My Take | Free speech comes with consequences
Alice Cheung, the new head of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, is shocked at the reaction to her statements about the national anthem law. But in the digital age, free speech is a double-edged sword
People rightly value freedom of speech. It protects you from state sanctions and censorship. But it offers you practically zero protection if what you say provokes a backlash – or “flaming” in online lingo – from social and mainstream media. That’s because naysayers, too, are exercising their freedom of speech.
That’s what media is about – reflecting public opinion and the moods of society.
I am often amazed that so many Hong Kong people think they can say anything in public and not suffer consequences just because we have legislation to protect free speech.
The new head of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, Alice Cheung Sin-ying, has expressed surprise and alarm that she has become the target of online flaming, on YouTube, Facebook and numerous other local blogs and internet forums.
This came after she took part at a public hearing on the proposed national anthem law early this month at the Legislative Council, where she said the Chinese national anthem made her ill every time she heard it. This happened at an early age, she said.
“Whenever the anthem is played on TV, my family members and I would rush to change the channel,” Cheung told the legislature.
