“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press … ”
— Excerpt from First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
America will observe Free Speech Week from Oct. 16 to 22. As the president and CEO of ‘Olelo Community Media in Hawaii, I believe this is an opportune time to recognize the wisdom of our forefathers in granting every U.S. citizen that inalienable right.
Today’s headlines have become the subjects of heated discussions:
NFL players are kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.
President Donald Trump has declared burning the American flag a criminal offense.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has condemned universities’ restrictions on the right of students to openly express themselves.
Our society hasn’t seemed so fractured since the 1970s when crowds were vehemently protesting the Vietnam War; spirited campaigns were being mounted to protect the environment; and women, gays, African-Americans and Native Americans were fighting for equal rights.
In contrast to that vocal era, however, I am concerned that public discourse is diminishing because people are afraid of being chastised and isolated for sharing thoughts that may be unpopular. There is no freedom, open and safe dialogue of opposing views, fulfillment or possibility for advancement in that kind of society.
To not be judged on your thoughts and words while openly sharing opposing views in a respectful manner can only advance our society.
Free speech informs and promotes understanding through the exchange of ideas and opinions. It empowers people, particularly when an individual’s point of view is not the popular one. Everyone will never agree on everything, but we can respect opposing views.
At ‘Olelo, we believe every person from our community stands on equal ground and that the value of mass media comes from diverse voices in an uncensored and safe environment.
Our mission is to empower and equip people and organizations with training and resources including equipment and facilities — at no charge, so anyone can easily create and deliver their messages or stories on cable television and the Internet without fear of reprisal. There is no other non-commercial, community-based media organization on Oahu.
‘Olelo Youth Xchange, the state’s largest video competition of its type, was launched to empower students to capture their messages through civic engagement and learn the importance of exercising their right to free speech. We encourage them to identify their passions, support causes that are important to them and strive to make a difference in their community.
We implore you to do the same: Express yourself, loud and clear, in whatever way you think is best, whether it’s marching at a rally, displaying a bumper sticker on your car, wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a slogan or sharing your message or story.
So, what does free speech mean to you?
Do you have a message to share with the greater community?
Community cable television channels are your television channels, and I urge you to use them.
Every voice matters. Let yours be heard and seen.
See olelo.org to learn to create and air your stories and programs; neighbor island residents can visit media counterparts Na Leo TV on Hawaii island; Ho‘ike, Kaua‘i Community Media; and Akaku, Maui Community Media.
