The Momma Clan

10th December is observed as Human Rights Day. We all have been learning about human rights from a very young age. We even wrote 5-mark questions in SST, listing the human rights. That was childhood, a time when only marks on paper mattered to me, even though my parents never asked for them. But now, as a writer, this topic makes me reflect deeply. There are many human rights, 30 in total, outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948. The one right that makes me think the most is the right to freedom of expression. Everyone has thoughts, feelings, fears, and stories to share. Expression is not just a human right; it is a very basic need for better mental health. When people can express themselves freely, they grow both emotionally and mentally. Expression is how the inner world meets the outer world.

Nowadays, people fear being judged before they can even speak. The problem is not about the lack of voice but the lack of safe listeners. One wrong context can lead to trolling and seriously hurt feelings. The world runs fast; it reacts fast and listens slowly. If we talk on social media, even a single word can be twisted in such a way that it turns into trolling, bringing a lot of shame and mental harassment. We already speak thoughtfully, but nowadays much more refinement and rephrasing are needed before uttering a word. Many remain silent, not because they lack thoughts, but because they fear reactions. How will people react? What if they twist our words? What if we bring shame to our family? These are the reasons why nobody talks, even about simple things. This is not only true on social media but also in normal day-to-day life.

Judgment is a second nature of almost every human; it is an automatic reaction in response to whatever we hear or see. We judge based on appearance, the songs people listen to, what they do, and many other things. For example, if a person sings a song related to sadness, we immediately assume that they are having problems. We rarely consider that they might be listening for enjoyment or reflection. Another example is if a child behaves differently, we often judge quickly, labelling the child as “bad,” without considering that the child may not be receiving enough attention or love. This shows that judgment travels faster than empathy. We judge without knowing the whole story; we do not think about why someone is speaking or acting a certain way. We simply judge. These quick conclusions make expression feel dangerous and unsafe

Many people cannot express exactly what they feel. When it comes to expressing themselves, they often do not do it properly. For example, while writing, many people struggle with poor grammar; while singing, they feel shy; and while speaking, sometimes the message gets distorted when turned into words. This miscommunication can lead to unnecessary criticism. People fear that their expression will reveal a wrong version of themselves. We need to understand that expression is not just about speaking or writing; it is about being understood correctly.

The easy judgment causes a lot of emotional impact. Being judged makes people overthink their words. They replay conversations in their head. It leads to self-censorship, like thinking, “Maybe I should not say this,” or “Maybe it would have sounded better if the right words were used.” This emotional burden affects confidence and relationships. These judgments do not only silence the voice but also the courage behind the voice. Everyone needs at least one space where expression feels safe. It can be family, friends, or a community. These safe spaces allow honesty and vulnerability. A safe listener is much better than a thousand judges. Without safe spaces, people hide many true feelings and parts of their identity. So it is really essential to be a safe listener.

Till now we have seen the negative impact of judgment, but it is also important to note that freedom of expression is a responsibility. Expression should be respectful, thoughtful, and kind. Freedom does not mean hurting others. When people express themselves responsibly and others feel safe while listening, this mutual respect builds a healthy environment. Expression is a two-way process. If listeners are gentle, speakers feel brave. Society needs more patient and nonjudgmental listeners. Listening protects freedom of expression and helps keep the mental and emotional world of the speaker safe. Expression survives only when listening is genuine. I also acknowledge that it is not okay to speak disrespectfully in the name of freedom of expression, just as I acknowledge that judging and criticizing for no reason is not okay.

Every person deserves to express their dreams, fears, and truths. When we stop judging and start understanding, we protect this right. True freedom of expression is achieved when people feel seen, heard, and respected. Everyone has a story, and they have the right to express it. When we respect another’s voice, we honour their humanity. On this occasion of Human Rights Day, let us all promise to be safe and non-judgmental listeners and use the freedom of expression with responsibility, without hurting others, so that we can create a more peaceful world.

-Rengasri R