The freedom to speak our minds

The written word

Literature has the power to influence individuals by highlighting various issues plaguing the society. For instance, George Orwell’s novel 1984 revolves around a dystopian world where the government controls every aspect of the people’s lives with no room for individual freedom. The leader, called ‘Big Brother’, uses fear and force to control his subjects. The premise of the novel is eerily similar to how the situation is in some countries today. It is making people recall the novel and realise that we are treading a dangerous path.

Says fiction writer Rachna Chhabria, “Literature can throw a spotlight on an issue by bringing it into public view by the way of a book or a story, making it the topic of television debates and editorials,” she says. Even though its scope may be limited when compared to cinema or television, literature has been a steadfast voice of expression and thought, Rachna believes.  

The voice of the public

Before they were turned into books, the most important affairs of the world were broken to the people in the form of news. Irrespective of the medium–newspapers, television or electronic media–news spreads information mixed with a sense of urgency among its audience. This, perhaps, is what makes it more effective in terms of bringing change.

We may recall how a major American publication exposed the Watergate Scandal in the 70s, bringing to light the illegal activities of the US government, and eventually leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Closer home, the Bofors Scandal exposed the clandestine activities of the Indian and Swedish governments in the late 80s. These two landmark cases upheld the freedom of the press.

This freedom is fundamental in a democracy, as it keeps the citizens informed and aware of the state of the administration and society. As former journalist Merlin Francis points out, “It is the objective and responsibility of the media is to inform and educate its audience.” Even today, in the age of fake news, publications and media houses strive to keep up their standards and reflect the voice of the public.

The silver screen

Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu of the Birdman fame is known to have said: “Cinema is a mirror by which we often see ourselves.” He is indeed right. Movies are a reflection of people, their stories and societies. And stories have the power to start conversations and create change. The Bollywood film Taare Zameen Par brought the truth behind dyslexia to every household. Its massive reach may have even changed many an individual’s perception about this learning disability. Academy award-winning movie Moonlight showed how the environment an individual grows up in can shape his personality. Furthermore, it challenges the way black masculinity and queerness are viewed today.  

How does the medium achieve such an impact? Bharat Mirle, independent filmmaker and 2015 Sundance Short Film Award winner, says, “Films engage the audience both visually and aurally. Its focused and immersive nature helps it bring many issues to the fore.” Moreover, the content that an average person consumes is increasing, owing to the various social media platforms, he adds.

Literature, media and cinema have–through their stories–given a voice to the voiceless; introduced new perspectives and ideas among the masses and educated the society. These mediums have opened our minds to the world around us. In doing so, they have bolstered the basic freedom of thought and expression. While we live in testing times, there is still hope that we will continue to hold on to our right to say what we feel, write what is right and present the truth about the world.