As most thinkers rightly observe, this is the major factor behind the stability and permanence of the Western social and political system. Umberto Eco was quite right when he said that the West has every right to be proud of its emphasis on the protection of freedom of expression. It cannot be emphasized enough that freedom of expression inevitably requires the existence and use of the right to criticize. This means that not only freedom of expression and thought but also the right to criticize should be taken under legal protection. Criticisms are made not only for the purpose of revealing the flaws of an institution, a person, a theory or a practice, but also for the purpose of offering guidance. Critics must be able to distinguish between the positive and negative aspects of the things they criticize and to see through to the core of issues. It should also be noted that the utility of freedom of expression is not just in the expression of ideas. It requires open acknowledgment of the criticisms directed at the decisions and actions by public authorities. Some hold that Marx’s strong criticisms of capitalism actually played the greatest role in its survival. The famous Italian sociologist Pareto has said that he always feels the strong impact of Marx’s criticisms on him. It is this impact that encourages him to generate dynamic ideas.
While the right to criticize inherent in freedom of expression has been the very foundation of the modern Western cultural heritage, we are now witnessing obstructions introduced by public authorities in the West attempting to curtail these freedoms. A number of Western writers freely criticize other cultures and systems of thought but become uneasy when the founding philosophers of Western thought are criticized. For instance, criticizing Descartes or Kant requires bravery. Of course, this only holds true for non-Western critics.
There is a graver aspect to these shifts in the West that must be noted: the line between insult and criticism has been blurred in the media. No distinction is made between freedom of expression or the right to criticize, and insulting other cultures, denigrating immigrants or resorting to discrimination. For instance, whereas most Westerners are quite offended by criticisms of the foundations -- or even the trappings -- of Western culture, they regard insulting the sacred symbols of Islam as entirely within the scope of freedom of expression. Besides, while those who published the insulting cartoons in Denmark admitted they did so for publicity and to make more money, nobody dares refer to this action as an ethical weakness instead of enjoyment of freedom of expression. Quite the contrary, they simply say, “We criticize our own sacred symbols; when will Muslims learn that theirs will not be excluded from criticism?” This attitude is simply wrong and quite contradictory.
