedom of Speech, am grateful.

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• mensah abrampa 11 years ago

  You're right. We Ghanaians take a lot of things for granted, especially freedom of speech. The use of very offensive, intemperate, obscene and profane language,the lack of civility in public discourse especially on social med ...
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  You're right. We Ghanaians take a lot of things for granted, especially freedom of speech. The use of very offensive, intemperate, obscene and profane language,the lack of civility in public discourse especially on social media, and the total disregard for truth and integrity are all issues that need to be taken seriously and elevated to the national platform for discussion. The national platform because the rot and decay in mannerism and integrity equally affects those who occupy the lower rungs on the social scale as well as top ranked political leaders, even the President. The disappearance of civility in our public discourses has its origins from the early years of the Rawlings era. What example is the leader of the nation setting for the younger generation when he mounts the platform to rave and rant invectives rain and make allegations against opponents which are uninvestigated and unsubstantiated? Recently the President's response to Mr Greenstreet's remarks lacked decorum and in my opinion was unpresidential and uncalled for. It's time for a national conversation because what we say in public and on social media tells the world much about us.

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• Civitatis Ghaniensis Conditor 11 years ago

  This sort of writer is the most dangerous to society. He is essentially telling the rest of the world, you are not as clever as me, who knows how to use freedom. So don't express yourself freely, in case you harm the powers ...
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  This sort of writer is the most dangerous to society. He is essentially telling the rest of the world, you are not as clever as me, who knows how to use freedom. So don't express yourself freely, in case you harm the powers that be. People like me, on the other hand, being satisfied with life because we have obtained good jobs and are living well, do not want the likes of you to upset the applecart.
  
  It is the selfishness of the well-to-do and it is the cause of all the discontent that brings revolutions.People who cannot see to the end of their noses -- because they want the powers-that-be to pat them on the back.
  
  Go and get your reward, fool. You will receive your TRUE punishment one of these days, when the powers that be listen to your sort and leave undone, all the things that they should have done.

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• Mensah 11 years ago

  brainless junkie

  brainless junkie

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• DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 11 years ago

  Yes, a real cuckoo without wings.

  Yes, a real cuckoo without wings.

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• Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 11 years ago

  Paul, it's been some time since I read from you on Ghanaweb. Welcome back and Merry Christmas.
  
  The simple fact is that, some, if not most Republicans, especially the Tea Party wing cannot accept that Obama beat them twice ...
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  Paul, it's been some time since I read from you on Ghanaweb. Welcome back and Merry Christmas.
  
  The simple fact is that, some, if not most Republicans, especially the Tea Party wing cannot accept that Obama beat them twice and unable to accept that a Black man is their President and a Black Family is in the White House. So the response by Ms Lauten had nothing to do with freedom of speech but rather it was about politics (power) and race. As you rightly pointed out in her apology, she refused to apologise to the First Family or even the two teenagers she abused but rather to her own family and friends she disappointed with her false and abusive comments.
  
  As far as freedom of speech, power and privilege in Ghana are concerned, most Ghanaians lack appreciation of the concepts and their limitations. As far as most Ghanaians are concerned anything and everything goes under the guise of freedom of this or that. Both the powerful and the weak abuse this very important fundamental right.

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• Paul 11 years ago

  Thanks Kofi, and Many happy returns. It;s good to hear from you. I've been reading your posts on ghanaweb too. I've actually posted a few articles over the last 6 weeks or so.
  
  As to the issues in America, it is an agenda ...
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  Thanks Kofi, and Many happy returns. It;s good to hear from you. I've been reading your posts on ghanaweb too. I've actually posted a few articles over the last 6 weeks or so.
  
  As to the issues in America, it is an agenda to discredit a black leader and his family in the hope that it would make it more difficult for another one to occupy that office.
  
  In the Ghanaian context, ours is a society which in some ways should be more equal and so, we should learn the basics of mutual respect but then the standards of dialogue are anything but! My articles have recently focused on that subject and that of responsibility in general.
  Have a blessed 2015

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• DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 11 years ago

  Beautiful piece. It could have been better than this, thoughtfully coming from you. Keep it up, sir.

  Beautiful piece. It could have been better than this, thoughtfully coming from you. Keep it up, sir.

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• Umar Najeeb 10 years ago

  Thank you for your post Mr. Paul. Your thoughts and reflections are very appropriate and appreciated in how responsibility comes with the authority that one has in order to look after the affairs of the people in the most cor ...
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  Thank you for your post Mr. Paul. Your thoughts and reflections are very appropriate and appreciated in how responsibility comes with the authority that one has in order to look after the affairs of the people in the most correct ways within the freedom that we have been provided to make more productive environments for communities and society at large. Every human is entitled to an opinion (although some do not have much substance regarding their disagreements which is counter productive) and I believe this is what allows us as humans to co-exist in harmony regardless of point of view. In light of these extremist organizations destabilising democracy in Africa, there is always hope that people like yourself are reminding people of the value and goodness of progress responsibly without emotions driving your words. Your article has actually got me thinking about how better I could handle situations and look forward to reading more posts from you. Thank you for your time to share your thoughts with us. Peace!
  
  Kind regards,
  Umar

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