2008 Plain English Speaking Award Finalists' Speeches
Justin Powell – Brauer College, Warrnambool
Muted Freedom
I oppose the governments just as I would any dictatorial regime. I just want to defend my human rights. If every Chinese person I know did the same, then the authorities wouldn’t dare do whatever they want, as it does at present.
These are the words of Dean Peng, a Chinese economist and dissident. His fight for freedom of speech has seen him harassed, intimidated and locked up simply because his words were feared.
Freedom of expression is one of the most fundamental rights that humans enjoy and it’s the key to freedom in the most oppressive regimes. It’s fundamental to the existence of democracy and the respect of human dignity. But it’s also one of the most dangerous rights, because freedom of expression means freedom to express our discontent with the status quo, and desire to change it.
It’s little wonder then that it’s one of the most threatened rights, with governments – even political groups – all over the world constantly trying to control it. This was evident earlier this year.
Independence, it was claimed, would bring a new era of prosperity to Zimbabwe following years of civil war against white settlement. They’ve only known one ruler since: Robert Mugabe rose to power in the free elections of 1980. Back then he was heralded as the ideal leader, it’s a very different story now.
Genocide, racial land grabs and a crippling economy highlight the fact that more than 70% of Zimbabweans are unemployed.
So this year, amid a storm of world attention, Zimbabwe held its presidential elections. Despite the democratic elections rejecting Mugabe’s rule, ultimately the result was hardly surprising: fudged figures, civil calamity and the same tyrant who’s been in power for 28 years returned.
Make no mistake; the people believed this was a fight for freedom – a fight they took beyond the ballot box.
In Zimbabwe, speaking out against the government isn’t illegal, but it’ll get you punished anyway. Prison, death – this is the way Mugabe operates. For most, freedom of speech simply does not exist, unless it’s Mugabe’s freedom to speak.
Yet somehow, there’s still hope. Hope of change, unity, freedom. The Zimbabwean Government has refused to listen to the voices of dissent, but have we? Those who enjoy democracy, are we listening?
Like most world issues, Zimbabwe’s problems are complex and political. Officially, most of the world condemns the situation, yet nonetheless seem powerless to have any significant impact.
The United Nations too has seen no immediate need for action. Bound by a clause dictating humanitarian involvement to conflicts that pose an ‘international threat’, Zimbabwe’s situation, doesn’t quite meet that criterion.
But while we listen, while the people continue to get their stories out, there is hope. And empowered by this hope, they are able to continue their struggle. Our influence – while indirect – is beginning to work. The leaders of African nations are meeting with Zimbabwe’s rulers and the opposition in landmark talks, with the aim of ending this political crisis.
You know, it was Franklin D Roosevelt said: ‘Freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved’. Freedom of speech means people power. Freedom of speech means action. Freedom of speech means change.
This story isn’t just confined to Zimbabwe or indeed Africa. From Dean Peng’s China and even Burma and Tibet, governments can’t simply expect tight control and closed borders will keep bad news from spreading. Little is more coveted, more sought after than freedom of speech.
I’ll leave the final word to the French philosopher Voltaire, who said: ‘Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so as well’.
