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Creative Commons photo by Denise Krebs |
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The First Amendment: A Blessing and a Curse
It should be easy to see why the First Amendment is not just a static document
that was written by our forefathers over 200 years ago. Because society
and technology change and evolve, the First Amendment is continually
challenged by cases that need to be interpreted by the courts.
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After watching the video and witnessing some of the things these people were able to get out, I realized that the internet has become more important than ever before. It fascinates me that the government continues to do things that fuels the peoples' want to rebel. They try to cover it up and keep them under control, but that just makes the struggle that much more valid. They now have the internet on their side and could possibly get help from others around the world who can also witness these wrongdoings.
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DeleteI was throughly engrossed in the film, "For Neda". It made me feel several emotions of anger, thankfulness, pride, and closeness. I felt anger and disgust for how the Iranian government treated its people, especially women. I was in disbelief to think of the limited rights women were given because; men were "afraid" of their beauty. To live in such a sexist unjust society is mind boggling to me. I am so thankful that I live in America and have 1st Amendment rights. Although, people can take things too far like, the anti-gay protest at soldiers funerals, I am joyful that we can exercise our opinions without being killed. Neda was such an extraordinary woman of bold character, her vivacious personality made me proud of her, without even knowing her. She fought against the tyranny of the Islamic Republic and will be greatly remembered for it. She did not let the threats of the government silence her voice. I think bold attitudes like Neda's are the only way things can change for Iran. Similar to American figures killed for standing up against social oppression like, Dr. King, President Kennedy, Medgar Evers, and Malcom X. The documentary made me feel for Neda through her passion. I felt connected to her and I hope that if I was facing social injustice I would have the same tenacity to rise up.
ReplyDeleteThe rights the First Amendment guarantees all Americans are often forgotten or taken for granted, until situations in places like Iran, and people like Neda, are brought to the public's eye. It is then that the differences between closed and open societies, and in free and controlled news media, become apparent. In Iran, the extreme control exercised over the people and media is at a level I'd never imagined. The notion that women are nearly worthless as human beings, and that their feelings, opinions, and rights are never acknowledged, is completely foreign to us fortunate enough to live in a free country. I don't think Americans will ever be able to understand the despair and hopelessness laced into daily, Iranian life, especially for women. What did surprise me was that women like Neda, women who thought for themselves, and did not allow their dignity and voice to be crushed, were rising up in Iran. Neda's voice, although killed by the Iranian regime, was not silenced. Through citizen journalism, her voice, and those in the post-election demonstrations, university riots, and government beatings were heard around the world, and millions turned to the Iranian government for answers, peace, and freedom for Iran. It amazed me that those few, like Neda, who dared to speak out, started protesting and rallies around the world. I think this relates to journalists in general- to be a good journalist, you must want to work for the truth to be heard, even if it means repercussions. You have to be curious, brave, and a little rebellious, like Neda. Although the regime in Iran is still in control, more and more people are fighting for their freedom, and its foundations are slowly crumbling, thanks to people like Neda.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the film "For Neda", I was disgusted that the Iranian Cultures view on women was for them to just "not be" when in public. Women in Iran are virtually forced to become as nonexistant as possible, supressing these women into an uncomfortable, and as in Neda's case, hated chosen lifestyle. With the oppression the government set in place, freeminded, self expression and creative women are/were punished for simply being themselves. During the video it was stated that the God Neda's teachers taught, was not a merciful and kind God like Neda believed in, but a hateful and vengeful God Instead. The video in itself was mind blowing, i had to share it with a few of my other friends to find out their opinions, the wide eyes and open mouths within the first 5 minutes explained it all. These horrors portrayed in the video was just as terrible as I believed it to be. For the freedom we have, we undervalue it so much. People have underappreciated it as well as exploited it, as seen with the "anti-gay" protestors... Such a blessing, that so many take for granted.
ReplyDelete"For Neda" was a very eye-opening and heartbreaking documentary. In this closed society, women are expected to "disappear in the public eye" (Roya Boroumand). They are told to cover up their arms, hair, and legs in the presence of a man, even at the beach. Young girls are inspected for makeup, and asked to take it off when they have too much on. This, in my opinion, is very unfair and unjust to women. Being told to disappear is insulting, because so many women around the world have contributed so much to society, and having the government tell women to disappear is sickening. Also, the court system of Iran is very unjust to women. According to the documentary, Iran has the highest execution rate over any country. Along with lynching, stoning is still used as the death penalty in Iran. For men, you are buried in the ground up until your waist, but women are buried up until their chest, so they cannot escape. After watching this documentary, I am so proud to be living in a country where I can wear what I want and do what I want without people judging me.
ReplyDelete"For Neda" is an incredibly inspiring and moving film. It is a real eye-opener. We are told many times in this country to be grateful for our freedoms and to appreciate them, but how often do we really think about just how lucky we are? We are constantly taking our First Amendment rights for granted. The fact that we are able to sit down in a class and discuss publishing our own thoughts and opinions is amazing compared to what people, especially women, in other countries have to go through. In this country, we are allowed to express ourselves in ways that could be punishable by death in places like Iran. Even with the dangers of imprisonment and death, the people of closed-society countries still fight for the right to speak their opinions and express themselves. Women who are told by their society and government that they are nothing still value themselves and their voice enough to stand alongside others for basic human rights. These people risk their lives for our First Amendment rights. That, to me, shows just how valuable of a gift we have here in America. I can not express how thankful "For Neda" made me feel to live in an open society and to know my opinion is as valued as the next person's.
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ReplyDelete"For Neda" is a revealing documentary that gives a glimpse of daily life in Iran. The documentary shows you the little rights the Iranian government gives its people. The 2009 election is an example of how citizens of Iran have very little say in their government. Many Americans take rights such as the First Amendment for granted and don’t fully grasp the idea of freedom we have. It’s very upsetting to know that there are women in closed societies who are treated inferior to men. In countries like Iran, women have to cover up their bodies and basically try to disappear. Self expressing and vocalizing your opinion is not an option for an Iranian woman. “For Neda” showed me an incredibly fearless woman who kept fighting the government until her death. Even after her death, her voice was still heard. Men and women from different backgrounds and social classes joined together in peaceful protesting for Neda. After watching the film, I realized how blessed I am to live in a country where I have the right to freedom of speech and rights as a woman.
"For Neda" was a unique look into the life a a girl who wanted to be treated as an equal. According to her family, Neda fought for change in her every day life. She could not dress and act the way that she wanted to act. Every aspect of her and her friend's lives were influenced. I always knew that women in many other countries were not treated well, but after viewing this film I have realized that being a woman in Iran (and many other countries) can be degrading and extremely tough. The idea that men do not want women to be beautiful and wear makeup because they cannot 'control themselves' is a foreign concept to me, one that is difficult to understand. I would love to learn more about why women are treated so harshly in these closed societies. What sticks out to me the most in the closed society of Iran is that the woman barely have a voice because of the government's control on the media. If more people could see how women are treated, maybe there could be some change. Neda was one of the few Iranian women whose voice was heard, but there are millions of others who need to be heard as well.
ReplyDeleteThe documentary "For Neda" has left me with some strong feelings. I feel anger, guilt and astonishment. Like many Americans, I've been aware that there are unjust and immoral acts being committed in the Middle East. I am aware that their freedom has been limited and their lives are completely different than ours in that matter. However, I wasn't aware of how extreme these cruel acts and limitations have gone. Therefore after watching this video, I feel guilty that everyday I go about life wearing what I want to wear, saying what I want to say and having more rights as a female minor than those of grown women in Iran. I think that most Americans take their freedoms for granted when simple things like swimming in the ocean with a one piece on is something women like Neda dream of. Neda was far braver than I could ever be. She would never let her voice be silenced and she would never back down. She inspires me to stand up for my opinions. She also has inspired the people of Iran to keep fighting for what is right and I know that with her spark justice will prevail.
ReplyDeleteWhat stands out to me about the closed society of Iran is that they will go to such extreme measures to keep things from the people that they already know. I don't understand how the government and religious officials can call themselves leaders when all they're doing is leading their country to chaos. However, the governments attempts to silence the public is beginning to be futile with the technology today. It is impossible to stop a citizen journalist from capturing a moment in time and uploading it somewhere. If the Iranians continue to show the world what is happening in their country, the injustice will be stopped.
ReplyDelete"For Neda" impacted my feelings about life in Iran in so many ways. While I was watching this documentary, I was absolutely horrified by the regime that held this country. Iran treats women as dogs or playing pieces in a board that men can do away with as they please. The women are not treated as human beings but mere side pieces to a man.It was astonishing to see all of the laws that were placed against women and their lifestyle. For example, the must be covered at all times when in public, they must not be seen in public with any man that is not a close family relative and the most horrifying law that truly broke my heart was the law that stripped the mothers, who remarried, of the children. It was outraging to learn that a women's testimony in court is worth half of a man, particularly in assault or a rape case. It was horrible knowing that an 8 year girl could be tried with a capital offense. I hope that the people of Iran who are being abused by this hateful regime manage to get the justice they have hoped for.
ReplyDeleteIn this film "For Neda" I was astonished and overwhelmed with all of the events that had occurred within it. Through the challenges all the citizens had faced, especially women, I was in shock because of the little amounts of rights they were given. Women weren't allowed to show any skin except for some of their faces, the objective was to be invisible and not to draw attention to yourself. It seemed extremely hard and devastating because the women couldn't look beautiful, it wasn't allowed. In several parts of this video I became very angry in a way because of the lack of rights the women received. If the women were shown to be too beautiful they could get thrown in jail, beat, and possibly even killed because they could be considered a distraction which is like a temptation from the devil. I was very inspired to see how Neda had given all that she could to stand up for what is right. I heard that her mother said "why are you doing this" and Neda's response was that if she didn't then who would. I could tell that she wanted a change and Neda was willing to do whatever it took, while she considered the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThis film made me realize the differences between the United States and other countries around the world. The United States offers citizens much more freedom than in other countries around the world. While in America everyone has the freedom of speech and press, other countries tend to be less fortunate. Countries like Iran do not let their people have the same freedom. They do not let everything be published, and do not allow non violent protests against the government. Citizens in Iran are tortured and punished for speaking out against the government and expressing their opinions. Neda happened to be one of the many citizens of Iran that was killed because of being brave enough to speak out against authority. But, because Neda's death was caught on phone cameras, her death became a symbol of a voice for everyone still fighting for their freedom in Iran. The cell phone has helped citizens of Iran prove to the world how the government is treating them. People of Iran use their phone as a weapon to post videos online for everyone to see. While America might already have these freedoms, this film made me realize how much people are suffering in this world to gain their own freedom.
ReplyDelete'For Neda' is an incredible film that made me realize as an American how we can take the First Amendment for granted. People in Iran are so restricted by the government that they do not even have freedom of speech. Women are treated so poorly and it really disgusts me how the government makes this ok. This film changed my view points on the media and made me realize how important communications online really are. This film portrays how people are suffering to earn the freedom that we already have and take for granted and it's amazing and sad to see. But what really inspired me and hit home was Neda's death, because it sparked a full on rebellion so we know that Neda did not die in vain she died a hero.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching "For Neda," my view on my country completely changed. Not only did it make me thankful for the country I live in, but it frightened me to learn about what happens in other parts of the world. Neda's courage is inspirational to all women around the country. She stood up against the government to fight for what was right and was willing to risk herself getting in trouble to help other women. She fought for what she believed was right and did not accept the unjust rules that the government enforced. Overall, this video made me respect my country even more. I felt sorry for the country of Iran and especially for Neda and her family. It hurt me to watch all of the citizens not being able to speak their mind and show helping countries what is being done to them to get aid. It is amazing to me how some people in government will do whatever they have to do to enforce the rules they want even if it means they have to hurt others.
ReplyDelete"For Neda" was a heartbreaking documentary, but this horrifying story made me realize many things. Seeing how strict and brutal the Iranian government was made me realize how lucky we are to live in such a free, open society in America. The power that the cruel leaders had over the Iranian people and their personal lives is mainly what stood out to me. It amazed me that they were able to punish women for things like wearing a colorful hijab in public. Women are so disrespected and have absolutely no voices in their culture. The fact that women cannot even express themselves in any slight way is outrageous. Neda became a hero and a role model just by being herself and not letting unjust rulers change who she was. Even though her life ended unfairly and terribly, Neda made a difference in many people's viewpoints. Her death brought worldwide attention to the terrible things happening in her area. Not only did this documentary make me even more grateful to be an American, but it also made me realize that change needs to be made in other nations that are not as lucky as us.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the film "For Neda" it made me realize how fortunate we are in the United States. The differences between the U.S and Iran are very significant and we seem to take freedom for granted here. Countries like Iran do not allow their citizens to have freedoms such as freedom of speech and freedom of press. Neda's courage to stand up to the government and speak her mind inspired millions. She changed the views of so many people around the world. While watching this video my opinion of my own country changed. Seeing the way citizens and Neda were treated was disgusting and unbelievable. I was also ashamed to see that the government would do anything in their power to enforce rules, even if it meant hurting or killing others.
ReplyDeleteThe documentary "For Neda" was both eye opening and inspirational. After watching this film I gained a allot of respect for the people in that society. Watching this film made me extremely grateful that I live in the democratic environment of the United States. The thing that stood out to me the most about Iran's closed society is how poorly they treat their own people. The people that are being harmed are not enemies of the government, or violent attackers, but their own citizens. The people were just protesting, something that we take so lightly in America, and it resulted in death. That is absurd, no on should have to die because they have an opposing opinion. I was incredibly inspired by Neda and her strength, her death is a terrible crime.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the documentary on Neda I realized how terrible women are treated in some countries. It is so hard to fond out the truth about the treatment in these countries because of their strict laws. Neda's story was leaked worldwide and spread like wildfire. It's amazing how prominent of an influence the internet and social media can have on such situations. Without today's technology, we wouldn't be able to witness the crimes committed against Neda, and basically everyone else all over the world. Neda is just a single example of the terrible injustices the government inflicts upon it's people. I find it hard to fathom that a government could be so cruel and unjust. I am sympathetic towards all the people living in countries such as these where government rule is their number one concern. We in the United States are so lucky to have the freedoms we have. Neda reminds me of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. Neda's death, like Katniss's survival, served as a spark which lead to more actions from people all over the globe. Her sacrifice and bravery serve as a reminder to all the poeple of how fortunate they are and how not every place on earth is fair. I find it astounding that government officials could behave in such an unreasonable manner. The death of an innocent human being is not something that should be taken lightly. I am glad that this documentary was able to be made in Neda's honor. Her story deserves to be told.
ReplyDelete"For Neda" made me realize how I take the freedoms in the First Amendment for granted every day. For example, whenever I use social media sites, I never once thought about how people in countries in Iran might not even know things like Twitter and Facebook exist. This video also opened my eyes to how terribly women are treated in Iran. They can't wear makeup and almost every part of their body has to be covered at all times. It makes me sick to think what it would be like being a woman in Iran. It's really inspiring for me to see Neda sticking up for what she knew was right. It was unfortunate a hero like Neda had to die. It's sad to say, but sometimes great people like Neda have to risk their lives just to bring important issues to light. I'm blessed to be in a place where I am respected as a woman, that has a democratic government, and have basic rights other people in the world don't have.
ReplyDelete"For Neda" really opened my eyes to how horrible things are in Iran. I cannot believe the injustice and cruelty that these people face. I was inspired and humbled by the intense bravery of Neda and the other men and women who were fighting for justice. This documentary made me realize how lucky I am to live in a society where it is okay to be a woman, and where i have the gift of the First Amendment. Watching this made me appreciate all of the basic rights and freedoms that I take for granted. This documentary made me want to stand up and fight for Iran and the justice that it is so desperately in need of. I have a lot of respect for the bravery of Neda and her fellow rebels. I believe that she did not die in vain. I also believe that Iran will someday have freedom because of Neda and her selfless bravery and actions.
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