Aref Assaf

Aramica, and Freedom of Speech

March 24, 2008

Talk about making headlines and forcing issues center stage. Our recent commentary on Aramica's use of obscene  language in a recent issue coupled with our calls for  an apology and a possible boycott by readers and advertisers prompted an entire TV show to be dedicated to the matter of  free speech and the limits of what is proper. President Aref  Assaf participated in an hour long live interview on Dandana Music Channel weekly program : "Talk It Out" TV on Thursday  March 21.2008. Dr. Assaf Aref was joined by Mr. George Ajjan and Attorney Michael Musa Obregon. The talk show host, Zeina Yazbek framed the discussion as follows: To what extent first and second generation Arab Americans view the meaning of the freedom of expression as stipulated in the First Amendment and the role of the media?

Arguably, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution generally prohibits government regulation of speech, even when the speaker’s opinions are reprehensible to the general public. The First Amendment does not, however, protect all speech. It does not, for example, protect speech that leads to illegal activity and/or imminent violence, obscenity, defamation, and libel.

To what extent our ethnic media is a mirror reflecting our culture, aspirations and hopes or a microscope culling through our shortcomings, pointing towards possible solutions and offering new challenges?  In the market of ideas and the imperfect system of supply and demand, you reader and or viewer  have a lot to say. Where does it say that to be low class, distasteful is acceptable to our people's sense of morality and decorum? I say to Aramica that it is hate speech when your freedom of speech ends and mine begins. It is hate speech when what you say, write or imply insults my sense of morality, decency and acceptable behavior.

On a related but pivotal topic, Why is it that in only Arab ethnic newspapers, readers' comments  are not regularly printed? Is this because readers have no views on both the cont and quality of what is printed? or is it an attempt to muzzle dialogue with dissenting views? Do you recall the last time a reader's letter especially critical ones appeared in the op-ed section of our newspapers? We have sent our views to Aramica but they were most likely condemned to a trash can.