Published Online:April 2024
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Law Review
Product Type:Article
Product Code:
Author Name:Subhi Subhani
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Law
Download Format:PDF
Pages:17
This paper explores the complex and dynamic nature of subversive speech in contemporary public discourse, focusing on its impact on socio-cultural, political, and technological landscapes. It examines the interpretations made by the Indian judiciary concerning the importance of political dissent and the harms of subversive speech. It also highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the societal imperative to prevent harm. Hate speech, a corrosive element in societal interactions, is examined for its potential to breed hate, perpetuate discrimination, and undermine the cohesive fabric of societies. Political dissent, a cornerstone of democratic engagement, is scrutinized for its potential transformation into subversion, which poses challenges to democratic governance. Satire, a potent tool for critiquing power structures, is analyzed for its cultural impact and the precarious line it draws between humor and harm, especially in the digital age. The paper also examines the amplifying influence of media and technology, mainly social media platforms, where subversive speech thrives due to algorithms prioritizing sensational content. The attention economy, fueled by algorithms and user preferences, is explored as a shaping force in the digital landscape, where provocative expressions garner attention at the expense of nuanced discourse. The digital age introduces new dimensions to these challenges, necessitating global collaboration and ethical frameworks that transcend geographical boundaries. Responsible subversion is introduced as a guiding paradigm involving strategies encompassing media literacy and education, dialogic engagement, legal and ethical guidelines, community empowerment, technological innovation, and global collaboration.
Public discourse is a crucial aspect of human interaction, woven into the fabric of societal consciousness. Subversive speech, a phenomenon that challenges the foundations of democratic societies, is at the heart of this dynamic interplay. The study explores the complexities of provocative speech, ranging from political dissent and satire to the insidious undercurrents of hate speech. The historical context of subversion and its manifestations is explored, with dissenting voices challenging established norms and catalyzing societal transformation. Horvath et al. (2018) notes that the enlightenment era, which valued reason and individual liberties, fostered an environment where subversion could flourish as a means of challenging orthodoxy. However, as we progressed, subversion took a darker form, morphing into hate speech that fueled discrimination, persecution, and genocidal impulses.