Freedom of speech does not give free rein to unscrupulous press 
Where does freedom of speech begin and a journalist’s rights end? We continuously hear how the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights laws recognize and protect free speech and — with due respect to those who take their profession seriously and ethically — I feel that many journalists abuse this right to create sensationalist material that will line their pockets, regardless of whose feet they will step on.
The archives of, specifically, foreign journalism are crammed with documentaries, articles, clips, books and so-called objective analyses which are based on half-truths and questionable sources. The goal is not so much to offer an impartial and unbiased view on a topic, person or country (especially one they know nothing about) but more to attract the attention of a sometimes ignorant audience by offering them juicy tidbits based on scandalous gossip, rumors or hearsay in order to increase readership or viewership, because the higher the numbers, the higher the payment.
Promises are given, methods comparable to stalking are used, and manipulative questions are asked. The list is endless.
And when, out of naivete, you do succumb to their aggressive methods with the hope that you will be able to say something right, something positive and shed a truthful light on something you hold dear, you are faced with a story that rarely includes anything you have said, because it is not part of their agenda. All the comments they previously made, saying how they want to show the world the truth rather than presenting stereotypes, were just unscrupulous schemes to get you to talk.
For my part, I have stupidly fallen into the trap more than once, naively believing that I could do my bit to set the record straight when people criticize my country and/or its leadership. I believe — or should I say believed — that in a sea of negativity, I could add a few drops of positivity because, honestly, enough is enough. The same decades-old labels are used about Saudi Arabia, generations come and go and the same comments are made.
When will Saudi Arabia be presented without the cliches, the sarcasm and the endless stereotyping? When will the jealousy of a barren and unproductive world that has very little understanding of the intricacies of our beautifully diverse and culturally rich Saudi Arabia end? When will these so-called journalists stop thinking of themselves as experts?
More importantly, when will audiences become fed up with the same material being shoved down their throats and see that nothing of this is written for the greater understanding of our society or for the sake of truth, tolerance and respect for differences, but rather for the simple purpose of enriching themselves.
So, yes, you have freedom of speech … but not at the expense of others.
- Hoda Al-Helaissi is a former member of the Shoura Council.
