The Unspoken Dilemma: compassion, free speech, and the silent struggle

When I decided to do my PhD I wanted to understand compassion from both a psychological and spiritual perspective. I thought, what a better way to bring both my experience as a psychologist but also my faith into play. Embarking on this journey was no small feat. Delving into the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, I sought to unravel the intricate ways in which compassion played a pivotal role in navigating life's challenges. Little did I know that this exploration would reveal both heartening instances of compassion and unsettling contradictions in our societal fabric.

Compassion, a fundamental core of both psychology and spirituality, is the driving force for many who choose these paths. It is an innate desire to understand, empathize, and assist others on their life journeys. My research, particularly focused on how Muslims employ compassion in managing adversities, uncovering a spectrum of behaviors, coping mechanisms, and the nuanced interplay of compassion in their lives.

However, as I share these insights, it becomes apparent that our collective journey toward genuine compassion has a considerable distance to cover. Recent events, particularly the distressing situation in Gaza, have laid bare the stark contrast in responses. While there is a commendable outpouring of compassion, there exists a disconcerting faction that wishes harm upon innocent civilians.

What's more perplexing is the work culture we've cultivated, stifling well-intentioned individuals who fear expressing compassion and solidarity. In a world that extols the virtues of free speech, it's disheartening to witness the suppression of voices that dare to deviate from a prescribed narrative.

The irony is stark – in democratically elected countries where we champion free speech, we curtail its exercise by imposing consequences on those who express views contrary to the prevailing discourse. We preach inclusivity and freedom of thought, yet the moment one advocates for the rights of a particular group, labels such as "terrorist sympathizer" are carelessly thrown around.

The consequences are palpable, with individuals losing their jobs and many others too intimidated to speak out. We are caught in a web of conflicting messages, where the advocacy of human rights somehow translates into being labeled a threat. This stifling atmosphere undermines the very essence of freedom of speech we boast about.

The struggle for Palestinian freedom dates back to 1948, and yet we find ourselves continuously pleading for global compassion toward their plight. It's perplexing to witness influential figures selectively expressing compassion or, worse, obstructing their employees from addressing crucial issues.

In this complex landscape, it is essential to reflect on the values we uphold especially as leaders. Are we truly fostering a society where compassion is encouraged, and diverse voices are welcomed, or are we inadvertently breeding a culture of silence and fear? The answers lie in our collective commitment to embracing genuine compassion, free speech, and the courage to challenge narratives that perpetuate injustice.3