The freedom to speak must be preserved, at all costs.
But what this petition is calling for is the press and others to be more considerate with terminology when referring to those who are already struggling with their lives.
The media here, has a number of words and terms, which it routinely doesn't use. Some may seem rather ridiculous, but all recognise the power of the media to influence behaviour and the need for consideration of others over expression. This is, of course, part of a voluntary code of conduct. (Thank fully).
Words which imply derogatory references to people's race, for example. Generally, mental illness references.
What this does is not so much as restrict press freedom, as create guidelines for presenting generally acceptable behaviour.
Words exist and will continue to be used. But the negative sentiments, where people are harmed by factors outside their own control, don't need encouragement.
Reading back, I'm suddenly struck with the notion that that appears to be a presumption that some of us have assumed the authority to guide how others think.
That's a pretty frightening prospect.
But in reality, it's how we all behave, if we think about it. It wasn't so long ago, that negative references to black people, for example might have passed unnoticed. Like many fans of the Beatles, I recall a short film, where John Lennon, on stage with the Beatles in 1963, poked fun at physically handicapped people. Different times, different standards.
So, it seems to be a factor in human society, that we take the initiative to say, this is unacceptable, that that is wrong.
