C is for CENSOR

This may come as a shock to you, especially if you look at free speech as a boon and censorship as a burden, but I never wish for universal free speech. If a fairy godfather came to me and said I could switch sides, I’d open the window and make him use it. That’s not a knock on free speech – it seems to be working for many people – it’s that I have come to realise that self-censorship is a good thing. It’s cool: I could still convey my feelings clearly, even with the anchor attached. Still, you might argue, wouldn’t switching from a state of being tongue-tied to a free-for-all discourse be as liberating as a winning lottery ticket?

As an example consider the following statements and tell which is true?:

• China is the new colonialist and is already looking to use Africa as an allotment.

versus

• China is a better bet for Africa against Western hegemony.

 

Of course they are both true! The difference is that the former is crass and lacking in subtlety, nuance and blindingly obvious – hence free of self-censorship. The latter conveys reality in an insightful manner, without being defensive and resorting to stereotypes – with the racist undertows that goes with the former.

How do we then talk about Chinese incursion to Africa without resorting to racist stereotypes, but at the same time have a meaningful discourse that is historically anchored? Not by resorting to the former statement – a ticking bomb that is vile, racist and paternalistic (Africa is not stupid – corrupt perhaps – it knows where it’s bread is buttered). Is it possible that Africans see China as the lesser evil?

I can understand the desire not to have your thoughts and actions hindered by censorship. What I can’t understand is why can’t we do so with manners, diplomacy, decorum, and political correctness (another good thing that is constantly vilified, but that’s a different story). Lets bring sexy back to censorship.

Advertisement