All social media (SM) platforms without exception have been promoting Hinduphobic content in the name of ‘freedom of speech’. Instagram is a repeat offender in this regard and seems to have turned a blind eye to anti-Hindu content on its platform. In what is nothing but a travesty of justice, this freedom of speech and expression seems to be the preserve of one privileged section of the society.
Facebook (FB) was recently taken to task in a strongly worded letter by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad where he accused the platform of harbouring a bias for centre of right opinion and suppressing voices of the masses who express “rightist views”.
However, such Hinduphobia is largely prevalent across other platforms such as Twitter and Instagram and these platforms continue to promote content which hurts the sentiments of Hindus using the shield of secularism and the right to voice one’s opinion.
But these platforms forget that such rights do not come without checks and nothing everything can and should be passed off as freedom to voice one’s views. The following tweet is a perfect example of how this privilege is being misused.
If you think Twitter is bad because it shadowbans, welcome to @instagram!
They let filthy sewer rats run meme pages with such profane content. Even after thousands of complaints, they find nothing wrong in it! @RadharamnDas @HinduITCell @AskAnshul @IskconInc pic.twitter.com/DYRAlunDg3
— Nehal Tyagi (नेहल त्यागी) (@nehaltyagi08) September 23, 2020
In the above tweet, we can see how Hindu Devi and Devtas are being abused in the filthiest of language and complaints to the concerned authorities merely seems to have elicited the response that “it doesn’t violate community standards” and asks the complainant to mute or block the account in case the latter find it ‘offensive’.
Wonder if Instagram would give the excuse of “not violating community guidelines” if the image pertaining to a certain ‘Prophet’ or ‘only son of God’. Twitter also sails in the same boat of offending Hindus while protecting the religious sentiments of other religious groups.
YouTube is also being used to promote Hinduphobic content in the garb of ‘rationalism’ and fighting ‘superstitions’. It is a cause of concern that denigrating Hindu Dharma, its practices, and the Devis and Devtas whom Hindus revere doesn’t fall under the ambit of “hurting religious sentiments” according to these platforms.
Such double standards by SM platforms meant for diverse views and opinions are neither desirable nor acceptable. It is time that these platforms are either held accountable or made to pay the price by banning them if need be.
The silence of Hindus should not be construed as weakness and there is a limit to Hindu tolerance. Free speech is a privilege and not a right and that privilege comes with certain dos and don’ts which when not adhered to merits punishment.
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