“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”

-Voltaire

            If you asked any number of random people on the street if they were in favor of freedom of speech, odds are the majority would be supportive. Everyone has the ability to think and speak for themselves – possessing freedom of speech simply means that some high governmental authority is allowing you to do this in public, free of consequence…well, free of consequence from that specific authority, at least. Unfortunately there are, as we have witnessed through recent events, those who see themselves fit to play god and rob others of the gift of boundless expression.

            I have heard the opinion of those who question not Charlie Hebdo’s right to express opinion, but their justification in provoking such a volatile situation. If they had been attacked before, why would they continue to satirize the world, upsetting many in the process? Does freedom of speech, freedom of the press include a right to offend? Is Omer el-Hamdoon, president of the Muslim Association of Britain, correct in his assertion that offending for the sake of offense is not freedom of speech?

            But I worry that a silent press would be misconstrued as one supportive of and subservient to those offended. As soon as one does something, alters thoughts or actions for someone, in consideration of something, there is an acknowledgement of influence and agreement between the two parties. If a bully gets their way, they will expect nothing less than the compliance of the victim. By trying to change the victim, we are condoning the actions of the bully. For example, if someone is sexually harassed should we tell them not to provoke that person again, or should we try to prevent others from harassing in the future? If satirical cartoon artists are murdered should we quiet ourselves and warn others not to be as provocative, or should we teach that violence is not the way to a peaceful, understanding future?

Silence is a quick and easy solution to a microscopic aspect of a bigger problem.

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced”

-Malala Yousafzai