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An Asian Perspective on Human Rights & Press Freedom

An Asian Perspective on Human Rights & Press Freedom . Prepared by Mr. Tommie Chen 27 th April 2010. Heresies: The Assumption of Moral Superiority.

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An Asian Perspective on Human Rights & Press Freedom

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  1. An Asian Perspective on Human Rights & Press Freedom Prepared by Mr. Tommie Chen 27th April 2010

  2. Heresies: The Assumption of Moral Superiority • The aggressive Western promotion of democracy, human rights & freedom of the press would aggravate rather than ameliorate the difficult conditions under which the vast majority of the world’s population live. • The concept of despotism began as a distinctively European perception of Asian Government and practices.

  3. Some Uncovered Heresies • A Free Pressserves as the opiate of society (investigative journalism has not uncovered the real truth behind the stories put out by the government, big business and other major institutions). • A Free Pressnecessarily leads to a well-ordered society (Assumption that a good society needs a free press to keep abuse of power in check, note India vs. China, the Philippines vs.Singapore).

  4. Some Uncovered Heresies • Objective Journalism exists (Manufacturing Justifications e.g. The Tiananmen Square Incident & the Vietnam War – as long as American Interests were fulfilled, there is no need to weigh eventual moral consequences). • An imperfect government that commits some human rights violations is better than no government in most societies (e.g. Thailand – Authoritarian Governments which are fully committed to economic growth/development should be allowed to run the full course). It is necessary for a developing society to succeed economically first before attaining social and political freedoms in developed nations.

  5. Key Truths • There is no unified Asian view on human rights and press freedom. • These are merely Western concepts that Asians are expected to react to. • Most Asian nations are too preoccupied with more immediate challenges & have not had time to address these issues squarely.

  6. 5 Principles to Guide Asian/Western Discourse • Mutual Respect (Singapore – Utilitarian Existential Considerations over Rigorous Due Process – a Social Choice not meriting judgement). • Economic Development (as the most subversive force created in history- the only power to liberate the Third World. It has significant costs that are in direct opposition to Human Rights concerns). • Working with Existing Governments who are committed to rapid economic development. (Political Crackdowns should be criticised but tolerated in view of the long term).

  7. 5 Principles to Guide Asian/Western Discourse • Establishing Cultural Codes for Civilised Conduct – gay rights activists, death penalty, censorship of pornographyvs. the establishment of minimal standards of civilised behaviour e.g. no torture, slavery, unlawful imprisonment etc. • The Evolution of the Free Press – should be gradual and should not be forced as the ONLY possible ideal.

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