Democracy came from the two Greek words: "demos," which means people, and "Kratos," which means power. The idea of this may be associated with the word "Freedom." It all began in Athens in Greece, where people cast their votes by putting black or white pebbles on a jar. In the 21st Century, the majority of the countries worldwide are practicing Democracy and upholding their rights to Freedom of Speech. What has changed throughout the centuries? Do people around the globe still practice the idea of Democracy?
The United Nations have declared the 15th day of September as International Democracy Day. Thus, it also serves as a reminder that all of us have the right to express ourselves regardless of whatever means we want. Last year, United Nations stressed out that despite the situation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, it does not mean that we must refrain from saying our thoughts and the right to know what is happening in our surroundings. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "The best response is one that responds proportionately to immediate threats while protecting human rights and the rule of law." Today, democratic systems have changed and grown. Many ideologies and theories have emerged, and sometimes, the idea of being free locked us in a situation where all of us are now slaves of our humanistic greed of being heard.
As we all celebrate International Democracy Day this year, let this be an eye-opener that we must all be heard and be the catalysts of change that this world needs. In the movie Les Miserables, there is a song sung by the people when they've revolted against the government of France. There is a line that everyone who's seen the movie knows. "Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men!" Let us muster our courage and take part in this fight against the freedom of speech that we all must have and enjoy. Speak up and let the world hear what you want to say!
Comments