Eight Responsible communication
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Henry B. Tam
Abstract
One of the key pillars of democratic governance is the openness with which people can access and discuss information relevant to considering matters that concern them all. But it is often misrepresented as the freedom to say or show anything, in any manner whatsoever. Consequently, this freedom has been invoked as a licence for irresponsible communication, undermining objective deliberations and casting a shadow over the prospect of citizens attaining a shared understanding of what they should do as a group. In this chapter, we will look at why democracy needs to be able to count on responsible communication, what role should or should not be entrusted to those with media outlets, and how to foster responsible communication more systematically.
‘No one is to infringe our freedom of expression’ or ‘The freedom of the press must be protected’ – such sentiments are meant to reflect a firm commitment to democracy. But as with many shorthand slogans, they short change the truth. If there is no enforceable restriction on what and how people can communicate, those who use words, symbols, or images to promote, arrange, or facilitate any activities that damage others’ lives will be able to do so without ever having to justify themselves, or face any possible penalty.
The notion that democracy is premised on the absence of limits on communication is simply at odds with reality, not only because democratic objectivity has to be protected from lies and distortion, but no form of governance can survive when trust in every sphere of society is shaken by everyone being given a licence to deceive.
Abstract
One of the key pillars of democratic governance is the openness with which people can access and discuss information relevant to considering matters that concern them all. But it is often misrepresented as the freedom to say or show anything, in any manner whatsoever. Consequently, this freedom has been invoked as a licence for irresponsible communication, undermining objective deliberations and casting a shadow over the prospect of citizens attaining a shared understanding of what they should do as a group. In this chapter, we will look at why democracy needs to be able to count on responsible communication, what role should or should not be entrusted to those with media outlets, and how to foster responsible communication more systematically.
‘No one is to infringe our freedom of expression’ or ‘The freedom of the press must be protected’ – such sentiments are meant to reflect a firm commitment to democracy. But as with many shorthand slogans, they short change the truth. If there is no enforceable restriction on what and how people can communicate, those who use words, symbols, or images to promote, arrange, or facilitate any activities that damage others’ lives will be able to do so without ever having to justify themselves, or face any possible penalty.
The notion that democracy is premised on the absence of limits on communication is simply at odds with reality, not only because democratic objectivity has to be protected from lies and distortion, but no form of governance can survive when trust in every sphere of society is shaken by everyone being given a licence to deceive.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- Acknowledgements v
- Introduction: Democracy in distress 1
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Has democracy a future?
- Why we need democracy 13
- Rethinking how we govern 33
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How to sustain democratic togetherness
- Shared mission 51
- Mutual respect 73
- Coherent membership 95
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How to underpin democratic objectivity
- Collaborative learning 119
- Critical re-examination 143
- Responsible communication 167
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How to achieve democratic power balance
- Participatory decision making 193
- Civic parity 215
- Public accountability 237
- Conclusion: Learning to govern ourselves 259
- References 269
- Index 299
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- Acknowledgements v
- Introduction: Democracy in distress 1
-
Has democracy a future?
- Why we need democracy 13
- Rethinking how we govern 33
-
How to sustain democratic togetherness
- Shared mission 51
- Mutual respect 73
- Coherent membership 95
-
How to underpin democratic objectivity
- Collaborative learning 119
- Critical re-examination 143
- Responsible communication 167
-
How to achieve democratic power balance
- Participatory decision making 193
- Civic parity 215
- Public accountability 237
- Conclusion: Learning to govern ourselves 259
- References 269
- Index 299
