The Metalinguistic Dilemma of Freedom of Expression: Its Limits

Abstract

Freedom of expression is aninnate human right although its misuse has made it a controversial subject in every part of the world. It has been exploited in the context of hatred speech to malign different religions and races. It is being applied in negative manners to propagate aversion and hatred for specific ethnic or religious groups under the excuse that it constitutes one of the innate human rights an individual has to freely express any like or dislike as his/her own opinion. This research upholds that unbridled freedom of speech generates widespread inferiority complexes, violence and generally injustice and interferes with other fundamental human rights. This article aims to highlight different aspects of the subject especially freedom of speech from an international perspective, as well as draw guidelines for the safety and respect of all individuals alike, without consideration of gender, race, religious affiliation, ethnicity, etc. This study proves that all rights have limitations and freedom of speech should be no less. The reason for this is, while a person is, without any doubt, entitled to express his or her own opinion, these opinions should not interfere with the rights of others.