Freedom of Media free essay sample

Freedom of the press and journalistic ethics is an important topic today in India — with the word ‘press encompassing the electronic media also. There should be a serious discussion on the topic. That discussion should include issues of the responsibilities of the press, since the media have become very prominent and very powerful. In India, freedom of the press has been treated as part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, vide Brij Bhushan and Another vs. The State of Delhi, AIR 1950 SC 129 and Sakal Papers (P) Ltd vs. Union of India, AIR 1962 SC 305, among others. However, as mentioned in Article 19(2), reasonable restrictions can be placed on this right, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence. Hence, freedom of the media is not an absolute freedom. We will write a custom essay sample on Freedom of Media or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The importance of the freedom of the press lies in the fact that for most citizens the prospect of personal familiarity with newsworthy events is unrealistic. In seeking out news, the media therefore act for the public at large. It is the means by which people receive free flow of information and ideas, which is essential to intelligent self-governance, that is, democracy. For a proper functioning of democracy it is essential that citizens are kept informed about news from various parts of the country and even abroad, because only then can they form rational opinions. A citizen surely cannot be expected personally to gather news to enable him or her to form such opinions. Hence, the media play an important role in a democracy and serve as an agency of the people to gather news for them. It is for this reason that freedom of the press has been emphasised in all democratic countries, while it was not permitted in feudal or totalitarian regimes. In India, the media have played a historical role Ripples and dominoes, that is the order of the world today†¦ Everything is nterconnected and interdependent, an incident anywhere in the world can have adverse consequences anywhere else, our economies, our social structure, the very ideas and beliefs we use to identify ourselves are part of a functional global village. And THAT, is the reason why, in our interconnected world, it isn’t diamonds and jewels that are most valuable†¦ its ‘information. ’ We seek information, awareness, and most importantly, a semblance of ‘truthà ¢â‚¬â„¢ about the things we face daily. Luckily for us, we have a way that provides us all that, something we collectively call ‘the media’. But, unluckily, as with most things of value, it is prone to exploitation. By the marketers and PR managers working for the commercialist culture or even the governments that like to ‘control’ public viewpoint by being spoon-fed their own political or commercial agendas. To inform the consciences of millions of individuals and help shape their thinking can never really be a ‘neutral’ task. It requires a determination of media owners, editors and journalists to discharge their duties in a manner that balances commercial imperatives, human rights, social responsibility and national vision. It is unfortunate and disheartening that our media is notorious for processing and filtering the actual truth in many events, creating a distorted reflection that condenses innuendo, gossip, lies, rumors, speculations and suspicions into a form of entertainment, character assassination, scandal or simply packaged as a commercial product that deceives us and we don’t ever even suspect. It’s ironic that all this is being done by the media which is fully aware of its constitutional responsibility as a guardian of democracy and watchdog of the people. In the 21st century, media has evolved into an institution with overwhelming power†¦ the power to shape entire generations’ viewpoints.

The Netherlands Sarah (50th) Birthday Tradition

The Netherlands' Sarah (50th) Birthday Tradition When you celebrate your 50th birthday, some might see you as being over the hill. In contrast, the Sarah tradition in the Netherlands honors a woman gaining wisdom through experience. It is a milestone birthday that many look forward to. Many consider it a cause to have a huge party. Origin of the Sarah Birthday A tradition that hails from the Netherlands, the Sarah birthday is celebrated when a woman turns 50 and becomes a Sarah.  It means that shes old enough and wise enough to have seen Sarah, the biblical figure and wife of Abraham. Likewise, when a man turns 50, he is an Abraham, old enough to have seen Abraham. This tradition is taken from the Bible, particularly  John 8: 56-58. In this passage, Jesus is asked how he could have seen Abraham if he hadnt yet reached fifty. He surprised the inquisitive Jews by saying,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Truly,  truly, I say to you,  before Abraham was, I am.† Besides being Abrahams wife and a natural companion for seeing Abraham, Sarah is revered for having a baby at an older age. In Genesis 18:10-12, the Bible tells the story of her giving birth well past her childbearing years. Dutch Traditions for a Sarah Birthday The Dutch took this Bible passage and turned it into a longstanding tradition. A persons fiftieth birthday is seen as a great occasion, and there is typically a large party to celebrate. One of the best-known and visible parts of a Sarah birthday is placing a life-sized doll in the front yard of the person whos turning 50. It often appears overnight and is dressed and decorated by her family to represent her life and interests. Men have Abraham dolls appear, often dressed according to their occupation. Over the years, these dolls were similar to scarecrows people decorate their porches with on Halloween: simple, folksy human-sized figures sitting in a chair. In recent years, however, its not unusual to see giant inflatable Sarahs and Abrahams in yards. Some of these even reach heights that can rival the home itself. These dolls are often accompanied by a sign saying, Sara 50 jaar† or Abraham 50 jaar.†Ã‚  Jaar oud is Dutch for years old. It doesnt mean that someone named Sarah or Abraham lives there, just that someones celebrating their 50th birthday. Beyond the yard dolls, Sarahs may receive visitors dressed up as Sarahs with costumes and masks. Its also common to bake a Sarah cake, bread, or cookie in the shape of a female figure. Beyond the 50th Birthday The Dutch have taken this a step further and assigned a couple to each decade of a persons life after 50. At 60, you will have an Isaac or Elisabeth birthday.At 70, you will celebrate a Jacob or Anna birthday.At 80, its time for a Joseph or Deborah birthday.At 90, the party is all about Anthony or Ruth.If you are lucky to hit 100 years old, you have a Methusalem or Judith birthday to look forward to.